514 Members,
At last, we have the arbitrators decisions on Holiday pay and Sick points. The executive board officers and I had a conference call with Rollie Reaves, TWU International M&R representative, today to review these documents. There are several questions regarding these decisions and the impact they will have on our membership.
I consider the decision on the “Holiday Pay” to be a victory for the language we negotiated. As far as the “Sick Points” decision, I do not believe that we should be harmed in any way for a “bona fide” illness event. However I am pleased that the arbitrators decision lessens the impact on the policy the company had tried to impose.
Dale Danker
President TWU Local 514
August 1, 2023
The Association is pleased to report to the membership we have received long-awaited awards for both the Attendance Policy and Holiday Pay Arbitrations. Grievances were filed against American Airlines, Inc. and its interpretation of collective bargaining agreements covering Association members in M & R, MCT, MLS, MTS, and Fleet Service. In both cases, arbitrators concurred with the Association and ruled American was in violation of the agreements.
In regard to the Attendance Policy award, the arbitrator ruled that many of the guidelines of the policy must be rewritten and must align with what was discussed and understood in negotiations. The arbitrator stated that AA did not use discretion when imposing discipline nor did it allow for extenuating circumstances for absences. The award also stated that there was no consistency in the application of the policy or in the assessment of points and that the company excessively penalized employees for using “bona fide” sick time. The arbitrator also concluded that the part of the policy regarding the “critical operations period,” was in
violation as well.
The award in the Holiday Pay arbitration was even more complete. The arbitrator ruled that American violated Article 22 of all agreements and must pay employees Holiday pay while on unpaid FMLA, OJI (On-the-job injuries), and military leave.
The Association thanks the law firm of Phillips Richard and Rind, PA., for its dedicated efforts in helping secure these victories for our members. Overall, this is a solid win for the members of the Association. We are committed to fighting for our members and preserving the intent and meaning of the language in our agreements.
In Solidarity,
Michael G. Klemm
International Association of Machinists
District 141 PDGC
Rollie Reaves
TWU International M&R Representative
John Coveny
International Association of Machinists
District 142 PDGC
Greg Cosey
TWU International Fleet Representative
Association Communication 08-01-23 in PDF