A quick summary of major and noteworthy events since the start of negotiations.
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December 19, 2008
Today we are providing full details of the offer American Airlines made to the Transport Workers Union Joint negotiating committee (representing the Fleet, Stores, Simulator Technician and Ground School Instructor employees) during our “Super Session” negotiations this month, including a comprehensive summary of the company proposals put forward before the session ended.
We began these talks with the understanding that the TWU was looking for contract enhancements for these employees. The comprehensive proposal offered by the company included substantial benefits for Joint employees, including lump sum payments for each year (equating to 11.5% over the life of the agreement) and first-dollar profit sharing.
We hope with the guidance of a federal mediator we can go forward in our discussions with the TWU to resolve outstanding issues involving scope, pay, pensions, job protections, benefits and other broad contractual work rules. The National Mediation Board is expected to assign a mediator early next year to oversee the next stage of contract negotiations. We look forward to getting back to work at the bargaining table.
Click here to view American’s comprehensive proposal.
December 15, 2008
American Airlines appreciates the time and effort the Transport Workers Union put into trying to reach a tentative agreement. The Super Session, held with the Joint committees representing the Fleet, Stores, Ground School Instructor and Simulator Technician subcommittees, resulted in successful talks on several issues. We regret we were unable to reach a tentative agreement. Unfortunately, the TWU’s expectations were beyond what we could offer.
Both the airline and union agree guidance by the National Mediation Board will be useful in moving both sides closer to a tentative agreement. As we jointly file for mediation, American remains committed to reaching an agreement with the TWU that addresses the needs of both parties and positions the company and its employees for long-term success.
December 2, 2008
In order to minimize distraction and allow the involved parties to focus solely on the Joint committee super session, American Airlines and the TWU have agreed to suspend all communications regarding the negotiations until the session ends. A negotiations update on the result of the super session negotiations will be provided at the conclusion of the session.
October 13-17, 2008
American Airlines and the Transport Workers Union's Joint negotiating committee - which includes the Fleet, Stores, Ground School Instructor and Simulator Technician subcommittees - have agreed to meet for intense, focused negotiation sessions during the first week of December. Both parties agree if an agreement is not reached, a joint request for mediation will be filed.
This will be the first session for all of the Joint negotiating teams since the company presented comprehensive contract proposals to each group in September. American looks forward to the dedicated session set for early December.
September 22-26, 2008
Simulator Technicians/Ground School Instructors
On Friday, September 26, American Airlines presented the TWU with a new comprehensive proposal aimed at addressing key areas of interest identified by the union while recognizing American's need to be competitive in today's business environment.
The contract negotiations process is complex, but the ultimate goal is to reach an agreement that is in everyone's long-term best interests. American is trying to balance the union's requests for improvements in pay, holidays, sick leave and vacation with the fact it has the highest labor costs in the industry. To offset that disadvantage, American needs improvements in overall work rules to close the gap between the company and its competitors.
American values its strong partnership with the TWU and hopes further discussions lead to a contract benefiting TWU-represented employees and keeping American competitive by giving it the flexibility to respond to an evolving industry.
September 15-19, 2008
Fleet
On Wednesday, September 17, American Airlines presented the TWU with a comprehensive counter proposal aimed at addressing key areas of interest identified by the union while recognizing American’s need to be competitive in today’s business environment.
The contract negotiations process is complex, but the ultimate goal is to reach an agreement that is in everyone’s long-term best interests. American is trying to balance the union’s requests for improvements in pay, holidays, sick leave and vacation with the fact it has the highest labor costs in the industry. To offset that disadvantage, American needs improvements in overall work rules to close the gap between the company and its competitors.
American values its strong partnership with the TWU and hopes further discussions lead to a contract benefiting TWU-represented employees and keeping American competitive by giving it the flexibility to respond to an evolving industry.
Stores
On Thursday, September 18, American Airlines presented the TWU with a new proposal aimed at addressing key areas of interest identified by the union while recognizing American’s need to be competitive in today’s business environment.
The contract negotiations process is complex, but the ultimate goal is to reach an agreement that is in everyone’s long-term best interests. American is trying to balance the union’s requests for improvements in pay, holidays, sick leave and vacation with the fact it has the highest labor costs in the industry. To offset that disadvantage, American needs improvements in overall work rules to close the gap between the company and its competitors.
American values its strong partnership with the TWU and hopes further discussions lead to a contract benefiting TWU-represented employees and keeping American competitive by giving it the flexibility to respond to an evolving industry.
August 25-29, 2008
Stores
At our last session, the Transport Workers Union provided the company with proposal on Article 5. The next negotiating session has been set for Thursday, September 18 at 0900.
Fleet
Negotiations for the Fleet committee have been rescheduled for Wednesday, September 17 at 1300.
August 18-22, 2008
Simulator Technicians/Ground School Instructors
On Thursday, August 21, American met with the TWU Ground School Instructor and Simulator Technician negotiating teams. During this time, a tentative agreement was reached on Article 3: Hours of Work for Instructors.
American and the TWU are scheduled to continue negotiations on Thursday, September 11.
Stores
American Airlines and the Transport Workers Union met Friday, August 22. Tentative agreements were reached on Articles 15: Reduction in Force and 46: One-Station Complex Agreements. The TWU also provided a counterproposal to Article 5: Shift Differential.
Both negotiating teams agreed to meet again on Thursday, September 4.
Fleet
Both American and the TWU have agreed to meet again on Wednesday, September 3.
August 11-15, 2008
Fleet
On Tuesday, August 12, the Company met with the Fleet Service Clerk Transport Workers Union negotiating committee. During their last meeting, the TWU presented a short-term comprehensive proposal to the Company.
This week, American explained why they would not be able to accept this proposal. There were a number of reasons for not accepting the proposal, the primary being insufficient value for the Company.
The Company is interested in pursuing proposals for all TWU-represented workgroups that balance the needs of the TWU-represented employees and American Airlines, improve productivity and position the company to compete effectively amidst the unprecedented challenges facing the airline industry.
August 4-8, 2008
Stores
This week, American Airlines and the TWU met to continue negotiations with the Stores workgroup. During this time, American presented proposals for Articles 36: Meal Periods and 46: One-Station Complex Agreements. In return, the TWU presented a proposal on Article 15: Reduction in Force.
The next day, the Company responded to the Union’s Article 15 proposal and scheduled the next negotiations session for Friday, August 22.
July 21-25, 2008
On Monday, July 21, American Airlines and the TWU continued negotiations with the Flight workgroups. At this time, American presented the TWU with proposals on Article 39: Physical Exam for both the Simulator Technicians and the Ground School Instructors. The Company also presented a proposal for Article 3: Hours of Work for the Ground School Instructors.
American and the TWU are scheduled to continue negotiations on Thursday, August 21, 2008.
July 14-18, 2008
Please see the Maintenance & Related Timeline and updates page for new information regarding negotiations this week.
July 7-11, 2008
Stores
This week, American and the TWU met on Monday, July 7 and Tuesday, July 8 to continue negotiations.
The Company gave the Union a proposal for Article 5: Shift Differential and also countered TWU’s earlier proposed Article 27: General, which the two parties later reached a tentative agreement on.
In addition to Article 27, tentative agreements were also reached on Articles 16: Recall; 28: No Discrimination, and Recognition of Rights and Compliance; 29: Representation and 43: Part Time Employees.
The TWU provided proposals on Articles 11: Classifications and Qualifications, 12: Promotions and Jobs to be Posted and 15: Reduction in Force. Before adjourning, the Company offered a counter-proposal to the Union’s proposed Article 15.
Both parties have agreed to meet again on August 6, 2008.
June 30-July 4, 2008
Fleet
The Company and the Union continued negotiations with the Fleet Service committee on Monday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 1 at the Transport Workers Union Air Transport Division office.
On Monday, American provided proposals for Articles 5: Shift Differential, 6: Overtime and 39: Physical Exam to the TWU. On Tuesday, the Union presented the Company with a comprehensive short-term proposal. The Company agreed to evaluate the proposal and both parties are scheduled to reconvene on August 12, 2008.
June 16-20, 2008
Fleet
On Monday, June 16, 2008 the Company and the Union continued negotiations at the Transport Workers Union Air Transport Division office in Hurst, Texas.
Both sides established the disposition of negotiations and any outstanding articles that have not been addressed since the Company withdrew its comprehensive contract proposal.
The following articles remain open:
Article 1 – Scope
Article 4 – Compensation
Article 5 – Shift Differential
Article 6 – Overtime
Article 7 – Holidays
Article 8 – Vacation
Article 34 – Sick leave
Article 39 – Physical Exam
Article 40 – Pension
Article 41 – Benefits
Article 42 – Job Security
Article 43 – Part Time
Article 47 – Duration
The parties are scheduled to meet again on June 30 and July 1, 2008 at the ATD office. The Company will continue to reevaluate its current position so that it may assemble another economic proposal. In the interim, American will continue to focus on any outstanding articles in an effort to further the negotiations process.
Stores
On Wednesday, June 18, 2008 the Company and the Union continued negotiations at the Transport Workers Union Air Transport Division office in Hurst, Texas.
Both sides established the disposition of negotiations and any outstanding articles that have not been addressed since the Company withdrew its comprehensive contract proposal.
During the meeting, the TWU provided proposals on Articles 2: Definitions and 16: Recall. After further discussions, a tentative agreement was reached for Article 16.
The following articles remain open:
Article 1 – Scope
Article 2 – Definitions
Article 3 – Hours of Work
Article 4 – Compensation
Article 5 – Shift Differential
Article 6 – Overtime
Article 7 – Holidays
Article 8 – Vacation
Article 11 – Classifications
Article 12 – Promotions
Article 15 – Reductions
Article 27 – General
Article 28 – Recognition of Rights
Article 29 - Representation
Article 34 – Sick leave
Article 36 – Meal Periods
Article 39 – Physical Exam
Article 40 – Pension
Article 41 – Benefits
Article 42 – Job Security
Article 43 – Part Time
Article 46 – One Station
Article 47 – Duration
The parties are scheduled to continue discussions on July 7 and 8, 2008 at the ATD office. The Company will continue to reevaluate its current position so that it may assemble another economic proposal. In the interim, American will continue to focus on any outstanding articles in an effort to further the negotiations process.
Simulator Technicians/Ground School Instructors
On Tuesday, June 17, 2008 the Company and the Union continued negotiations at the Transport Workers Union Air Transport Division office in Hurst, Texas.
Both sides established the disposition of negotiations and any outstanding articles that have not been addressed since the Company withdrew its comprehensive contract proposal.
The following articles remain open for both the Simulator Technicians and the Ground School Instructors, unless otherwise noted:
Article 1 – Scope
Article 2 – Definitions - Instructors Only
Article 3 – Hours of Work – Instructors only
Article 4 – Compensation
Article 5 – Shift Differential – Simulator Technicians Only
Article 6 – Overtime
Article 7 – Holidays
Article 8 – Vacation
Article 11 – Classifications – Instructors Only
Article 12 – Promotions – Simulator Technicians only
Article 34 – Sick leave
Article 39 – Physical Exam
Article 40 – Pension
Article 41 – Benefits
Article 42 – Job Security
Article 43 – Part Time
Article 47 – Duration
The parties are scheduled to continue discussions on July 21, 2008 at the ATD office. The Company will continue to reevaluate its current position so that it may assemble another economic proposal. In the interim, American will continue to focus on any outstanding articles in an effort to further the negotiations process.
May 19-23, 2008
American and the TWU did not meet this week. The two parties are in the process of scheduling when negotiations will continue, which we anticipate will be in mid to late June. In the meantime, the Company will post updates if anything develops.
May 16, 2008
This week, American Airlines presented the Transport Workers Union with a comprehensive contract proposal. Unfortunately, the TWU has rejected the company’s proposal. American sought to address the key areas of interest identified by the TWU, including pay, holidays, sick leave and vacation; and at the same time recognize the economic realities facing the industry and our company.
American Airlines, along with the entire airline industry, is facing unprecedented challenges. In addition, American’s labor costs are the highest in the industry. While we could not address structural increases at this time, the tentative agreement did include improvements in pay and paid time off for TWU-represented employees.
Regardless of the current situation, American appreciates our strong business partnership with the TWU. We recognize the commitment by these employees who have helped to save money, generate additional revenue and improve operations. Despite the many challenges facing us, we believe this would have been a responsible investment in our employees and would have reflected the company’s commitment to our continued business partnership.
Summary of Key Common Proposal Components Across all Seven Workgroups:
Duration:
Pay:
Holidays:
Sick Leave:
Vacation:
Health and Retirement Benefits/Pensions:
Profit Sharing:
Eagle ASM Cap:
In addition, there were items specific to each of the seven agreements which were proposed and discussed.
Today, the TWU advised us that the Fleet Service committee accepted their tentative agreement for ratification. The Fleet Service group is part of the larger Joint committee which also includes the Stock Clerks, Simulator Technicians and Ground School/Simulator Instructors workgroups.
As a result, the Joint committee elected as a whole to take their agreements out to the membership for ratification. However, three of the included workgroups individually voted not to take the agreement for ratification.
A condition of the company’s offer in each workgroup was that all seven of the agreements had to be ratified before any of the contracts could be implemented. Therefore, since that condition cannot be met, even if the Joint groups were to ratify, the agreements could not be put into effect.
The company is in the process of re-evaluating our current situation and is considering what future course of action will be appropriate.
May 12-16, 2008
American Airlines continued discussions with the Transport Workers Union this week. The Company is seeking to address the key areas of interest the TWU has identified, while recognizing the economic realities facing the industry and company.
The TWU has worked with American over the last several years to improve processes and productivity and has helped save money, generate additional revenue and improve operations.
May 5-9, 2008
American Airlines and the TWU did not meet this week. Instead, the Company utilized the time to meet internally to continue working on any open and outstanding articles. Negotiations will continue next Monday, May 12.
April 2 -May 2, 2008
The amendable date for the TWU labor contract was May 1, 2008. While we have not reached a complete Tentative Agreement, we have made lots of progress during the last eight months, and have closed out most of the non-economic sections. We are committed to continue to make progress in negotiations and to support reaching a ratifiable contract that creates a stronger, more secure future for both the airline and the TWU-represented employees in a timely manner.
Joint Subcommittee Updates
Fleet
The Company and the Union reached Tentative Agreements on Article 12: Promotions and Jobs to be Posted, Article 15: Reduction in Force, and Article 46: One Station Complex Agreements.
The Article 12 agreement includes the creation of a new automated system for transfer and the Crew Chief bidding process. This system will be internet-accessible from all computers and the Company and Union have agreed to a joint process for training employees and developing related communications prior to implementation.
The new agreement on Article 15 will build additional automation into the RIF process and clarify existing contract language.
The new agreement on Article 46 includes a more streamlined process for movement between stations with the complex and provides additional clarification on all retained contract language.
Negotiations will resume on May 12, 2008.
Stores
The Company and the Union did not meet this week and plan to meet again when negotiations resume on May 12, 2008.
Simulator Technicians/Ground School Instructors
The Company and the Union will not meet this week and plan to meet again when negotiations resume on May 12, 2008.
April 21-25, 2008
Fleet
The Company and Union continued discussing Article 12: Promotions and Jobs to be Posted, Article 15: Reduction in Force, and Article 46: One Station Complex Agreements. The TWU passed counterproposals on Articles 15 and 46, which the Company will review when discussions continue next week. The Company is particularly interested at looking at how these articles related to the transfer process.
Stores
The Company and Union did not meet in an official capacity this week. The Company and the TWU continue to review items that remain open from previous discussions and negotiations will resume next week.
Simulator Technicians/Ground School Instructors
The Company and Union subcommittee for Article 39: Physical Examination agreed on a formal definition for how the process currently works. The Company and Union are both editing their proposals to reflect this new agreement and will resume discussions next week.
April 14-18, 2008
Fleet
On Tuesday, a tentative agreement was reached on Article 16: Recall. The Company and the Union also discussed Articles 15: Reduction in Force and 46: One-Station Complex Agreements. American will provide their responses to these articles when negotiations continue next week.
Stores
The Company passed Article 15: Reduction in Force to the TWU. In addition, American and the TWU exchanged proposals on Article 16: Recall.
Simulator Technicians/Ground School Instructors
A subcommittee met to discuss Article 39: Physical Examination. The Company and the Union focused on reviewing what currently exists, in order to try to change the language to reflect current practices. The subcommittee is creating a flow chart of the current process, and will meet again next week to review.
The TWU has suggested changing the name of the article to “Fitness for Duty” to more accurately describe this section.
April 7-11, 2008
Fleet
This week, the Fleet negotiating team reached tentative agreements on Articles 2: Definitions and 3: Hours of Work.
Both the Company and the Union exchanged Articles 15: Reduction in Force, 16: Recall and 46: One-Station Complex Agreements. In all of these articles, the Company is attempting to simplify current processes in place in the interest of the employees, while also allowing the Company to accomplish the procedures in a more timely fashion. Discussions will continue during meetings next week.
Stores
The American negotiating team passed Articles 2: Definitions and 3: Hours of Work to the TWU this week.
Simulator Technicians/Ground School Instructors
The Simulator Technicians group did not meet this week with the TWU. The team is scheduled to meet next Tuesday to discuss Article 39: Physical Examination.March 31 - April 4, 2008
Fleet
The Company and Union spent the week continuing to exchange proposals and answer questions on Article 16: Recall and Article 46: One Station Complex Agreements. The Company is hoping to reach an agreement that will speed up the recall process for employees and also create additional flexibility within the operation. Negotiations will resume on Monday, April 7, 2008.
Stores
The Company and Union reached a Tentative Agreement on Article 37: Severance with few changes to the current contract language. The Union also provided new responses on Article 15: Reduction in Force, Article 25: Recall and Call-in Work, and Article 27: General. The Company is reviewing these items and will respond early next week. Negotiations will resume on Monday, April 7, 2008.
Simulator Technicians/Ground School Instructors
The Company and Union did not meet this week and plan to meet to discuss Article 39: Physical Exam with additional feedback from Employee Medical on Thursday, April 10, 2008.
March 24-28, 2008
Fleet
The Company and Union reached tentative agreements on Article 21: Work Schedules, Article 25: Recall and Call-in Work, and Article 27: General, with few changes to the current contract. The most significant update is that Article 27 now includes an agreement to combine safety meetings when possible.
The Union also passed new proposals on Article 16: Recall and Article 46: One Station Complex Agreements that the Company is currently reviewing and will discuss when Negotiations resume on Tuesday, April 1, 2008.
Stores
The Company presented several new proposals this week, including a new version of Article 15: Reduction in Force that aims to automate the reduction in force process and address related seniority issues. In addition, the Company provided an updated proposal for Article 27: General that clarifies the contract language around personal emergency events and allows for flexibility for midnight shift employees to complete their airport badges while on duty.
The Company also passed new proposals on Article 25: Recall and Call-in, Article 37: Severance Allowance, and Article 43: Part-Time Employees, with few changes to the current contract, and will continue discussing these items when negotiations resume on Tuesday, April 1, 2008.
Simulator Technicians/Ground School Instructors
The Company met with both flight groups to review outstanding questions on their comprehensive proposal. Both groups have agreed to schedule a joint session to review Article 39: Medical Examinations and begin creating the framework for a new proposal on this item. Negotiations will resume next week.
March 17-21, 2008
American did not meet with the TWU this week, but instead met internally in order to prepare for Monday, March 24, when discussions resume. At this time, the Company will present questions regarding the Union’s comprehensive contract proposal.
March 10-14, 2008
The Company and Union did not meet this week and the Company used the time to carefully review the union's comprehensive proposal from last week. The Company is focused on balancing the TWU's interests with the need to be more flexible and allow American to best compete in the ever changing airline industry. The Company will meet with the TWU Negotiations teams for Fleet, Stores, Simulator Technicians and Ground School Instructors on Monday, March 24, 2008 to follow up on open Articles and take the opportunity to ask questions about the Union's comprehensive proposal.
March 3-7, 2008
Fleet
This week, the Company presented proposals for Articles 12: Promotions & Jobs to be Posted, 16: Recall and 46: One-Station Complex Agreements. There was considerable dialogue and discussion between both parties about these articles and discussions will continue when the Union responds.
The Company also received a comprehensive contract proposal from the Union. Both parties will continue to discuss open issues with the goal of reaching an agreement that will balance the interests of all the involved parties.
The Company and the Union will continue discussions on Monday, March 17. American will use the next week to meet internally and review the Union’s comprehensive proposal.
Stores
The Company and the Union met on Friday, at which time the Company received a comprehensive contract proposal from the Union. Both parties will continue to discuss open issues with the goal of reaching an agreement that will balance the interests of all the involved parties.
The Company and the Union will continue discussions on Monday, March 17. American will use the next week to meet internally and review the Union’s comprehensive proposal.
Simulator Technicians/Ground School Instructors
The Simulator Technicians group has reached tentative agreements on Articles 2: Definitions and 11: Classifications & Qualifications. A tentative agreement was also reached on Appendix B: Classification/Qualifications Descriptions, which has now been moved into the body of Article 11.
The Company also received a comprehensive contract proposal from the Union. Both parties will continue to discuss open issues with the goal of reaching an agreement that will balance the interests of all the involved parties.
The Company and the Union will continue discussions on Monday, March 17. American will use the next week to meet internally and review the Union’s comprehensive proposal.
February 22-29, 2008
The Company and Union continued to meet this week with several agreements reached within each subcommittee:
Fleet
The Company and Union reached tentative agreements on Article 36: Meal Periods and Article 45: Effect on Prior Agreements. As part of the resolve for Article 36 an outside letter was drafted that will provide clarification in the form of an example to better educate shop stewards and supervisors on how to apply this article. Article 45 was agreed upon with no changes to the current contract.
Both parties also passed Article 7: Holidays back and forth this week and may continue discussing next week. The Company is looking to find the best way to modify this article to increase scheduling flexibility and better manage expectations for employees as to whether they will be required to work on the holiday or have an opportunity to be off.
The Company has informed the Union that they we will set aside Article 27: General for now and focus on other outstanding Articles. In order to do that, the Company informed the Union that they will require more time to work on articles that are outstanding and overlap with each other, such as Article 12: Promotions and Jobs to be Posted and Article 46: One-Station Complex Agreements and Article 15: Reduction in Force and Article 16: Recall. The Company plans to share modified proposals on these issues at the table later next week.
Stores
The Company and Union reached tentative agreements on Article 30: Grievance Procedure for Dismissal and Corrective Action, Article 31: Grievance Procedure for Contractual Disputes to the Union), Article 32: Boards of Adjustment with the same language as the other Joint groups. This language will streamline the grievance process for employees. Both parties also reached an agreement on Article 45: Effect on Prior Agreements with no changes to the current language.
The Company and Union continue to exchange proposals on Article 27: General and Article 36: Meal Periods. The Company also passed a new proposal on Article 7: Holidays and the Union passed a proposal on Article 25: Recall and Call-in Work that both sides will continue discussing when negotiations resume next week.
Simulator Technicians/Ground School Instructors
The Company and Union reached a tentative agreement with Ground Instructors on Article 12: Promotions and Jobs to be Posted and continue to exchange proposals on Article 3: Hours of Work. The Simulator Technicians group is continuing to work on Article 12 and will continue discussions around the Lead Simulator Technician position next week. Both groups plan on discussing Article 11: Classifications and Qualifications during meetings next week.
February 18-22, 2008
The Company and the Union continued negotiations on Wednesday, with both sides making progress by reaching agreements and discussing a number of open articles. The Company exchanged proposals with the goal of achieving enhanced scheduling flexibility and operational efficiency, while creating new opportunities for its employees.
Joint Subcommittee Updates
Fleet
The Company and the Union reached tentative agreements on the following items this week:
The Company and the Union passed proposals to each other for Article 3: Hours of Work. The Company is trying to align both parties’ interests with what would be competitive within the industry.
Both sides discussed Article 27: General and Article 45: Effect on Prior Agreements and are looking to continue discussions on these articles next week.
The Company will also discuss Article 46: One-Station Complex Agreements with the Union next week.
Stores
The Company and the Union discussed several items this week, including:
The Union gave their response to Article 27: General and both sides will continue to discuss this article next week.
Simulator Technicians/Ground School Instructors
The Company and the Union resumed negotiations this Wednesday, and reached tentative agreements on the following articles:
The Company and the Union discussed Articles 3: Hours of Work with the Ground School Instructors group, and discussed Article 12: Promotions and Jobs with the Simulator Technician group.
February 11-15, 2008
Negotiations between the Company and Union resumed this week as both sides continued to reach agreements on new articles and make progress on items left open from previous weeks. The Company continues to exchange proposals with the goal of balancing the interests of both parties within each article.
Joint Subcommittee Updates
Fleet
The Company and Union were able to reach tentative agreements on a number of items this week, including:
Article 29 was agreed to with no changes from the current contract language.
Article 30, 31 and 32were agreed to this week and include changes that were recommended in a previous CI session with AA and the TWU.
On Thursday afternoon, the TWU presented the company with proposals on seven other Articles.
The Company is reviewing these proposals with the goal of creating a competitive cost structure and additional flexibility in the operation while striving to find solutions that will balance the interests of both parties.
Stores
The Company and Union reached a tentative agreement on Article 17: Leaves of Absence.
Both parties are discussing Articles 29, 30, 31, 32 and are hopeful to reach agreements similar to the Fleet group above. The Company also passed a new item on Article 27: General and will continue discussing this when negotiations resume next week.
Simulator Technicians/Ground School Instructors
The Company and Union did not meet this week and will resume negotiations on February 18.
February 4-8, 2008
The Company and TWU did not meet this week due to conflicts with the TWU International Executive Council Meeting. The Company used this week to evaluate articles that are currently open, develop responses and research other items related to negotiations. The Union also used the week to prepare for upcoming negotiations.
Full negotiations between the company and union will resume on February 11.
January 28-February 1, 2008
Negotiations between the Company and the TWU continued this week as a number of items were passed between both sides. Each of the subcommittees discussed the following items this week:
Joint Subcommittee Updates
Fleet
The Company and Union reached a tentative agreement on Article 19: Termination of Employment. The groups also continued discussing Article 21: Work Schedules and Article 27: General and how the two articles could be modified to better serve both the company and union membership. Both sides began discussing a number of new items this week, including:
With respect to the new Articles proposed by the TWU this week, the Company provided responses to the TWU Fleet committee on Articles 29, 30 and 31 and will continue discussing these items in the next session, which will resume Monday, February 11. The TWU and Company negotiating committees will meet internally next week to review letters and other correspondence that have been generated since the restructuring agreements. The purpose is to determine if the letters are still in effect, should be deleted or incorporated into the contract. Once the TWU has completed their review, the Company will meet with them to try and finalize the disposition of each letter.
Stores
The Company and Union reached a tentative agreement on Article 19: Termination of Employment. The groups also continued discussing Article 27: General and how it could be modified to better serve both the company and union membership. Both sides began discussing a new number of other items this week, including:
With respect to the new Articles proposed by the TWU this week, the Company provided responses to the TWU Stores committee on Articles 29, 30 and 31 and will continue discussing these items in the next session, which will resume Monday, February 11. The TWU and Company negotiating committees will meet internally next week to review letters and other correspondence that have been generated since the restructuring agreements. The purpose is to determine if the letters are still in effect, should be deleted or incorporated into the contract. Once the TWU has completed their review, the Company will meet with them to try and finalize the disposition of each letter.
Simulator Technicians/Ground School Instructors
The Company and the Union reached tentative agreements on several items this week for both simulator technicians and ground school instructors, including the following with no changes:
Both contract groups also reached a tentative agreement on Article 27: General that modifies the jury duty and contract printing provisions. Contracts will now be printed for leadership and accredited union members and made available online for others. Both groups are also discussing Article 30: Dismissal and Article 31: Grievance Procedure.
The Simulator Technicians group reached an additional tentative agreement on Article 3: Hours of Service. The Ground Instructors group also continued discussing Article 12: Promotions and Jobs to be Posted and Article 16: Recall.
The Company and Union representatives for Simulator Technicians and Ground School Instructors will not meet in direct bargaining until Monday, February 18. However, the TWU negotiating committees will meet internally next week to review letters and other correspondence that have been generated between the Company and the TWU since the restructuring agreements. The purpose is to determine if the letters are still in effect, should be deleted or incorporated into the contract. Once the TWU has completed their review, the Company will meet with them to try and finalize the disposition of each letter.
Jan. 21-25, 2008
Discussions continued this week among the three contract groups and a number of items continued to be passed between the company and the union. The Fleet and Stores subcommittees both reached a tentative agreement on Article 18: Military Leave, joining the agreement reached by the Simulator Technicians/Ground School Instructors last week.
Below is a full summary of the items discussed by each Joint subcommittee this week:
Joint Subcommittee Updates
Fleet
The company and union continued to exchange proposals on a number of articles this week. The union passed a new proposal on Article 16: Recall and continued to exchange further items on Article 17: Leaves of Absence as the union proposed changes to seniority pay accrual on different types of leaves of absence. The company is evaluating their proposals and will continue discussions next week. The company made a new proposal on Article 21: Work Schedules that included further modification to cargo crossover bids. They also made a new proposal on Article 27: General that modified the jury duty provision to exclude compensation for employees who have been excused from jury duty, and incorporated new language dealing with safety in the workplace and related items. This is a very large article that covers many issues important to both the company and employees, and discussions will continue on these topics next week.
Stores
The company and the union reached a tentative agreement on Article 21: Rotation of Shifts/Work Schedules with no major changes. Both sides continued discussions around Article 17: Leaves of Absence and Article 27: General. The company proposal on the latter modified the jury duty provision to exclude compensation for employees who have been excused from jury duty and incorporated new language dealing with safety in the workplace and related items.
Simulator Technicians/Ground School Instructors
The company and the union group representing Ground School Instructors reached a tentative agreement on Article 12: Promotions & Jobs that updated the language in the article to reflect current related practices. The Simulator Technicians will begin discussing Article 12 early next week. Both parties will also continue discussing Article 17: Leaves of Absence and Article 27: General next week.
Jan. 14-18, 2008
The company and TWU discussed a number of items at the negotiating table this week. All three Joint contract groups reached a tentative agreement on Article 22: Regular & Relief Assignments that preserved the previous contract language for this item. Each subcommittee also looked at Article 7: Holidays and Article 18: Military Leave and will continue discussions next week.
There were also several discussions unique to each subcommittee.
Joint Subcommittee Updates
Fleet
Stores
Simulator Technicians/Ground School Instructors
January 7-11, 2008
The company and the TWU had another productive week at the negotiating table with each of the teams able to make progress on several new articles and items. Both sides began the week by reviewing all items currently open for discussion and prioritizing these items before moving forward. This led to a tentative agreement on Article 13: System Seniority List being finalized. The group then decided that workgroup subcommittees should be formed for Fleet Service, Stores and Flight Groups (Ground School/Simulator Instructors and Simulator Technicians.)
Both negotiating teams agreed to the following meeting guidelines for each subcommittee:
Joint Subcommittee Updates
Fleet
The company presented a counter-proposal on Article 17: Leaves of Absence and plans to continue discussing this item next week. The company also plans to discuss Article 21: Work Schedules.
Stores
The company presented counter-proposals on Article 26: Field Work and Article 17: Leaves of Absence. The TWU will respond to these proposals early next week.
Simulator Technicians/Ground School Instructors
The company presented a proposal on Article 17: Leaves of Absence and is awaiting union response early next week. Both sides are also looking at other articles that need few changes that could be finalized next week.
