AMFA Local 4

Twenty-two years ago, the airline industry was shaken when terrorists used commercial aircraft to attack the United States. Everyone was impacted by this horrific event and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, families, and first responders who were directly affected. We will never forget the remembrance of 9-11-2001. The industry was forever changed that fateful day in terms of national security and public safety. Through those trying days and the years following when the industry worked to regain public trust, one thing remained solid — the vigilance and dedication of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians and related skilled workgroups to produce a safe, airworthy aircraft for the flying public. Our unwavering commitment to safety is dependable and valuable. AMFA will continue to promote our craft until employers fully recognize the value our skilled trades provide to their successful aircraft maintenance technical operations.

AMFA and WestJet Airlines (WJA) met on September 7, and will meet again on October 3-5. The AMFA-WJA Employee Survey, providing an opportunity for WJA employees to prioritize items in negotiations, will close on September 12. Discussions are also ongoing in regard to the WJA-Sunwing merger and options under the Section 18 process and integration of the maintenance barging units. We will keep you informed and updated as the discussions and developments unfold. For further updates and information, please visit the WestJet page of the AMFA National website.

At AMFA-L3 Harris MAS (L3), we are in exploratory discussions on the implementation of a new station in Ottawa, ON to maintain two new A330 aircraft to the L3 fleet, while the Trenton, ON membership will continue to maintain the A310 fleet. We will keep you updated as we move forward in this process. For further updates and information, please visit the L3 Harris MAS page of the AMFA National website.

AMFA and Alaska Airlines (AS) Negotiating Committees held bargaining sessions on July 11-12 in Seattle, August 15-17 in New York, and September 5-7 in Seattle. We want to thank the observers for their time and engagement in this collective bargaining process. Please review the AMFA negotiation updates on the Alaska Airlines page of the AMFA National Website.

The AMFA and Sun Country Airlines (SCA) Negotiating Committees held a bargaining session on July 18-20 in Minneapolis. The AMFA Committee gave a comprehensive package with all articles at the June 13-15 session, and the Company responded with single-article counter offers with little to no movement forward in those sessions. We are scheduled to reconvene September 26-28 in Minneapolis in preparation for the Company’s economic proposal and response. Please visit the Sun Country Airlines page of the AMFA National website for updates.

AMFA and Spirit Airlines (NKS) held Section 6 Negotiations on June 20-22 in Dallas and August 22- 24 in Ft. Lauderdale. The common theme for these negotiations is the Company Committee's lack of preparedness and delay tactics. We will meet again on September 12-14 and October 24-26 in Dallas. For further updates and information, please visit the Spirit Airlines page of the AMFA National website.

On July 27 the AMFA-Southwest Airlines (SWA) AMT Tentative Agreement (TA) was ratified by the affected membership. It is gratifying to see our wages rightfully increase and AMFA continue to achieve industry-leading agreements. For more information, please visit the Southwest Airlines page of the AMFA National Website.

Thank you to the AMFA-Horizon (QX) Air members for submitting contract amendment proposals for the upcoming Section 6 Negotiations. The proposals will soon be prepared for a prioritization survey of the membership to help guide your Negotiating Committee. For further updates, please visit the Horizon Air page of the AMFA National website.

Please utilize your carrier’s Safety Reporting System (SRS) when you feel there are safety or compliance concerns while performing your job. In addition to your carrier’s SRS, the FAA Hotline may be utilized to report concerns about aviation safety: https://hotline.faa.gov/. We must realize our immense responsibility as FAA-certified airmen to exercise judgment on the airworthiness of aircraft and equipment. We, therefore, pledge unyielding adherence to these precepts for the advancement of public safety of aviation and for the dignity of our craft.

I ask you to remain vigilant and engaged with your union and officers. In doing so, monitor your respective carrier page on the AMFA National website for airline-specific details. Our most determined efforts will only succeed with your support and participation – please stay engaged and informed.

Bret Oestreich

National President

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20230911_NP_Monthly_Update_July_and_Aug (1).pdf