Dear Sisters and Brothers:
IAM District 142 leadership met with Aer Lingus on Tuesday, October 24, and Wednesday, October 25, 2023, in NYC. The Company shared its vision for its US-based employees going forward as the Union seeks to secure enhancements to the current Collective Bargaining Agreement. Prior to Wednesday’s session, the Union met with Shop Stewards from the Passenger and Cargo Reservations groups to discuss their questions and concerns. The Shop Steward from the Passenger Reservations group joined us Wednesday during our meeting with the Company.
The following items were discussed during our meetings:
- The Company sees the value the US-based Reservation Agents (RAs) bring to the Company’s operations, especially in verbal communications with customers and in the more difficult calls.
- There were discussions of enhanced job security with no layoff or reduction language for Reservations Agents (RAs).
- The Company is asking to extend Reservations’ hours of operation by two (2) hours to cover West Coast flight operations.
- The Company wants to transition the type of calls the US-based RAs handle to primarily more difficult or higher-skilled calls.
- The Company presented data on declining Cargo Reservations work. The Union challenged this and requested that their data be shared with us.
- There were discussions of a buy-out for Cargo Reservations employees, similar to the last contract, and the Company wants to understand what a successful offer would consist of.
- The Company intends to require Cargo Reservations employees to return to working at the cargo facility at JFK Airport.
- Other general discussions included wages, pension, benefits, combining the Yellow and Purple contract books, staff morale and incentives, and work environmental safety at the JFK Cargo Facility.
The next meetings are scheduled for November 7 and 8, 2023. We appreciate your patience and solidarity throughout this process as your Union works to improve the contract for our members.
Sincerely and fraternally,
John M. Coveny, Jr.
President/Directing General Chair
IAM District 142
Jeff James
General Chair
IAM District 142
Ken Coley
General Chair
IAM District 142
