Sisters and Brothers:
IAM negotiators met with XJT senior management on September 5th to discuss the status of the Company and a path forward for future negotiations.
We know that with the recent furloughs, displacements and many people going back on reserve, it has been difficult to remain optimistic. But there are bright possibilities for future flying and growth if the Company is able to better position itself on several issues, primarily pilot staffing. The Company does not anticipate any more furloughs for the remainder of 2018. But Flight Attendant overstaffing will continue to be an issue that is tied to pilot staffing. If ExpressJet can keep current pilots and attract new ones, there likely will be more block hours that can be flown for United, which increases the amount of Flight Attendants that are needed.
We heard your feedback regarding the previous tentative agreement. This feedback will be utilized as we move ahead in the negotiating process. While there were reasons members voted no on the contract, there were many positive aspects of the potential agreement that are important and that we intend not to lose in the process. Healthcare, retirement savings, seniority protections, vacation improvements are just a few examples. Watch for more communications that will detail benefit, work rule and quality of life issues that were in the tentative agreement.
We will continue to engage the National Mediation Board mediator and the Company regarding future dates for negotiations.
Finally, we wanted to inform you that General Grievance 41 was filed on a violation of the ERJ LOA 19 regarding pilots and mechanics receiving over 6.78% increases in compensation without concessions being returned to the ERJ Flight Attendant group. We will keep you informed as to the progress of this grievance once a hearing has been scheduled.
In solidarity,
Sara Gonzales Marche’ Johnson-Cooper
GENERAL CHAIR SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE
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