President:
This week I traveled to Phoenix to meet with Local 567, 591 and the IAM. We discussed several contractual issues along with open seniority protests. The dodgeball/pick’em Presidential grievance I wrote on Tulsa’s behalf is still at the top of the list to be heard. I look forward to this case going in front of an arbitrator.
The arbitrator for the sick points case called in the principal board members for an executive session. In that session she advised them of her decision and I expect that since there is no process left to accomplish in this case then it would make sense to let the affected parties know what the outcome is.
If you notice anything that is unsafe please report it.
I’m available 24/7 at 918-636-6089.
Vice President:
Terry Buck, Tracy Hardin, John Flebbe, Frankie Feist and myself have been at the LAP, Labor Assistance Professionals conference this week. We received 30 hours of training on drug, alcohol, mental health and stress related issues.
As always, if you or anyone you know are struggling with an addiction, illness or stressful situations please reach out to one of us.
EAP
Kristen Mackey is available on base Monday through Thursday and can be reached at 918-292-2464.
July Membership Meetings
Membership meetings will be held July 27th at 7:15 am, 11:45 am and 3:45 pm. Posted HERE
The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, H.R. 3935, is a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This legislation will make our national air space safer, improve the working conditions of airline workers, and return good, union jobs to the U.S.
This bill increases safety and security standards at foreign aircraft maintenance facilities by ending the FAA incentives that have long driven airlines to offshore good union jobs. Additionally, it installs meaningful protections against the threat of assault on the job; rejects attempts by airlines to exempt themselves from state labor standards; helps to ensure aircraft cabin air is safe and free from toxic fumes or harmful chemicals; and ends the unsafe practice of dispatching commercial aircraft from unsecured locations. These important provisions will strengthen our national airspace and ensure commercial air travel remains the safest form of transportation.
The TWU is calling on members of the House of Representatives to hold the line and advance this important legislation through a floor vote.
Tell your representative to support H.R. 3935 today!
Recording Secretary:
Retirement Seminar at TWU Local 514’s Union Hall
A Retirement Seminar by Mark Loeber will be held at our Union Hall , August 22,2023 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm , spouses are welcome.
Topics to be discussed:
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- Selecting your Pension Benefits
- Converting Sick Time to your RHRA
- Health Care Insurance Option prior to Medicare
- Understanding Medicare , Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage Plans
- Disability and Retirement
- Estate Planning
- Survivor Support Services
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Chairman of Maintenance:
Legislative and COPE Convention in DC
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- During the week of July 10, I traveled to Washington DC, to lobby our local representatives to support pro-worker FAA reauthorization bills in both the House and Senate. These bills include a number of actions to increase safety, return good union jobs to the US and support airline workers During the week we met with the offices of Kevin Hern, Senator James Langford, and Markwayne Mullins.
MCT AMT Day Celebration
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- This week I spent several days in Dallas supporting the MCT’s AMT Day Celebration. We served them dinner and gave out the gifts to show our appreciation for them. It was rewarding to connect with our union brothers in Dallas.
Joe Brown 918-284-9666
Chairman of Material Logistics Specialist:
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- Went to GSW and handed out AMT gifts to our MCT group. I was able to listen in on phone calls from pilots and mechanics while they troubleshoot.
- Jobs are being posted this weekend: Issuing, CAM, Shipping, TEO and 5 & 6.
- The September bid is coming up. Crew Chiefs will be bidding soon. I have gotten with management in areas because some seniority dates have been wrong on current Crew Changes. I have told them to check against the Master seniority list if they have any questions on Dates. Also, the dodgeball picking won’t be done anymore. September bid you will be picking your areas again.
- While we were there I was able to tour the Central Fulfillment Center. I will be doing a separate article about it with pictures on our website.
- OVERTIME: If you are proffered OT. Show up. Too many people are accepting overtime and not showing up.
- We currently have 103 open grievances. I have been able to avoid some grievances being filed because management has issued pay letters.
B.J. Rackers 918-346-8918
Chairman of Facilities Maintenance:
Grievances are a slow and lengthy process but we continue to push forward on them.
We still need members for chemical coordinators, safety auditors, and union representatives. Consider volunteering for one of these positions. Please get involved, we will get you the training you need, and it makes us all stronger when we work together.
Jim Holt (918)378-2079
Executive Board Members at Large:
George Albano:
I have received several questions this week regarding an email from Tech Ops asking for a copy of your FAA license . This email is valid. Please respond to the link in the email.
George 918-378-1947
Gene Chapin:
*Jay, Joe, Don, BJ & I traveled to DFW
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- Distributed AMT gifts to the 514 MCT members.
- Toured the new American Central Fulfillment Center.
*Met with John Hollihan on changes for next Crew Change
*July Blood Drive – Goal 305, Donors 301, Productive Units 289, First Time Donors 7. Negative 16 Units.
Gene 918-640-2097
Don McCormick:
GSW Site Visit
Several E-Board Officers (Joe Brown, BJ Rackers, Jay Potter, Gene Chapin, and myself) were able to head down to GSW and sit with several of our MCT’s Brothers and Sisters. We have a little over 90 members and it was amazing to see them in action. In roughly 1 hour on the 737 desk (with 12 desks) desk number 5, he answered 6 calls. 1 Hydraulic leak in SJU interacting with the Pilot and ground crew. 1 Crew portable bottle depleted. 1 Scratch/Nick on Fuel panel. 1 fuel transmitter intermittent. 1 tire worn beyond limits and finally 1 call on a Door issues. It amazed us to see them interact and rapidly find the manuals and get to the bottom of each incident. No sooner did they finish the call, the phone rang again.
We appreciated the openness in seeing everyone down there and enjoyed presenting their AMT gifts and food. If anyone is ever interested in learning more about the work MCT’s do, please reach out to an officer for more information and possible shadowing opportunities.
HGR 5/6 Completed the AMT, Avionics, and CC Shift Betterments
Welfare and Entertainment
Tulsa Drillers will be in action starting next Tuesday July 25-30th. Tickets available at the Union Offices on Pine St M-F 7AM-11AM and 12PM-4PM
Grievances
We continue to work on Pre-Contract and new grievances. Make sure if you have any questions or possibly new grievances get with your Union Stewards and work on them.
Jay Potter:
We have 26 aircraft at our In-house Base Maintenance Stations and 22 aircraft at the HMP vendors this morning, July 21, 2023.
I attended the GSW membership meeting with our MCT’s this Monday & Tuesday. They received the AMT gift from Local 514.
Hope everyone has a great day.
Negotiations / Contract Ideas
Contract Negotiations are one of the Unions most important jobs and we do not take it lightly.
Your input on all things Contractual is very important. Please take some time and give it some serious thought on any changes, or even what you like about our current agreement.
Our Current Bargaining Agreements are located HERE.
Passages
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
The Passing of Retired Brother Gary Lee Copper
We regret to share with you the passing of retired Brother Gary Copper on May 2, 2023. Gary had stated with American Airlines in 1980, Aviation Maintenance Technician Machinist and many years as a Crew Chief. Gary Retired in 2020. Please keep the Copper family in your thoughts and prayers. Gary Copper Obituary Gary Lee…