Unresolved Issues That Led to Suspension of Ratification Process Earlier This Month has Now Created an Impasse
DALLAS –The Transport Workers Union of America (TWU), today has asked the federal National Mediation Board (NMB) to release the union from further mediation with American Airlines for fleet and ground service workers. Unresolved issues that led to a suspension of the contract ratification process on a tentative agreement earlier this month have now led to a complete breakdown in contract talks.
“We are now at an impasse with AMR,” said TWU International Administrative Vice President John Conley. “We no longer have a tentative agreement and no ballots will be presented to members for a ratification vote. We urge the NMB to promptly grant us release so that we can begin the self-help process.”
Conley, along with TWU International President James C. Little and TWU International Rep. Timothy J. Gilllespie, met with representatives of the NMB, including board member Harry Hoglander, at the labor board’s Washington offices earlier today to request release and to report on the total breakdown in reaching agreement with AMR for American’s fleet and ground service workers.
Fleet and ground service workers handle baggage, clean aircraft, deice and fuel planes and move freight. While the bargaining process is at impasse for fleet service workers, voting on tentative agreements is moving forward for TWU-represented mechanics, technicians and workers who handle parts at American. Those pending agreements have different terms and do not have the same issues related to contracting –out work that has caused the breakdown in the fleet/ground service tentative agreement.
Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) represents 200,000 workers and retirees, primarily in commercial aviation, public transportation and passenger railroads. The union is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO. For more information visit www.twu.org