By D.R. STEWART World Staff Writer
Published: 9/2/2011 2:21 AM
Last Modified: 9/2/2011 7:00 AM
1. The Transport Workers Union has been negotiating a new labor contract with American Airlines for nearly four years. How close are the two sides to a tentative agreement, and what are the remaining issues that have to be resolved?
While we’re making progress with management, there’s still a lot of work to do. The major issues that remain are compensation and retirement benefits. After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, we collectively sacrificed $1.6 billion in wages and benefits – annually – to keep American out of bankruptcy, and we’re committed to the future of the company.
2. What are some of the biggest misconceptions the public has about unionized airline workers and their jobs?
It’s human nature to have misconceptions about professions one may not know much about.
Our members are highly trained in all areas of work. Mechanics have at least two years or more of Airframe and Power Plant training in order to receive their A&P license. Welders, operating engineers, plumbers and electricians are also licensed. The Stores group must pass security and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) requirements, as do Fleet Service employees who load and unload the aircraft and have a physically demanding job.
Our workers have a history of giving back to the Tulsa community. They build Habitat for Humanity homes, volunteer with United Way, support our military and give their time and resources to many other efforts for the betterment of Tulsa.
3. What is the typical educational progression a person goes through to become an aircraft mechanic or Aircraft Maintenance Technician?
Becoming an aircraft mechanic is a rigorous but rewarding two-to-four-year process. In addition to earning airframe and power plant training and licensing through the FAA, all employees must meet and follow regulations outlined by the FAA, U.S. Department of Transportation and Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The best airline mechanics and maintenance control technicians are critical thinkers who are also good with their hands. They perform scheduled maintenance, make repairs and complete required inspections. They can do everything from changing a tire to rebuilding a turbine engine.
4. What are the most rewarding parts of an AMT’s job? What are some of the difficult features of the job?
It’s a huge responsibility to know that the lives of so many passengers are on the line when it comes to air travel. As airline mechanics and maintenance control technicians, we take a lot of pride in performing what we believe is the highest-quality aircraft service work in the industry right here in Tulsa.
There’s a deep sense of history and camaraderie among our workers in Tulsa. Some of the difficulties are the 24/7 working hours – it’s not a 9-to-5 job. Sometimes it can be trying on family life, especially if you have kids. Another challenge of this industry is its cyclical nature of layoffs, which forces relocation to maintain one’s job.
5. What would you tell a young person about a career in the airline industry or a job as an AMT?
There’s tremendous opportunity. As the current work force ages and retires, airlines are looking for bright, young and motivated people to keep the industry moving forward in an innovative way.
If you don’t want to spend all day at a desk behind a computer, and you’re not afraid of the outdoor elements like snow or heat, this might be the job for you. You need to be quick on your feet and good with your hands. But unless you plan on becoming CEO of the company, I would recommend becoming a union member so that you can provide safety for yourself and your family in terms of wages, benefits and safety on the job.
Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=45&articleid=20110902_45_E4_CUTLIN316184