June 23 2017 -- We concluded this week’s mediated session working diligently as a Committee in an effort to finalize a counterproposal to the comprehensive proposal the Company delivered earlier this week. Unfortunately, this proved to be a very time consuming task as the Company’s proposal did not identify the language it had removed from current book or previous passes. This forced your Committee to undertake the lengthy process of comparing the Company’s latest proposal word-by-word against current book and prior proposals. Read More...
June 12, 2017 -- There is a misleading issue that permeates our craft and threatens to keep the focus away from moving forward if not addressed properly. Why isn’t the Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) classified as skilled labor, and is instead classified as semi-skilled, or worse yet, unskilled labor? What, if anything, can be done about it? These questions are consistently brought up by our members, and are a battle cry by some who honorably seek professional recognition for the craft. Recently, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) was made aware of an effort on Facebook to change this incorrect designation. As the union who faithfully promotes and represents the AMT, AMFA is keenly aware that our technicians work on highly complex aircraft and associated systems, requiring education, training, and government certification just to get started in the craft. The investment in these prerequisites, not to mention tools and other essential items, is easily tens of thousands of dollars or more. To be considered anything but skilled labor is demeaning to the craft and a slap in the face to the skilled professionals who comprise it, and regardless of the issue, AMFA will never stand idly by when our significance is challenged. Read More...
June 9, 2017 -- Region I Director Earl Clark presents this video message to the AMFA-SWA AMT Membership regarding the recent survey and its purpose in the ongoing negotiation process.
Read More...
May 31, 2017 -- The National Executive Council (NEC) continues our efforts to achieve the best communication practices to reach you. Communication has been a top priority for the past several months, and a system-wide quest to update member contact information at both the Local and National levels is ongoing. The tools are in place for our members to acquire updates and receive push notifications regarding current events throughout the Association. We are also using social media to increase visibility via Facebook-live and Twitter. Negotiation updates and other news are archived on the carrier specific pages of the National website at www.amfanational.org. Read More...
May 25, 2017 -- As the transition and integration process begins for Alaska Airlines and Virgin America, and Aircraft Maintenance Technician negotiations continue at Southwest Airlines, National Director Bret Oestreich has taken this opportunity to send the membership of AMFA this video update.
May 24, 2017 -- Today is Aircraft Maintenance Technician's Day! AMFA is proud to be the union of choice for AMT and Related employees and the only union to specifically represent our craft. Join us in our celebration of the AMT and our goal of elevating the profession. Thank your fellow AMT for their commitment to the craft.
Read More...
May 23 -- During negotiations with Southwest Airlines (SWA) our members have not reaped any of the rewards of year-over-year record profits. Since the amendable date of our contract, August 16, 2012, the sacrifices for AMTs have far outweighed the Company’s financial record profit success. Since 2012, shareholders and SWA executives have been profiting off their returns from stock repurchases and dividends, while our members have not benefited or received improvements in wages, benefits, or compensation that reflects the Company’s strong financial stance.
Read More...
April 26, 2016 -- The AMFA National Executive Council (NEC) is proud to announce the two recipients of the AMFA Scholarship for 2017. Those who applied had to be currently enrolled in a school to gain their Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license, had to be a US Citizen, and were required to submit a 500-word essay expressing why they chose aircraft maintenance as a career. Read More...
April 24, 2017 - The National Executive Committee (NEC) would like to thank everyone who participated in the AMFA–SWA Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) Survey that concluded on April 20, 2017. The NEC continues to make improving communications a priority, and this survey is one means to facilitate this process. Read More...
April 11, 2017 -- We met with the Company in Dallas, Texas on Wednesday, March 29. This was a scheduled half-day session to discuss the appropriate action to again come to a tentative agreement (TA) that could be ratified. The Committee presented the Company with a prioritized list of twelve items we believed needed to be adjusted. Read More...
February 16, 2017 -- Yesterday Southwest Airlines filed a lawsuit against AMFA National, AMFA Local 11, and several individual AMFA officers and contract negotiators. The lawsuit alleges that AMFA-represented mechanics initiated an overtime boycott and that AMFA and the other defendants failed to make “every reasonable effort” to prevent the boycott and/or bring it to an end. As a remedy, SWA is seeking wide-ranging injunctive relief that would implement judicial oversight of how you perform your maintenance work. Read More...
February 14, 2017-- Awareness has been raised regarding damage to cargo panels as there are several maintenance documents that direct Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) to inspect the cargo compartment panels for damage. The primary concern when inspecting these panels is the aspect of fire containment. The Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) gives damage limitations and should be consulted when investigating any damage that has been noted. At Southwest there are maximum damage limits within the B737NG AMM for damage that may be repaired. Attention to tape condition is also important in sealing the cargo compartments to minimize the oxygen amount. Read More...
February 11, 2017 -- As you know, AMFA is currently engaged in collective bargaining with Southwest Airlines pursuant to the Railway Labor Act (RLA). The RLA mandates that the parties are required to refrain from “self help” until released by the National Mediation Board (“NMB”) from mediation and a thirty-day cooling off period has expired. This means that during the negotiating process Southwest is prohibited from initiating a lockout or unilaterally changing the terms of our collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Southwest is also prohibited from implementing a divide and conquer strategy based on direct negotiations with our members. Based on our determination that Southwest has violated its legal obligation in this regard, we have commenced litigation against the carrier in federal court. Read More...
Safety in the Air Begins with Quality Maintenance on the Ground
Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association
14001 E Iliff Avenue, Suite 217
Aurora, CO 80014
Phone: 303-752-AMFA (2632)
