August 12, 2010
To TWU 514 Members:
The first week in office has been a blur. Your more than 400 phone calls and messages of encouragement and concerns has reinforced my determination to serve you to the best of my ability. Because of the vast number of calls, I have not been able to return them all. I am walking the base at least two days a week and I’m listening to your concerns. I look forward to meeting the challenges we face together.
We will soon survey Local 514 members for your views on items that you believe we need to address. The survey will also include your input on specific improvements that you believe need to be made within our organization, including our Local, the ATD, and the International Union.
I ran for office because I, too, am troubled about the negotiating process and saw things that I believe must change. During my term, I intend to use the power you have given me to work toward those changes that will benefit our membership.
I do not presume to have all the answers for the different skill groups. That is why the chairmen from each Title Group are an important part of the negotiation team.
- John Hewitt, Mechanic Chairman of Maintenance, will represent Title I
- John Carlisle, Chairman of Plant Maintenance, will represent Title II
- Dan Mitchell, Chairman of Stores will represent Title V
- Jason Best will represent Tech Specialist
- Adam Ferrara, Station Chairman at El Paso will represent Title IV
- I will represent Title III
I want to address the issue that some mechanics may have because I come from the Title III classification. Let me assure you I have great respect for the high skill level of our mechanic membership and understand my duty as a Local president is to represent all title groups. I think after you get to know me, you will have no doubt that I will do my very best for all Local 514 members.
Previous AMFA organizers have started another card signing drive under the name of AMP. (AMP currently represents no one.) We all know the idea of being in a craft union that is isolated from the AFL-CIO and the rest of labor has failed miserably for mechanics. If AMFA/AMP won a representation election of AA mechanics, some AA upper management, who already believe we should shed heavy maintenance, will do so, just as other airlines have as AMFA took over representation rights. Those bases closed because their work was outsourced.
- 3 at Northwest
- 2 at Alaska
- 1 at ATAMembers should be concerned about a startup association that would threaten their future. Solidarity and the strength of our membership has maintained our jobs at this base for 65 years. This is the time to stand together as a union.
I understand your concern because I too am concerned and this is why I ran for office. The more we are involved, the stronger and united we will be.
Fraternally,
Sam Cirri, President
bc:opeiu 330
afl-cio, clc