AMFA National - Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association

Dear Members:

This year started right off with meetings at Local 32 in Phoenix. The entire National Executive Council (NEC) attended their monthly membership meeting, the Local Executive Council (LEC) meeting (where I had the privilege of swearing in several new Local Officers), and our first NEC meeting of 2010. We had a very busy and productive week.

I was also able to attend the monthly membership meetings at Local 14 in Seattle as well as the Local 14 LEC meeting.

Later in the month, Local 14 Vice President Jim Rea and I conducted a station visit in Seattle. We spent time at each bid location at the station speaking with both the swing shift and graveyard crews. The membership took the opportunity to share with us their concerns and ask questions regarding the industry in general and Alaska Airlines specifically.

As of January 1st, the Mesaba Airlines members have been re-assigned to Local 11 in Dallas, Texas. There will be a transition phase and the Local 11 LEC is looking forward to welcoming their new Mesaba members.

At Southwest Airlines the Appearance Technician contract negotiations continue with future negotiation dates set for March 9th, 10th, and 11th. Also, in accordance the contract, the Airline Reps are meeting with the Company to further define the role of the AMFA Outsourcing Liaison position.

Finally, and particularly noteworthy, this Sunday, January 31st marks the 10 year anniversary of the Alaska Airlines flight 261 accident. Alaska is planning several memorial events for the families, and I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge all of the AMFA members, some who have moved on, who I worked with during AMFA’s participated in the investigation. Their professionalism and dedication was extraordinary: David Patrick, Party Coordinator; Earl Clark, Structures Group; Matthew Schmidt, Structures Group; Kurt Pagenkopf, Structures Group; Duane Bailey, Structures Group; John Pollom, Systems Group; Jerry Cline, Systems Group; Lance Seyer, Records Group; Kevin Kruse, Human Factors Group; Bruce Wood, Grease Group; James Dart, Metallurgy Group.

For more carrier specific updates and in depth information regarding AMFA and the airline industry, please visit the AMFA National Web site at http://www.amfanational.org/ and remember our most determined efforts will not succeed without your continued support and participation – Please stay informed. With your participation we will jointly craft our collective future. Work together, support one another, and be proud of your important profession.