AMFA National - Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association

Dear Members:

This month the Association held our first Joint Advisory Council meeting of 2010 in Houston, Texas. Every AMFA local and a representative from each carrier joined the National Executive Council (NEC) to discuss the agenda submitted for the meeting.

In mid-February the NEC invited all of the local presidents, secretaries, and treasurers to attend a training session sponsored by the Department of Labor (DOL). The training detailed completion of financial forms required by the DOL and covered an array of guidelines for union officer elections. It was great to see the participation from all of the locals.

This month AMFA National initiated the election process for the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) Event Review Committee members. Due to a recent change in policy, members will be able to run for either the primary or alternate positions, not both. Elections will conclude at all three AMFA carriers by June 1 of this year.

This month I attended the monthly membership meetings at Local 14 in Seattle as well as the Local 14 LEC meeting. I also had the opportunity to do a station visit in Seattle visiting with the day and swing-shift crews. The membership took the opportunity to share their concerns and ask questions regarding the industry in general and Alaska Airlines specifically.

At Southwest Airlines the Appearance Technician contract negotiations continue with future negotiation dates set for March 9th, 10th, and 11th.

As of January 1st, the Mesaba Airlines members have been re-assigned to Local 11 in Dallas, Texas. The transition is going well and the Local 11 LEC has invited the Mesaba Airlines Safety and Standards and Airline Representatives to Dallas to attend a conflict resolution training course that will help in establishing a Professional Standards program for the Mesaba Airlines members.

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.