UAL, CAL Simulator Techs Vote Overwhelmingly for Teamster Representation

The National Mediation Board has announced that flight simulator technicians at United Airlines voted for sole representation by the Teamsters Union. The 98 technicians were previously represented by the Teamsters at United in Denver and the Transport Workers Union at Continental in Houston prior to the 2010 merger.

The workers overwhelmingly voted for the Teamsters by a 6-1 ratio with 93 percent of the unit participating in the election which began on August 20th. The technicians will be represented by Teamsters Local 455 in Denver and Local 19 in Houston.

“We’re looking forward to working toward an amalgamated agreement for the entire flight simulator craft technicians and class and craft,” said James Prout, chief steward of the Denver-based unit.

“On behalf of the Teamsters Airline Division, I’d like to thank the flight simulator technicians for their overwhelming vote of confidence in our ability to represent their interests,” said Captain David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division.

NetJets Dispatchers Negotiators Meet with Company

After spending a day preparing for discussions, the negotiating committee for NetJets dispatchers met with the Company on August 28^th and 29^th.

The union passed counter proposals on Article 5 – (Expenses), Article 8 – (Seniority), and Article 14 – (Safety & Health). The Company passed a counter on Article 12- (Leaves of Absence) and a clarification of two paragraphs regarding Article 14, previously passed on June 6^th.

On Thursday, the Company provided counter proposals on Expenses, Seniority and Safety & Health, with the union passing a proposed opener on Article 13 (Training). Although agreement was not reached on any proposals, significant progress was achieved during the discussions.

The union again repeated a request for the Company to work with them promptly in framing and implementing an ASAP agreement.

An additional negotiating session is being coordinated.

New Network Launched for DHL Pilot Groups Worldwide

The ITF and its member unions are launching the DHL Pilots Network, a new initiative for flight deck professionals and their unions in DHL’s global aviation operations.

Unlike other global delivery companies such as FedEx and UPS, which run their own fleets, DHL works with a range of airlines that operate on its behalf.  The new network aims to inform and involve all those involved, so that the highest standards of crew treatment and working conditions can be promoted throughout the delivery giant’s aviation operations.

The network’s public face is a new website – www.dhlpilots.org – that invites flight deck crew or union/association activists to find out more, receive regular updates and share news, tactics and best practice. Inquirers are guaranteed that their details will be kept confidential.
The network is supported by Balpa (British Airline Pilots Association); the Teamsters’ Airline Division (USA); UNPAC Panama; ver.di (Germany); and the HKALPA (Hong Kong Air Line Pilots Association).

Ingo Marowsky, ITF global head – supply chain and logistics, commented: “This launch is the latest step in pooling the on the spot knowledge of those who work in what are increasingly globalised workplaces, and making sure that everyone who wants union representation has it.”

He continued: “We invite everyone – pilot and union alike – who is interested to join the discussion or just find out more.”

Local 1224 Hosts Professional Standards Seminar

A Professional Standards Seminar was held August 27-29 at the Teamsters Local 1224 office in Wilmington, Ohio.

Captain Roy Liggett led the seminar which was attended by many professional standards committee members and management representatives from the airlines within the local including ABX, Allegiant, Atlas, Horizon, Kalitta, Miami Air, Omni, and Silver Airways.  Local 1224’s Human Factors Coordinator Roy Liggett was tasked by the local to train members of the CIRP, HIMS and Pro Standards committees.

Liggett brings tremendous and invaluable experience to his position. After a long career with United Airlines, he retired with many years of experience in positions including line check airman, aircrew manager at Dulles and chief pilot at United.  

Lively discussions resulted in a productive sharing of information between the union and management representatives of all participating airlines.  Participants discovered many of the benefits that a strong professional standards committee brings to their pilot group. The attendees were reminded that a professional standards committee is not a police force, but that it provides a venue for crewmembers to address a conflict encountered in the accomplishment of their duties that they may not want to highlight to the company. It seeks to eliminate problems before they harm the work environment and may allow a problem to be resolved before company management gets involved.  Most importantly, it may alleviate the need for a disciplinary hearing that could result in the possible termination of employment. 

The members expressed their commitment to seeing this program work for the benefit of everyone involved and were encouraged to see the same level of commitment from the company. 

Airline Industry News

Governmental and Regulatory

The Federal Aviation Administration is proceeding with its path to implementing NextGen, but faces challenges along the way.

Airlines, Industry and Labor

American Airlines and US Airways prevailed upon the court for an earlier trial date than the March date requested by the Justice Department. U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly set a trial date of Nov. 25 for the antitrust suit against the proposed merger.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has tentatively approved a deal between Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic Airways to align fares and schedules.

United Continental pilots have agreed to an integrated seniority list, nearly three years after United and Continental completed their merger.

United Airlines announced a recall of all of its furloughed pilots on Thursday. The recall affects almost 600 pilots.

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