Negotiations picked up again this past week in Manhattan, New York under the auspices of the NMB and Mediator Gerry McGuckin. The Company committee was present including Brian Pinchbeck, Fiona O’Shea, Lorna Elliott from the UK and Georgia LaBarge from the US. The full negotiation committee for the Union was present including Ignacio Salim from JFK, Mike Manzo and John Werkmeister from the IAM Transportation Department.
Due to the Mediator’s schedule this past week, the meeting time was shorter than normal and occurred on Monday afternoon and Tuesday. Discussion occurred this week concerning the recent changes to the IAMNPF and the continuing dialogue around the structure of a buyout/severance program. The Company shared their information concerning the results of the recent email survey which went very well. With over 400 individual emails sent, there were over 200 returns for an almost 50% response rate. Over the coming weeks, those responses will be further evaluated to assess at a deeper lever how they will affect a buyout/severance program.
At the conclusion of Tuesday’s meeting, I had the occasion to go to LHR for the purpose of meeting with the leadership from the Engineering department. Also accompanying me were Dave Supplee, President/Directing General Chairperson of District Lodge 142 and John Reisert, Engineering from JFK. The purpose of this meeting was to explore the possibilities of creating a career path type of position in Engineering using best practices from both the FAA and EASA. While similar to an apprenticeship program, it would be distinctly different. With a wealth of experience in the room on both sides of the table, the conversations were informative and produced some next steps that have the possibility of creating something that has never existed before.
At the request of Management last week during the IAMNPF discussions on Monday, representatives from the fund office came to NY to meet with the Company concerning the recent plan changes. After having all questions answered, associated paperwork was signed opting to enter into the preferred schedule of the rehabilitation plan as can be found in the documentation all plan members have received. Contrary to a lot of perception that exists, there is no imminent change that affects plan members in the coming months. In the coming weeks to months, we will be scheduling sessions that will allow members to sit down and discuss how these changes, and the election by the Company of the preferred schedule option, will affect them personally.
Future dates are still set and include the weeks of June 3 (DC), June 17 (ORD), July 15 (NYC), August 19 (PHL) and September 16 (BOS). The location of any mediated negotiations remains at the Mediators discretion. If you have any questions, please give me a call at (859) 653-4037 or email me at or contact one of your negotiating committee members. With best wishes, I remain
Sincerely and fraternally,
James M. Samuel
GENERAL CHAIR
Reggie Gauthier John Reisert
Committee Member Committee Member
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