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AMFA Celebrates AMT Day, Recognizing the Expert Aircraft Maintenance Technicians May 24, 2020 -- The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) is proud to recognize the expert mechanics that make up our field on the annual AMT Day each May 24.“On behalf of AMFA members and members of our craft, we are proud of the AMTs, also known as aircraft mechanics, who use their knowledge, skill and integrity each and every day to maintain our country’s aircraft,” said AMFA National Director Bret Oestreich. Read More... Primary AMFA – ASA ASAP ERC Representative Election Results May 19, 2020 -- The votes for the Primary AMFA – Alaska Airlines (AS) Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) Event Review Committee (ERC) Representative Election were tallied on May 19, 2020. Votes for this election were counted and certified by ElectionBuddy, and the results are as follows... Read More... Press Release: Aircraft Mechanics Support Restoring Safety in the Skies Act of 2020 May 15, 2020 -- Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) National Director Bret Oestreich released the following statement: On behalf of the over 4,000 aircraft mechanics representing Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, and Southwest Airlines, AMFA supports the Restoring Safety in the Skies Act of 2020 introduced by Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). The creation of a task force to deal with the unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on aviation and to contemplate the new normal is essential... Read More... National Director's April 2020 Update May 4, 2020 -- The month of April was a whirlwind of changes for our nation. We now have positive cases of the COVID-19 amongst our membership and many remain in self-quarantine to help to prevent the spread of this virus. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have contracted and who have been affected by COVID-19. Read More... AMFA–SWA Appearance Technician Survey Notice May 1, 2020 -- AMFA National is conducting a survey of the Appearance Technician membership at Southwest Airlines. Your Negotiating Committee will utilize the feedback gathered by this survey to prepare for the upcoming negotiating process. Read More... AMFA–Horizon Air Survey Notice May 1, 2020 -- AMFA National is conducting a survey of the membership at Horizon Air. Your Negotiating Committee will utilize the feedback gathered by this survey to prepare for the upcoming negotiating process. Read More... Press Release: FAA Substantiates Yet Another Whistleblower Complaint Against Southwest Airlines April 27, 2020 -- By letter dated April 15, 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded to yet another Southwest Airlines mechanic whistleblower action with the agency’s determination that “a violation of an order, regulation, or standard of the FAA related to air carrier safety occurred. Accordingly, the FAA is taking appropriate corrective and/or enforcement action. Our office will monitor these actions until complete.” Read More... AMFA’s Position on Southwest Airlines’ Request for Labor Concessions April 14, 2020 -- Earlier today, AMFA representatives met, via web conference, with Southwest management, at the request of the company, and were presented with presentations entitled: “Proactively Identifying Savings Options.” These presentations focused on concessionary amendments to the existing collective bargaining agreements with AMFA to, as the company phrased it, “potentially implement on October 1, 2020.” Read More... AMFA National Director Response Letter to Southwest Airlines' Exercise to Identify Cost Savings April 14, 2020 -- Earlier today, April 14, 2020, AMFA Representatives consisting of Airline Representatives for the four AMFA Locals representing members at Southwest -- Local 4, Dan Burgess; Local 11, Craig Hamlet; Local 18, Wayne Lampley; and Local 32, Ken Patrick; as well as AMFA counsel, Lucas Middlebrook, Esq. -- met via web conference with you and other management representatives. That meeting resulted from your request on April 1, which came a few days after I attended a meeting at Russell McCrady’s invitation on March 26 concerning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the carrier. AMFA’s participation in both meetings was to listen and confer, but otherwise without any precondition or waiver of rights. Read More... Download: 20200414_AMFA_ND_Ltr_to_SWA_Wafer.pdf Press Release: Southwest Mechanics Condemn Airline For Continuing Litigation Against Its Own Employees During an Unprecedented Crisis April 13, 2020 -- In a message to its members, dated April 13, 2020, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) condemned Southwest Airlines’ response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and sharply contrasted the carrier’s approach with that of American Airlines, which has curtailed litigation and engaged in cooperative efforts with their employees to meet the crisis. Read More... A Tale of Two Airlines: American Forges a New Cooperative Relationship With Its Mechanics While Southwest Continues Federal Litigation Against Its Own Employees April 13, 2020 -- American Approach - Prior to the advent of COVID-19, American Airlines sued its aircraft mechanics for an alleged job action.  American Airlines successfully obtained a permanent injunction from a federal court. Read More... COVID-19 Safety Recommendations #2 April 7, 2020 -- The Center for Disease Control (CDC) continues to study and learn about how Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads. The CDC states recent studies suggest that people that do not show symptoms (asymptomatic) may still spread the virus, therefore, we should all be practicing social/physical distancing (a minimum of 6 feet) in order to reduce the spread of Coronavirus. According to another recently published study, backed by the National Institutes of Health, Coronavirus can survive up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. Read More... 2020 Rescheduled National Convention Notice April 3, 2020 -- In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the National Executive Council (NEC) issued an Emergency Order to postpone the 2020 National Convention. We are now pleased to announce the 2020 National Convention will convene on September 14, 2020, at the New York New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Read More... AMFA – QX ASAP ERC Representatives Election Results April 2, 2020 -- In March 2020, AMFA National called for nominations to fill the positions of Primary and Alternate AMFA – Horizon Air (QX) Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) Event Review Committee (ERC) Representative. Horizon Air members of Local 14 were allowed to submit names in nomination for these positions. Following the close of the Willingness to Serve process of this election, there is only one candidate for each position... Read More... Primary AMFA – SWA ASAP ERC Representative and OLR Election Results April 1, 2020 In March 2020, AMFA National called for nominations to fill the positions of Primary AMFA– SWA Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) Event Review Committee (ERC) Representative and Primary AMFA–SWA Outsourcing Liaison Representative (OLR). Southwest Airlines members of Locals 4, 11, 18, and 32 were allowed to submit names in nomination for these positions. Read More... Airlines Must Take The Relief Grants To Help Their Employees March 31, 2020 -- On March 27, Congress passed a massive financial package to relieve the unprecedented economic impact from the global COVID-19 pandemic, which the President signed into law. This includes targeted relief to airlines like the ones where our expert mechanics currently work, Southwest, Alaska and Horizon. Read More... Press Release: Aircraft Mechanics Across the United States Applaud the Passage of the CARES Act March 27, 2020 -- Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) National Director Bret Oestreich, released the following statement: On behalf of the over 4,000 aircraft mechanics representing Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, and Southwest Airlines, AMFA applauds the U.S. Congress passage of bipartisan legislation to provide financial stability to the hard-working men and women on the front lines providing safety and security to the American flying public during this unparalleled time of adversity. In addition to the unprecedented health crisis we are facing, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has brought with it devastating economic consequences. And now, the airline workers are at the front line of one the most economically impacted industries.   Read More... AEI COVID-19 Update March 24, 2020 -- As the Coronavirus (Covid-19) has swept the world and brought about an unprecedented change to our understanding of circumstances as normal, the aviation industry has experienced sweeping changes of huge proportions. The result has been a grounding of aircraft at many of the global carriers that surpasses the scale of any previous event. The parking of aircraft brings on a whole new set of maintenance requirements that must be strictly followed to ensure the aircraft’s continued airworthiness. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, as always one of the main pillars of aviation safety, must ensure that these requirements are being followed. Read More... Emergency Order #1 - Postponement of National Convention March 23, 2020 -- The National Executive Council (NEC) is issuing this Emergency Order in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In light of the current situation, the 2020 AMFA National Convention will be postponed to a later date, to be determined by the NEC. Read More... Memo: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update March 19, 2020 -- Over the past several weeks, airlines and their employees have been under an enormous amount of pressure amid an ever-changing environment in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. AMFA leaders have been in communication with our carries on a regular basis and have been taking guidance from the CDC to ensure we are taking effective steps to combat the significant challenges posed by this pandemic. Read More... AMFA Provides Input to Congress Regarding Potential Airline Industry Bailout Package March 19, 2020 -- The swiftly developing COVID-19 pandemic has caused a rapid increase in airline passenger cancellations, while also producing a severe decline in future bookings. To date, most airlines have responded with capacity cuts and flight cancellations. The airlines have both collectively and individually expressed immense concern about the industry’s economic health to the US government, and requested a substantial financial assistance package to help navigate through this difficult time. The White House has indicated support, with the President vowing to “back the airlines 100 percent,” and the task of negotiating a package is now with the Legislative Branch. Read More... Coronavirus (COVID-19) March 12, 2020 -- By now everyone should be aware of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, here and abroad. As updates about COVID-19, are made daily, we encourage you to draw upon information and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  Among the best practices recommended by the CDC are to thoroughly washing hands and avoid touching your face. Read More... American Airlines Mechanic Sentenced to Three Years for Tampering with Plane in Miami March 4, 2020 (Miami Herald) -- An American Airlines mechanic convicted of sabotaging a navigation system on a Miami flight with 150 passengers aboard was sentenced to three years in prison Wednesday after a legal debate over whether he “recklessly” or “intentionally” endangered the safety of the aircraft. Click here to read more... Read More... Letter to Spirit Airlines AMTs February 21, 2020 -- First, I would like to thank you for placing your confidence in the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA). Your grassroots organizing efforts and collection of Authorization for Representation cards from your workgroup in favor of AMFA is still ongoing with favorable interest and results. We are honored and promise to work hard on your behalf if you continue to collect Authorization for Representation cards under the Railway Labor Act (RLA) and should you choose AMFA as your collective bargaining agent when the times come to vote. Read More... Download: Authorization_card.pdf AMFA Letter to to Senator Feinstein Re: DOT OIG Report in SWA February 14, 2020 -- On behalf of the thousands of aircraft mechanics working for Southwest Airlines, I want to convey our appreciation for your February 13, 2020, letter to Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly. As the National Director of Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) - the only craft specific aircraft mechanic union representing the Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMT) of Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, and Southwest Airlines, we share your concern regarding the recent report of the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT OIG) detailing the numerous safety violations at Southwest Airlines. Read More... AMFA–SWA Appearance Technicians Contract Update February 6, 2020 -- We wanted to provide you with an update as to the status of your current Agreement with Southwest Airlines. Your current agreement is amendable November 22, 2020. Your next contractual pay increase is three (3) percent effective August 1, 2020. Read More... Press Release: AMFA Announces Card Drive for AMTs and Maintenance Controllers at Spirit Airlines December 11, 2019 -- On the heels of having won its representational election at Horizon Air, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) announced that a union card drive has begun at Spirit Airlines — the self-proclaimed ultra-low-cost carrier headquartered in Miramar, Florida. While it is unusual for AMFA to publicize card drive initiatives, given that the Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) at Spirit Airlines are currently non-unionized, it is important to build awareness that this significant initiative is underway. Read More... Aviation Industry Whistleblower Stakeholder Meeting October 14, 2019 -- On October 8, 2019, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) held a public meeting to solicit comments and suggestions from stakeholders on issues facing the agency in the administration of the whistleblower protection provisions under the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR21). OSHA is interested in obtaining information from the public on key issues facing the agency’s whistleblower program. AMFA National Safety and Standards Director Scott King was in attendance and had the opportunity to provide the following feedback to questions posed by OSHA... Read More... Memo: New Web Page For AMFA Members Only About Legal Affairs August 20, 2019 -- Many of you know from my August 8 update about the failure to reach agreement with Southwest Airlines in mediation that we hoped would have ended all of the federal litigation between AMFA, some of its current and former officers, and the company. AMFA must now defend itself from two separate federal lawsuits by Southwest against its own Mechanics and Inspectors filed before we reached agreement on the new contract. Read More... Blog: Corporate Bullying and American Airlines August 15, 2019 -- American Airlines, with the help of the U.S. federal court, made the skies more dangerous with their latest lawsuit and subsequent ruling. The airline sued its own mechanics and made it more difficult for them to report safety issues, creating fear of punishment and retaliation — having a chilling effect that hurts the airline and flying public. Read More... 2020 National Convention Notice July 31, 2019 -- In accordance with Article XII, Section 1 of the AMFA Constitution, this letter shall serve as the official notice of the 2020 AMFA National Convention. The delegates to the 2016 National Convention voted to convene the 2020 National Convention in Las Vegas, NV. The Convention will commence on Monday, May 4, 2020. Further information regarding the Convention location will be sent separately. Read More... Download: 2020 Const Amend Form.dotx Press Release: Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Union Citing Safety Concerns Asks Members Not to Fly on American Airlines June 15, 2019 -- Reacting to a temporary restraining order issued on June 14, 2019, at the request of American Airlines, the National Director of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), Bret Oestreich, called on the Association’s members to avoid American Airlines operations. Read More... Download: 20190615_PR_AMT_Union_Citing_Safety_Concerns_Asks_Members_Not_to_Fly_on_American_Airlines.pdf Blog: American Airlines’ Fraudulent Accusations Against TWU-IAM Are Right Out of Airlines’ Playbook May 30, 2019 -- Contract negotiations between TWU-IAM and American Airlines have been stagnant for years as a result of American Airlines management’s “must haves” — ending protected work in favor of outsourcing to less skilled foreign international maintenance vendors and demanding headcount reductions. Read More... AMFA Support Transport Workers Union Locals’ “American Airlines Should Care” Educational Campaign March 19, 2019 -- The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) National Executive Council (NEC) fully supports the Transport Workers Union’s “American Airlines Should Care” Educational Campaign. AMFA appreciates and encourages efforts to educate the public on a user-friendly platform that exposes flaws in business practices that compromise safety. Read More... Important Information on AIR 21-Whistleblower OSHA's Whistleblower Protection Program enforces the whistleblower provisions of more than twenty whistleblower statutes protecting employees who report violations of various workplace safety and health, airline, commercial motor carrier, consumer product, environmental, financial reform, food safety, health insurance reform, motor vehicle safety, nuclear, pipeline, public transportation agency, railroad, maritime, and securities laws. Rights afforded by these whistleblower protection laws include, but are not limited to, worker participation in safety and health activities, reporting a work-related injury, illness or fatality, or reporting a violation of the statutes herein. Read More... Download: SWA Supervisor.pdf , Its_Your_Call_12-6-17.pdf , FAA-SWA-LAX-Report.pdf , FAA-SWA-Dallas.pdf , FAA-LAS-Violation.pdf