On the afternoon of Monday February 7, 2011, Maintenance and Related (M&R) Negotiating Committee Chairmen Larry Pike, President (TWU Local 567) and Don Videtich (TWU ATD Representative) met with Mediator Jack Kane and Management’s Lead Negotiators to discuss the status of open Articles. Management stated they needed additional time to develop a response for further discussion with the TWU regarding Article 12 (Promotions and Jobs to be Posted). Specifically, Attachment 12.1 “Transfer of Job Vacancies” at TUL/AFW Maintenance Bases was discussed.The M&R Negotiating Committee (Table Team) continued preparing remaining non-economic Articles to present to Management. The M&R Negotiating Committee continues to operate under the direction given by the Mediator to focus and resolve all non-economic Articles of the contract first.
On Tuesday February 8, 2011, a request was made by Management to have a sub-committee meeting for them to go over the presentation they developed covering Attachment 12.1. Larry Pike, Don Videtich and John Hewitt (TWU Local 514 Title I Chairman) attended that sub-committee meeting with Management, whereby a short discussion regarding work rules ensued.
Later that afternoon, Management gave a presentation to the M&R Negotiating Committee (Table Team) regarding Article 1 (Recognition and Scope). The purpose of the presentation was to share information regarding Management’s reason for wanting to increase Available Seat Miles (ASM) scheduled by Commuter Airline Carriers (Attachment 1.5). Discussions ensued. It was determined that additional information would be provided.
That evening, Management presented counter proposals to the M&R Negotiating Committee (Table Team) on Articles 3 (Hours of Work) and 11 (Classification and Qualifications). Management requested a meeting for a presentation on Article 12 (Promotions and Jobs to be Posted). Management also responded on Articles 3 (Hours of Work) and 11(Promotions and Transfers). A discussion followed regarding Management’s desire for expanded use of Overhaul Support Mechanics (OSMs).
On Wednesday February 9, the M&R Negotiating Committee (Table Team), prepped for responses back to Management on Articles 3 (Hours of Work) and 11 (Classification and Qualifications).
Article 39 (Fitness for Duty) was tentatively agreed to with the assistance from members of the TWU ATD AA-System Benefits Committee. Later that evening, the M&R Negotiating Committee (Table Team) gave counter proposals for Articles 3 (Hours of Work) and 11 (Classification and Qualifications) to Management.
On Thursday February 10, the M&R Negotiating Committee (Table Team) presented proposals to Management on Article 1 (Recognition and Scope), Article 15 (Reductions in Force) and Article 21 (Rotation of Shifts).
The M&R Negotiating Committee appreciates your patience and support as we work toward an agreement. The next Mediation session is tentatively set for March 7-11, 2011 in Hurst, Texas. M&R committee members have been receiving questions from the membership regarding the frequency of the mediation sessions. We would like to remind the members the Mediator sets the dates for the sessions, based on his availability. The Committee will post an update at: http://aa.twu.org. Stay informed.