(Source: ATD Press Release Nov.9th 2010) On November 7&8, 2010 the TWU met with Allied Pilots Association (APA) and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) to discuss their respective negotiations with American Airlines and experiences with the National Mediation Board(NMB). We have very good relations with both unions and these type of meetings between the three groups will continue for as long as any of us are in negotiations.
(Source Star Telegram Oct 19th 2010) According to the Allied Pilots Association (APA) and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) the NMB (National Mediation Board) may put negotiations between the two independent unions and American Airlines on ice. APA President Capt. David Bates stated Oct 19th that NMB Chairman Harry Hoglander called him to say the board can’t schedule any further meetings in 2010. Captain Bates stated that “Mr. Hoglander cited ‘under manning’ within the NMB and the lack of progress so far in the talks
as the rationale for this decision,” The APFA seems to have gotten similar feedback from the Board when they met with federal mediators in October. The APFA is also waiting for an answer from the NMB on their ongoing request to be released from talks for self help. These developments are unfortunate and the TWU will support any attempt by either union to restart bargaining.
The Mechanic and Related and the Stores Negotiating Committees have meetings scheduled with NMB Mediator Jack Kane on Monday November 15 and November 16 respectfully in Hurst Texas. The meetings will entail debriefing Mediator Kane on the rejected tentative agreement, specifically the membership’s reasons for rejection along with discussions on scheduling future bargaining sessions. We will update the membership as soon as new information becomes available.
Sam Cirri, President TWU, Local 514