Brothers and Sisters:
On April 21st 2006, a meeting was held and chaired via telephone conference call by Line Maintenance President Danny Martinez and employee relations’ representative Jim Weel. The representatives fro the TWU-ATD were Gary Yingst (Director ATD), John Conley ( AA System Coordinator), Robert Gless (Asst AA System Coordinator) and Don Veditich. Also present were those at last months line maintenance meeting held in DFW.
Danny Martinez summarized the results from the line maintenance meetings, and followed up on the sub-committees, that were formed to address the challenges of class II station staffing (Title I & Title IV) groups, and enhancing the current buy-out program (Stand in Stead) with additional compensation, but the latter could be met with difficulty due to the ongoing lobbying efforts in Washington D.C..
A significant response to the SIS could offset the involuntary displacement of employees. Mr. Martinez assured us, during the conference, that everyone being displaced would be provided a job in maintenance working on aircraft. He then provided us with a list of station closures: BDL, BNA, IAH, IAD and SNA, and the cities with headcount reductions (visit our website).
Questions were asked as to when the RIF (reduction in force) notices were going to be distributed and when they would become effective. The time line was near the end of May, with notices handed out 2 weeks prior.
It was also mentioned there was some confusion on the language and procedures in filling out the SIS application on Jetnet. Mr. Martinez said there would be changes made to simplify the procedure.
While there has been much concern and tension to our local membership over the pending RIF’s and station closures, be assured that we are very sympathetic to the changes that will be upon us in the weeks to come, and if you have concerns or questions, please feel free to contact the local directly with your issues.
Fraternally,
John Iuliano
President, TWU Local 562