Brothers and Sisters,
This week has been another that I have spent in DFW working in the negotiations process. We have been harmed for far too long and the dragging out of negotiations harms us every single day. I will be out of town 12 of the next 15 weeks working for you. I know the working conditions the company put us under through years of concessions and bankruptcy has put a strain on many members and their families.
As you may have noticed, The work you have directed me to do as President has caused a few members to become more engaged. This is evident by the recent postings in and around the base. I would like you to give these some thought. Change is never easy and seldom accepted by all that are involved. The changes you have directed me to implement have made some not as grateful as others and the postings could be evidence of that. There is pain with change and there is pain with remaining the same, choose the one that moves you forward.
We have made more headway with our contract negotiations. Every article contains important language that will put teeth in this bargaining agreement. As I have stated, We have been harmed for far too long, and I for one do not want the company to get language by us that would give them the ability to do more harm without a path to restitution. I want to thank each and every one of you for having the patients and understanding that keeps our Union solid.
I would also like to take this time to address our newest elected officer, James Ebel, Vice President of Local 514. James has been a Shop Steward. He has helped with communications in the past and will be an excellent asset to this membership. If you would like to contact James, his email is: JEbel@twumail.org.
This week the Flight Attendants received notification of a 6% pay raise effective April 1, 2016, although I have not seen the details on this, I would be inclined to believe that it is only a positive announcement that we have not seen for some time. Also the announcement of the return of profit sharing. These will be greatly appreciated moves that the company has made to bring the labor force some positive returns on our constant efforts to keep American Airlines safe and competitive in the airline industry today. I am of the understanding that these are not “Contractural Items”, I see that they could have done more for the Mechanics and Related, Stores and Fleet service in the past few years to show us that their intent to make up for past cuts in our CBA.
Membership Meetings Monday.
Happy Easter to you all.
In Solidarity,
Dale Danker
President TWU Local 514