Tag Archives: international brotherhood of teamsters

Mechanics for United Airlines regional carrier ExpressJet set to picket

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters issued this statement:

Mechanics at ExpressJet, a regional carrier for United Airlines, begin informational picketing at the company’s locations throughout the country on Tuesday, November 26. They want the public to know that after ten years of concessions they are no longer waiting for the airline to do the right thing, and it could cause the company’s service to suffer because more and more of them are quitting every day.

There is a known shortage of aviation mechanics. These dedicated professionals have stayed loyal to ExpressJet through thick and thin, but no more. The company is trying to take their retirement and use that to fund a paltry wage increase that leaves them thousands of dollars behind their peers in the regional industry. With no future talks scheduled many given up and are moving on. ExpressJet customers deserve to know the truth.

Allegiant starts g4pilots.com website for the ongoing pilot negotiations

Allegiant Air (Allegiant Travel Company) (Las Vegas) has issued this statement and letter to its employees:

Allegiant Travel Company (ALGT) today (September 29) launched a new website, g4pilots.com to provide up-to-date information about ongoing negotiations with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), the union representing the company’s pilots. The site provides information about the progress of the negotiations, background on Allegiant’s operations and answers to frequently asked questions for pilots, employees and the public. The site will be continuously updated by the Company with developments in the negotiation process. Additionally, the site offers a pay calculator function, allowing pilots and others to determine future pilot pay rates if Allegiant’s current proposal is accepted by the IBT.

Meanwhile the COO issued this employee letter to the pilots:

To Allegiant Pilots:

Upon the conclusion of last week’s negotiating session, I would like to update you on the progress that we are making in order to reach a contract agreement for you with Local 1224.

Over the past several months, Allegiant has worked hard with representatives of Local 1224 to find areas of cooperation and compromise. Both sides have yielded from previously held positions in order to find an equitable deal for you and your families; one that recognizes the valuable contribution that you, our pilots, make towards Allegiant’s success.
Working with the union, we have settled many sections and narrowed our differences in other areas. For example, during our bargaining session in Washington, DC that ended last week, Allegiant and the union continued to make progress in the critical areas of compensation, insurance and retirement.

We remain hopeful for continued progress and cooperation with Local 1224. Our objective remains to reach an agreement with your union as soon as possible so that you can begin to enjoy the benefits of increased compensation along with the confidence and stability of a complete RLA contract. With that in mind, our most recent proposals are designed to deliver you real improvements and benefits. They include:

pay proposals that contain higher wages,
programs to bolster your retirement savings, and
progress in the areas of scheduling and productivity.

We were disappointed the Local 1224 negotiating committee chose not to respond in kind to most of our proposals at our recent session. Despite their signals to the contrary, we hope that they remain committed to making more progress during our next scheduled meetings on October 25-26 in Washington, D.C.

Finally as we work towards a final agreement, we will launch a unique website that we hope will be helpful to you – www.G4Pilots.com. This website will include:

timely updates and announcements about negotiations with Local 1224,
key facts about Allegiant’s proposals and what they mean for your wages, benefits and job security,
important background information about the key issues in the negotiations, and
more information about the overall bargaining process.

All of my communications to you about the negotiations with the union will be posted on the website, along with other useful tools and background information. You can also sign-up to receive news and updates when additional information is added to the website.

I will notify you when the website goes live. I hope you find it to be a useful resource.

Respectfully,

Steve

Copyright Photo: Greenwing/AirlinersGallery.com. McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83) N864GA (msn 49912) arrives at the Las Vegas base.

Allegiant Air aircraft slide show:

Republic Airways Holdings to go to federal arbitration with its pilots on September 16

Republic Airways Holdings (Indianapolis) has issued this statement regarding its on-going dispute with its pilots for a new contract under federal mediation:

Republic Airways Holdings Inc. received notification from the National Mediation Board (NMB) requesting the Company meet with the NMB on September 16, 2015, in Washington, D.C. As our case remains under the control of the NMB, the Company intends to fully comply with the request of the mediator.

Although the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has deferred a vote by our Pilots, our proposed contract remains on the table, and we continue to believe the appropriate next step is for the Union to abide by its constitution and let our Pilots vote on their own future. A week ago, we offered to meet with the elected leadership of the Union to discuss their language concerns in the proposed contract. To our dismay, there has been no response from the Union leadership to this invitation as a way to collaboratively bring this process to a close.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Operated by Republic Airlines (2nd), Embraer ERJ 170-100SU N806MD (msn 17000019) completes the final approach to the runway at Washington (Reagan National).

Republic Airways:

Republic Airways Holdings presents its “Last, Best and Final Offer” to its pilots

Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Indianapolis) has presented its “Last, Best and Final Offer” to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 357 representing its almost 2,100 pilots.

The Company posted the full text of the proposed three-year agreement, along with supporting material, to a dedicated website, www.myrjetcontract.com.

“Our Pilots deserve an industry-leading contract and this proposal meets that standard,” said Matt Koscal, Republic vice president for Human Resources. “It provides our Pilots improved job protection, compensation and quality of life for them and their families. It starts us on the path back to our tradition of operational excellence and a competitive position in the marketplace. We’re asking the Union to put this contract to a vote and asking our Pilots to read it. It’s time to move forward.”

United Airlines maintenance workers warn shareholders of problems at the airline

United Airlines‘ (Chicago) maintenance workers, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, has issued this statement:

United Airlines aviation maintenance technicians and related support personnel rallied outside the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting in Chicago today to warn investors and customers of problems at the airline.

More than 9,000 Teamster aviation maintenance workers are seeking a fair collective bargaining agreement. The workers’ last contract became amendable in January 2013.

The maintenance workers, who are critical to the airline’s operations, are losing patience as the company drags its feet on reaching a fair collective bargaining agreement five years after the United-Continental merger announcement.

“United-Continental workers, shareholders and customers have been loyal through tough times. They have shouldered the burden of myriad problems—including integration and customer service issues—that have taken a toll on United’s earnings and reputation,” said David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “The company appears willing to risk United’s turnaround by provoking a labor dispute with its aircraft maintenance technicians and related workers. And the timing couldn’t be worse.”

United Airlines came in last among traditional carriers in the JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey released in May.

“As employees and shareholders of this company, we have a long-term interest in the success of the airline and it’s time for management to do the right thing and offer us a well-deserved, industry-leading contract,” said John Laurin, a 29-year United Airlines maintenance technician.

United Airlines aircraft slide show:

Air Canada and the Teamsters reach agreement for a new U.S. employee contract

Air Canada (Montreal) has announced it has received confirmation from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) representing the airline’s U.S.-based workforce that a new collective agreement reached February 4, 2015 has been ratified. The new agreement is in effect until June 30, 2019.

The IBT represents approximately 650 Air Canada airport, cargo and call centre employees based in the United States.

This agreement with the IBT follows the conclusion in February 2015 of a new agreement with UNITE representing Air Canada’s U.K. employees until 2019, and the conclusion in October 2014 of a new agreement with ACPA representing Air Canada’s pilots on collective agreement terms for ten years.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-211 C-FDRP (msn 122) departs from Los Angeles International Airport.

Air Canada aircraft slide show:

Allegiant goes to court to prevent a strike by its pilots

Allegiant Air (Las Vegas) and its relationship with its pilots, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), seems to be getting worse. Yesterday afternoon the airline went to a local U.S. District Court in Las Vegas to block a threatened strike by its pilots. The unionized pilots see a strike as their last resort in the stalled contract talks that are headed towards arbitration.

The company issued this statement:

Allegiant Air has received a court order, pilots will resume flying.

A court in Las Vegas has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 1224, which represents the Allegiant pilots.

Allegiant has every reason to believe that the Teamsters will honor the court’s instructions and will not be able to continue with their illegal intention to strike. This order will prevent a threatened pilots’ strike which would have left potentially thousands of travelers with cancelled flights over the Easter holiday weekend. Based on this, all scheduled Allegiant flights are expected to operate normally.

With the threat of an imminent strike over, Allegiant hopes that both parties can now focus on the next federally mediated negotiating session, scheduled for late April.

Previously before Allegiant went to court to get a restraining order, the pilot union issued this statement yesterday:

Veteran pilots at Allegiant Air, the country’s most profitable airline, announced this morning (April 1) that they will not be flying regularly scheduled routes on Thursday, April 2 from the airline’s major hubs across the country, including Orlando, Phoenix, Tampa and Las Vegas. The strike comes as Allegiant refuses to reestablish a prior scheduling system and restore other basic benefits that have been illegally rolled back over a two-year period during which the company has posted record-level profits. In January, 98 percent of the company’s pilots, including those on reserve duty, voted to authorize a strike.

“Striking is a last resort, but we cannot continue to stand by a company that flaunts the law by robbing the pilots of legally protected rights and benefits. The company has to restore the status quo that it illegally took from us,” said Tom Pozdro, a pilot based in Las Vegas. “We deeply regret the inconvenience to our passengers and other work groups and encourage them to call Allegiant, asking them to do what is right by honoring its commitment to its pilots and the public by restoring our basic, legally regarded standards, protections and benefits.”

The strike has the potential to ground more than 250 flights from taking off Thursday, impacting over 33,000 customers, including thousands headed to Las Vegas for March Madness Final Four events, Spring Break travelers and others. On Monday, pilots posted an open letter to Allegiant customers alerting them to concerns at the airline, including operational problems that lead to the delays and cancellations that have made Allegiant one of the least popular airlines in the travel industry.

Allegiant Air is the most profitable commercial airline in the U.S. with 48 consecutive profitable quarters. Its executives are among the highest compensated in the industry, with the company CEO – and largest shareholder – taking home tens of millions in shareholder returns in recent years.

“Allegiant is making millions in profits, yet executives refuse to invest in the company’s infrastructure, operations and workforce. The haphazard scheduling system is creating exhaustion and stress for pilots,” said Tom Cox, a pilot based out of Phoenix who has been with Allegiant for over five years. “Pilots at Allegiant want to put our company on the right track for long-term success, and that means reinvesting in its workforce and planes. They can start with complying with the law by reinstating the legally protected work rules and benefits they took from us.”

Read the full report from 8 News Now in Las Vegas: CLICK HERE

Anti-Union Allegiant CEO Maurice Gallegher’s worst nightmare: Read Ted Reed’s excellent story in Forbes: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-214 N217NV (msn 1347) arrives back at the Sanford (near Orlando base).

Allegiant Air aircraft slide show:

Teamsters: A number of LAN Airlines flights could be affected today

LAN Airlines (Chile) (Santiago) and its associated carriers in Latin America could be affected today (March 25) by “a series of actions” by its unions.

International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) has issued this statement:

A number of flights of South American LAN Airlines could be affected. The unions of LAN Airlines will begin a series of actions on Wednesday, March 25 in Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Miami. To date the company has not responded to the union’s demands to improve working conditions. LAN Airlines workers are responsible for passenger safety, airplane maintenance, and customer connections in airports.

“National and international passengers could be subject to extensive delays and cancellations. Chile, Colombia and Ecuador are important hubs for the airline”. So reads the leaflets to be distributed to passengers visiting airports “Arturo Merino Benitez” (Santiago, Chile) and “El Dorado” (Bogotá, Colombia). In Ecuador, the leaflets will be distributed at “Mariscal Sucre” in Quito, and “Olmedo” in Guayaquil.

The conflict of the workers of LAN Airlines has gained support from many of the large transport unions in the United States. Teamsters Local 769 of Miami, other transport unions, and the community organization South Florida Voices for Working Families will be joining others in handing out information at the 2015 Sony Open tennis tournament in Miami, Florida. LAN Airlines is an official sponsor of the event. Leaflets will alert the public about the conditions of the LAN Airlines workers and the potential delays that could affect those attending the tennis tournament.

Chile, Colombia and Ecuador are important connecting hubs to flights throughout Latin America according to Luis Chavez, President of the LAN Express union in Chile. “These difficulties are preventable and predictable. The problems are cascading due to LAN Airlines refusal to provide fair conditions for their workers.”

Workers will be asking passengers and cargo users throughout the region to call the company’s toll free numbers to find out the latest information about the possible delays and cancellations. Passengers may also want to suggest that the company be responsible and provide fair conditions for workers at the airline.

The LAN Airline unions involved are members of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) representing more than 4.5 million transport workers from 150 countries around the world. The company, the LATAM Airline Group, includes both Chilean LAN Airlines and Brazilian TAM Airlines and is the largest airline company in Latin America.

Possible Strike in LAN Express Chile

On Wednesday March 25, a general assembly of the Union of LAN Express will take place at the Santiago airport. Leaders of unions throughout Latin America and Chile will attend the meeting. The General Assembly could affect the operations of all of the country’s airports and international connections.

On Monday March 30 and Tuesday March 31 the workers of LAN Express union will vote on whether to strike.

The Chilean workers are seeking both improvements in their own working conditions and also the reinstatement of the leader of the LAN Ecuador union, Jimena Lopez.

Conflict in Ecuador

Since October 2014 demonstrations and protests have erupted throughout the region because LAN Ecuador unjustly dismissed the founder, flight attendant and general secretary of the first aviation union in Ecuador, Jimena Lopez.

LAN Ecuador refuses to reinstate her, even though Carlos Marx Carrasco, Minister of Labour and the President Rafael Correa government have called the company’s actions unconstitutional and counter to Ecuadorian labour law and international labour standards.

Conflict in Colombia

In Colombia the company is laying off experienced mechanics and cargo workers. The union is taking action. Passengers in Colombia will also be warned about potential delays in their flights.

Copyright Photo: Ken Petersen/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-31B ER CC-CXL (msn 26265) touches down at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

LAN Airlines (Chile) aircraft slide show:

Allegiant Air’s pilots formally request arbitration from the National Mediation Board

Allegiant Air‘s (Las Vegas) pilots have formally asked the National Mediation Board (NMB) to arbitrate the contract dispute between the pilots, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and management. The union issued this statement:

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters will host a call to update Allegiant Travel Company investors, industry analysts, customers and press regarding the current status of contract negotiations for Allegiant Air pilots, their recent strike authorization vote and the union’s request for a proffer of arbitration from the National Mediation Board.

On behalf of the approximately 500 pilots at Allegiant Air, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Airline Division and its affiliate, Airline Professionals Association of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 1224 (collectively, the “IBT”) filed a request on Friday afternoon, January 23, asking the National Mediation Board to make a proffer of arbitration. The request follows over two-and-a-half years of negotiations and mediation that have yet to result in a contract.

“Allegiant Air pilots have propelled the company to significant growth and prosperity, despite challenging operating conditions and breakdowns at the company. Yet, management continues to show its contempt for its operational employees by negotiating in bad faith,” said Daniel Wells, president of APA Teamsters Local 1224. “Allegiant Air pilots have had enough.”

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (MD-83) N864GA (msn 49912) arrives back at the Las Vegas base painted in the old 2003 livery.

Allegiant Air aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/Allegiant-Air

American Airlines and US Airways Passenger Service Agents vote to join the Teamsters-CWA Association

American Airlines‘ (Dallas/Fort Worth) and US Airways‘ (Phoenix and Dallas/Fort Worth) passenger service agents have voted to join the CWA-IBT Customer Service Employee Association. This is another step towards the final merger. The union issued this statement:

In a vote announced today by the National Mediation Board (NMB), more than 15,000 passenger service professionals at the newly-merged American-US Airways have voted to join the CWA-IBT Customer Service Employee Association. The joint effort to organize passenger service agents was led by Communication Workers of American (CWA) which will represent about 7,500 new members; 1,300 new members will be represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Agents at both airlines voted over the phone and online in a month-long election administered by the NMB. The results were tallied and it was announced today that the workers had voted for the CWA-IBT Association by a 6-to-1 margin.

“We are honored to represent a total of more than 3,000 passenger service agents at the New American Airlines,” said Teamsters Airline Division Director David Bourne. “The Teamsters are committed to providing American Airlines employees and our existing members at US Airways with strong representation as both airlines continue to integrate in this merger.”

Prior to its merger with American Airlines, US Airways’ passenger service agents were represented by CWA in the east with approximately 4,700 members and by the Teamsters in the west with about 1,800 members. The shared representation was the result of US Airways’ merger in 2005 with America West Airlines whose customer service agents were Teamsters. US Airways’ latest merger with American Airlines, whose agents were nonunion, led to an election to determine representation for all agents at the newly-merged carrier.

“With our partners in CWA, the Teamsters are leading the way in protecting airline professionals involved in the biggest airline merger in history,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “Our union is dedicated to fighting on behalf of workers in this volatile industry. Our new members at the combined American-US Airways now have two of the strongest airline unions in their corner.”

American Airlines agents who have won representation for the first time are concerned about outsourcing, job security, fair work rules and having a strong contract. The agents know from experience how vulnerable they are without representation. American’s 2011 bankruptcy led to layoffs, outsourced job titles, and sharp cuts in pay and benefits for those who kept their jobs.

“I can’t tell you how great this victory is for us,” said Debra Ewing, a 15-year US Airways agent in Phoenix, Arizona. “American Airlines customer service agents have tried for over 20 years to gain representation and the merger with US Airways allowed the Teamsters to step in and bring home a win. This means an end to so much outsourcing for American agents who will regain profit-sharing, shift differentials, a three-tiered medical plan, paid vacation and more. That’s what union representation is – and now we all have it.”

Agents at US Airways have enjoyed strong representation for years and are looking forward to having an even stronger voice in the merger process with 9,000 new agents at American strengthening their association.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. US Airways Airbus A319-112 N701UW (msn 890) departs from Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) painted in American Airlines 2013 colors.

American Airlines (current):