Dear Sisters and Brothers:
Since opening negotiations with National Airlines in August of 2022, your District Lodge 142 negotiating committee has met with the company on five occasions. During this time the company has made no meaningful proposals and has not shown a desire to reach an agreement in a timely manner.
Because of this lack of engagement, conversations have occurred with the Air Transport Territory leadership along with the IAM General Counsel on how to move forward with negotiations. In an effort to obtain a Collective Bargaining Agreement under the Railway Labor Act, enlisting the help of the National Mediation Board (NMB) is the next step when the process breaks down. Being that this process has been occurring for over six months, and we have nothing to show for it in the way of Tentative Agreements, the decision to file for mediation was made, and on March 7, 2023, a mediator was assigned by the NMB.
By filing for mediation and being assigned a federal mediator, the problems that have plagued these negotiations should begin to disappear as the mediator controls all facets of the process to include scheduling and location and exchange of proposals, including who is responsible for what. The participation of a mediator usually drives better results.
Keep in mind that filing for mediation does not prevent the parties from continuing to meet by mutual agreement. While we currently do not have any dates set, we will communicate about any future meetings if they do occur. We remain committed to obtaining a fair contract for the membership at National Airlines. As soon as we have more information, it will be communicated. With best wishes we remain
Sincerely and fraternally,
John M. Coveny, Jr.
President/Directing General Chair
Jesse Wilson
General Chair
