Dear Sisters and Brothers:
For more than a year, a battle has been taking place in the courts of Massachusetts concerning a sick leave law, and whether or not it applies to our airline members in that state. While all airlines followed the law upon its release, an organization called “Airlines for America” challenged the law and its application and relevance to airlines operating in Massachusetts.
All of Air Transport mobilized to battle back against this assault. Members and Staff from both District Lodges 141 and 142 were instrumental in helping the state defend the law. For our BOS members and General Chairpersons, this meant coordinating directly with the state’s Assistant Attorney General.
On June 2, 2023, the United States District Court in Massachusetts issued a decision, a copy of which is attached to this bulletin. The decision found that Massachusetts’ sick leave law does not apply to the airline industry. While this is a setback for our Massachusetts IAM members, it will not deter our efforts to lobby for the necessary changes to this law and others so that these legal challenges are not successful in the future.
The Executive Board and Staff of District Lodge 142 wish to thank all of the dedicated members that participated in this effort.
Sincerely and fraternally,
John M. Coveny, Jr.
President/Directing General Chair
