President Update: 3rd Quarter
September 29, 2024
As the summer comes to an end, I want to thank the membership for all your hard work in keeping aircraft flying safely. Your dedication to the craft is truly appreciated.
I’d also like to express my gratitude to Mark Manning for his dedicated service as the L3Harris MAS (L3H) ALR, his commitment to the membership, and his efforts to advance the AMFA movement across Canada. We recognize his significant contributions and the leadership he has provided during his time in the position. Additionally, at Local 4, we appreciate Sean Askin for assuming the ALR role and the continued support for the L3H members.
In the past few months, the Local has been very active. We’ve made good progress in addressing administrative matters and workplace concerns, and we look forward to building on this progress. This year, both the Local Bylaws and the AMFA Constitution were amended, allowing members to influence the Union’s values and direction democratically. The changes made ensure transparency, accountability, and representation of our collective interests. As AMFA finalizes the publication of both documents, I appreciate everyone who participated in the proposal process and to those members who voted to help shape the future of AMFA.
- Local Bylaws:
The Bylaws referendum with voting results was published to our members, where 24 out of the 30 proposals have passed with a 2/3rd majority. The revised bylaws are now in effect, and an updated PDF will soon be available for viewing on the website.
- National Elections & Constitutional Amendments:
National Officer elections have concluded. At Local 4, we recognize Jay Johnson for his many years of dedicated service to our Association and the assistance he provided to our Local Secretary and Treasurer. We also look forward to working with Rui Leonardo, who will be sworn into his new role in just a few weeks. The results of the constitutional amendment referendum were finalized this past week. The membership ratified 18 amendments, with just one proposal being rejected.
Earlier this year, I communicated that the Local would be changing its post-mailing address for convenience reasons. I’m pleased to announce that the Union has successfully completed all requirements to comply with government and local authorities. The website has been updated to reflect our new address: 6102 S. Archer Ave. #102, Chicago, IL 60638
Mid-year, we initiated plans for visits to the Local 4 stations. Our LEC, ALR, and Area Reps have successfully met with members in Chicago, Milwaukee, Nashville, and Trenton. These visits enable the LEC to carry out important tasks such as: promoting safety and conflict resolution programs, enhancing Union engagement, interacting with members, distributing information, and gathering feedback. We will continue these visits throughout the rest of this year and into next year to reach as many members as possible and ensure our availability.
- General Membership Meeting (GMM):
At our July GMM, we reached a historic milestone as AMFA and Local 4 held the first GMM outside the United States, allowing L3H members from Trenton, ON, Canada, to participate. We are currently exploring various solutions to expand these GMMs to the rest of the membership. This task is a significant priority for the LEC, and we will share updates as they become available. We look forward to being able to connect with all of our members in the future.
The AMFA Local 4 Online Store has been refreshed with new apparel products that are available for purchase. To explore these offerings, please visit the Online Store which can be accessed from the main page of the Union website. Feedback is important in making this web-store platform successful, helping us provide the products the members want. A membership survey is available on the main page of our website for those who would like to share their thoughts.
AMFA conducted two training sessions this summer. The Accident Investigation Team (AIT) training was held from June 24th to 27th in Oklahoma City, OK, followed by Basic and Advanced Shop Rep training from August 26th to 29th in Los Angeles, CA. We are grateful for our members who stepped up to fill roles when needed and for those who attended these important training courses designed to benefit the Association.
L3Harris MAS Update:
In 2022, AMFA initially had 60 members upon certification at L3Harris MAS in Trenton. Over the years, resignations from within the workgroups led to a manpower shortage. Following the four terminations this past year, staffing levels fell to just 37 employees. During this period, the Company also used retaliatory tactics against all three AMFA representatives in Trenton. The Union expressed concern when we learned that our ALR was leaving his position.
Due to perceived intimidation of our Union reps, the Local LEC stepped in to restore order and protect the Union structure. While filling the ALR vacancy, the Local communicated with the Company to keep L3H engaged in resolving issues. Meetings were scheduled to discuss ethics investigations, targeting of AMFA representatives, disciplinary actions/practices, breaches of the Trenton Tasking Agreement on standby pay, and the active pension audit status. At the same time, the Company proposed a wage adjustment for all workgroups to be able to resolve their staffing issues, retain current employees, and attract new talent. In response, the Union raised concerns about wage competitiveness and selective premium offerings for certain employees. The Union has asked the Company to continue discussions to find a reasonable solution for all parties, as this item remains open.
We’ve made progress in Trenton, but many meetings with the ALR, AMFA National, and the Company will still be scheduled to address each case issue in priority order. While the Company has requested the Union’s help in rebuilding positive labor-management relations, AMFA believes that trust must be earned, not simply given. In the current situation, this will take time, as the Company must display a willingness to understand our concerns and agree to mutually beneficial solutions in good faith.
As our LEC Officers reassured our Trenton members during our recent visit, we will continue to support you until all concerns are addressed. I ask Trenton members to stay engaged and united, focusing on the Company’s actions rather than the verbal promises that were made. I appreciate Sean Askin’s commitment to the ALR role and encourage everyone to show him your support. Further updates on L3Harris MAS will follow.
Southwest Airlines Update:
There has been a lot of activity in the last few months within the (SWA) Southwest Airlines membership group. Our members have been asking many questions regarding two key items: 401K (LOA) Letter of Agreement and Elliott Investment Management (Elliott).
As many of you know, the referendum for the 401K - Me Too Clause Enactment LOA is currently open for voting system-wide. The Local 4 - SWA ALR has visited several stations to answer any questions members had about this topic. Please review the AMFA Health Benefits Analysis, a PDF presentation sent via email on August 13th. This information, along with the full text of the LOA, is available for your review to help you make an informed decision.
The AMFA Joint Advisory Council (JAC) meeting took place in Nashville, TN, on September 10th and 11th. It was a routine meeting that concluded quickly, with an agenda item centered on strategizing for an upcoming discussion with Elliott. On September 12th, following the JAC meeting, the Union met with representatives from both the Gephardt Group and Elliott, as noted in the AMFA National update. Elliott clarified that an executive Board refresh and a desire for leadership transitions was necessary in order to restore profitability at SWA. AMFA’s position remained clear within the meeting as we advised the group that our Union is committed to enforcing our CBAs, ensuring compliance with the Railway Labor Act, and prioritizing safe and reliable maintenance practices no matter who is in control within the Company. The Union is committed to advocating for our members’ rights and ensuring that their interests are considered in any future Company decisions.
Recent announcements about flight reductions in Atlanta (ATL) have raised speculation and concerns about the future of the Tech Ops maintenance base. Starting April 2025, SWA will cut flights due to low customer demand, which will impact staffing across various departments. According to Company communications, Tech Ops employees shouldn't experience immediate changes, but there may be position realignments from the Line to Hangar for maintenance support. The Company has expressed its promise to support their employees and the Union will closely monitor this situation as time goes on. Please direct any questions to the appropriate channels, including Company Leaders or the Local Union.
We encourage members to interact with your Union Officers and Representatives, who are here to support you and address any concerns. While we face several challenges within the Association, we remain committed to keeping you informed about significant developments affecting our workgroup. Please join us for our next General Membership Meeting on Thursday, October 24th. All members are welcome to participate!
In Solidarity,
Peter Stoch
President
AMFA Local 4
