Hot News for March 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2010
CONTACT: Jenifer McCormick
202-628-9262
jeniferm@ttd.org
Transportation Labor Applauds Senate Passage of FAA Bill
WASHINGTON, DC – Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation
Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), offers the following statement
upon Senate passage of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization
bill:
“Transportation labor praises the Senate for moving us a step closer
to enactment of a multi-year FAA bill that addresses the nation’s
mounting aviation needs. A vital component of our transportation
network and economy, the aviation industry generates nearly $900
billion in economic activity annually, represents nine percent of
our GDP, and employs millions of Americans.
“Passage of the Senate FAA legislation advances the process to reconciling
a final bill with needed investments in air traffic control modernization
and airport infrastructure, a host of critical safety reforms and
measures to strengthen worker rights. And as our nation struggles
with high unemployment rates, a strong final bill will sustain millions
of aviation-related jobs and create hundreds of thousands more.
“I want to thank Majority Leader Reid, Chairman Rockefeller and
Subcommittee Chairman Dorgan for their work to advance this legislation
through the Senate. Now it is up to the Senate and House to send
a bill to the President’s desk that embraces the badly needed reforms
advocated by TTD and our aviation unions.”
###
The Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, represents 32 member
unions in the aviation, rail, transit, trucking, highway, longshore,
maritime and related industries. For more information, visit www.ttd.org.
By JAMES C. LITTLE and JOHN M. CONLEY
Special to the Star-Telegram
A few days ago, the Transport Workers Union of America filed for release from mediation for 28,000 members at American Airlines and American Eagle. In other words, we asked the federal government for permission to go on strike. Under the Railroad Labor Act, strikes for workers employed by airlines and railroads are not guaranteed as they are for most other private-sector workers, who fall under a different set of labor laws.
Some people must think we're out of our minds. Why would anyone go on strike now? Why would anyone risk job security? The nation is suffering from a terrible economic downturn and high unemployment, and the aviation industry has been in a tailspin since even before the recession. What are union members thinking?
What are we thinking? Let's start by saying that going on strike certainly wasn't our first or second thought. Our first choice was to partner with the company, to improve it and make it more competitive.
We worked hard at being a full partner. Together, the union and AMR Corp., parent of American, developed hundreds of millions of dollars in productivity gains and brought in new revenue from outside maintenance work.
Furthermore, our union used its lobbying clout in Washington to push for antitrust immunity for the Oneworld alliance so that American could be more competitive on lucrative overseas routes. We also worked closely with the company to eliminate difficult problems with safety and maintenance.
The company and union were jointly recognized for these partnership efforts by the CBS Evening News, in features on National Public Radio's All Things Considered and by a global business group, the International Air Transport Association, which gave our union and AMR a top award. Even Star-Telegram columnist Mitch Schnurman chimed in with his thoughts not long ago: "American needed a model for a new type of labor-management cooperation -- something that would reverse a history of hostile relations with employees. The TWU became a great partner."
The union has been a great partner. However, what kind of partner has AMR turned out to be?
In 2003, TWU and other union members kept the airline aloft by taking hundreds of millions of dollars in concessions. The company made promises that those wage losses would be restored and that workers and managers would "share the pain." Management responded by pocketing $300 million in executive bonuses between 2005 and 2009.
Next month, managers will likely take millions more while trying to seek further concessions from front-line workers. This is not partnership. Partnerships are supposed to be two-way streets.
Union members are still living under the terms of the 2003 concessions. That means a worker like Gloria Rodriguez, 64, who cleans planes for American in Los Angeles, is taking home $9 an hour, about what she earned 20 years ago. It's not easy to get by on that kind of wage in the Southern California housing market. Gloria rents a room in someone else's home, but she's worried that a few bad breaks could leave her without any place to live.
Workers like Gloria who helped save American Airlines deserve better. We've been at the bargaining table for more than four years, bargaining in good faith, working on an updated agreement. But while American executives can negotiate awfully fast when the company has urgent needs, it turns out that they're experts at holding lots of meetings that don't accomplish much when the needs of our members are front and center. Over the past four years we have used a facilitated approach, direct negotiations, mediation, supermeditation and recess sessions, all to no avail.
We've had enough talk. Our members need more tools to get a contract settled, and that is why we filed with the National Mediation Board last week for release and the right to engage in "Self-Help," which includes the option of going on strike.
As aviation consultant Michael Boyd wrote recently on TheStreet.com, "the TWU is one of the most rational, forward-thinking unions out there, and yet they are at the end of their rope -- American management has to address that."
We're not asking for huge increases in wage and benefits. But we do think it's time that workers like Gloria Rodriguez, who sacrificed to keep the airline afloat in 2003, earn a fair return on their investment -- and a fair measure of dignity at work and at home.
We would like to negotiate a fair agreement that our members can ratify, and we would like to continue to work with AMR to build a better, more productive and profitable airline. We don't want to be on the picket line. The real question is: What does AMR want?
James C. Little of Hurst is the international president of the 200,000-member Transport Workers Union of America. John Conley of Colleyville is the director of the union's Air Transport Division. atd@twu.org
>>> Read more <<<
N E W S R E L E A S E
March 11, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jamie Horwitz
202/549-4921
jhdcpr@starpower.net
BREAKING
NEWS:American Airlines’ Largest Union, TWU, Today Files Letter With
Federal Authorities Seeking “Self-Help” and Release From the Federal
Mediation Process First Step Toward 30-Day Cooling Off Period and
Possible Strike
WASHINGTON–
After four years of contract talks and little progress, the Transport
Workers Union of America (TWU) today presented a letter to the National
Mediation Board (NMB) requesting that the union, which represents
28,000 workers at American Airlines and American Eagle, be released
from federal mediation. TWU’s action now starts a process where the
NMB will determine if the union will be granted “self-help” -- essentially
the right to strike.
“While we have reached tentative agreements for
some workers at American Eagle and significant progress has been
made in recent days for Fleet Service workers at American, overall
AMR has not sufficiently demonstrated that they value the sacrifices
and hard work of our members,” said TWU Air Transport Division Director
John M. Conley. “We have been at the bargaining table for years and
will continue to work toward agreements, but it’s time that we moved
the settlement process to the next step.” TWU represents11 bargaining
units at American and American Eagle.
Labor laws in the transportation
industry are different than the rules for other private sector workers
and the right to strike is not guaranteed. Under the Railway Labor
Act (RLA), the law pertaining to labor relations for workers in commercial
aviation and railroads, unions must request self-help before moving
toward a strike. Once a request is made, the NMB will notify the
opposing party, in this case, AMR, the parent company of American
Airlines and American Eagle of the request for “release.” Following
notification, a comment period from 10 days to two weeks will be
declared for both parties.
After the comment period, the Board will
then review the record and consult with the federal mediators who
have been involved in the contract talks and then issue a determination.
The Board can propose arbitration, further mediation or suggest other
actions. If either AMR or TWU would reject an offer of arbitration,
a 30-day countdown or cooling-off period is triggered. The union
is granted self-help at the end of 30 days -- unless President Obama
intercedes and declares a Presidential Emergency Board or PEB.
During the Obama presidency, airline unions on two occasions have
requested release. In the case of Hawaiian Airlines, a settlement
was reached without a strike, at cargo carrier Amerijet a strike
did occur. TWU is the first union at a major carrier to file for
release in the Obama years.
A PEB can occur if the NMB "notifies" the
President that in its "judgement" the dispute between a
carrier and its employees cannot be adjusted and "threaten[s]
substantially to interrupt interstate commerce to a degree such as
to deprive any section of the country of essential transportation
service." The President
may then, "in his discretion,” create a board to investigate
and report on such dispute. The NMB submits a recommended list of
potential neutrals to the President. The PEB usually has 30 days
to develop a proposed agreement and present that agreement to the
parties for consideration. After the PEB delivers its proposed agreement,
there is a further 30-day cooling off period. Under the law Congress
also can create a settlement if both sides reject the judgement of
the PEB.
While TWU has filed for release, negotiations can continue.
Said Conley,
“We want equitable and rational agreements, we are prepared to negotiate,
but we will not stand by as AMR executives are awarded large bonuses
and our members are left with pennies. We will not move aimlessly,
we will not go in reverse, as today’s filing demonstrates – we plan
to move forward.”
Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) represents
200,000 workers and retirees, primarily in commercial aviation, public
transportation and passenger railroads, including 28,000 workers
at AMR. TWU represents more workers at AMR than any other labor organization.
The union is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.
National Mediation Board processes under the Railway
Labor Act.
Upon receiving a notice to the NMB from either party requesting
release, the NMB will notify the opposing party of the request.
There will be a NMB imposed comment period (usually 10 days or
2 weeks), subject to extension at the discretion of the NMB. The
Board deliberates upon receipt of the request and corresponding
comments, if any, and then issues a determination. The Board may
request a meeting with principles for clarification purposes prior
to making their final determination of the disposition of the release
request. Additionally, during the deliberation process, the NMB
will discuss the release notice with the assigned mediators prior
to making any determination on whether the parties are ‘unable
to reach an amicable agreement’.
A summary of the NMB RLA process
The term “impasse” is frequently
misused. Under the RLA, parties are required to make every reasonable
effort to bargain until an “amicable agreement can be reached.”
This can go on almost indefinitely and the determinations of the
NMB are greatly deferred to by Federal courts. The NMB does not
technically declare an “impasse”; it determines when an amicable
agreement cannot be reached. Once that is determined, a proffer
of binding arbitration is given (which has to be voluntarily accepted
by both parties - AA and the TWU). Once binding arbitration is
refused, that triggers a 30-day cooling off period.
At anytime a
Presidential Emergency Board may be requested by the NMB to investigate
and report on the dispute making recommendations that it deems
appropriate. The President will appoint the board members of the
PEB. Once the PEB is formed, this continues the “status quo” to
remain under the amendable agreement. There is a 30 day period
to form the PEB and issue their report, although that 30 day period
is often extended to finalize the report. Once the PEB issues their
report, another 30 day cooling off period begins. Congress may
then intervene and implement the recommendations of the PEB, or
compel arbitration, or request special panels.
Of course, the parties are free to reach an agreement at any time
during this process. At the end of any cooling off period, either
party is free to engage in self help, including strikes, imposed
agreements, etc. Only during self-help can the company impose a
contract.
Vote March 2 for Bill White for governor
... and then join us for...
Tarrant County Democratic Party's
Primary Night Election Watch Party
Tuesday, March 2 Watch the primary election results from across the state!
7:30 PM - 10:30 p.m.
The Pour House 2725 West 7th St.
Fort Worth, TX
76107 Let us know you're coming by clicking HERE.
Remember to vote March 2 for Bill White for governor!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 1, 2010
CONTACT: Jenifer McCormick 202-628-9262 jeniferm@ttd.org
Transportation Trades Department Outlines Agenda in 20th Anniversary Meeting Executive Committee is Joined by DOT Sec. LaHood, Rep. Oberstar, and AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka
Orlando, FL – Transportation union leaders gathered Sunday to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) and to discuss their agenda for the upcoming year. Joined by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman James Oberstar, and AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, the group of 32 unions discussed important policy issues and conducted elections for its leadership.
“In tough economic times, transportation workers help keep their local economies healthy, while building the infrastructure America needs to compete in the global economy,” said Secretary LaHood. “Workers represented by the Transportation Trades help to keep Americans safe and moving forward on planes, trains, buses, ships and automobiles.” “Transportation holds America together. Our highways, railroads, airways, waterways, ports and mass transit make us one nation, instead of a patchwork of 50 individual states,” Oberstar said. “However, it is the men and women who build, operate, and maintain these systems that make American transportation work. We, as a nation, owe a great debt to them, and to their collective voice, TTD.”
“For 20 years, the Transportation Trades Department has brought the voices of transportation workers to the debate,” said Edward Wytkind, president of TTD. “Moving forward, we will continue this important work. We will insist that the interests of workers are protected and represented as Washington writes the laws and regulations that affect transportation workers and the system in which they work.”
In TTD’s officer elections, Wytkind was re-elected as President. He has been president of the organization since 2003, and served as its executive director for 13 years before then. Larry Willis was elected as Secretary-Treasurer, effective April 1. Willis is currently and will continue to serve as TTD’s chief of staff and general counsel. He will replace outgoing TTD Secretary-Treasurer Patricia Friend, President of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), who will retire from the AFA toward the end of the year.
TTD’s executive committee adopted a strong statement in support of the 600 members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 30. These workers at a borox mining plant in Boron, California have been locked out by employer Rio Tinto, which is trying to force an extremely concessionary contract on the workers. TTD leaders also discussed priority issues and approved full policy statements that can be found at www.ttd.org.
“With national unemployment still at record levels, transportation workers need jobs and transportation investments are a proven way to create them,” Wytkind said. Additionally, “this past year has been rife with examples of the need to strengthen safety and security in our transportation systems. From the underwear bomber to several rail transit accidents to pirate attacks on U.S. mariners, we will continue to advocate for safety and security standards that address the realities workers face and that serve the public interest.”
As articulated in the policy statements, TTD will work for progress on the following issues:
Creating jobs by rebuilding our transportation network
Job creation began with the Recovery Act, which created and saved millions of jobs. But the work is not done. Workers need swift action on a robust jobs bill and additional investments in transportation programs with a proven history of job creation. More delay and partisan quarreling will not put a single American to work – significant investment in our transportation system and infrastructure will. <more>
Constantly evaluating and upgrading aviation security
The attempted terrorist attack on Christmas Day 2009 was a clear reminder that our aviation system remains a target of extremist aggression and that security procedures must continually be evaluated and upgraded to meet emerging threats. Aviation workers understand the security vulnerabilities that exist in our system and have been vocal advocates for closing known loopholes, greater federal investments in screening and other technologies, and forward-looking policies to meet the evolving security challenges we face. One lesson learned from the December 25th attack is that terrorists will not hesitate to attack a U.S. carrier by circumventing security procedures at foreign locations. This bolsters the argument that one level of security must be required of all contract aircraft repair stations, where a growing percentage of maintenance and repair work is now done on U.S. passenger aircraft. <more>
Federal jurisdiction over rail transit safety
Recent accidents at transit agencies in Boston, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. illustrate a clear need for increased federal safety oversight of rail transit operations. It is significant that the Obama DOT is seeking to regulate rail transit safety, consistent with the historic role it has played in safety oversight of commercial airlines and freight and passenger rail operations. We applaud the Obama Administration for its work on this initiative but urge the DOT to listen to the input of front-line employees and their unions and consider carefully the financial realities facing public transportation agencies across the country. <more>
Protecting workers in international aviation trade agreements
Globalization of our aviation system is posing new challenges for our government and Congress. As the United States enters into new and expanded international aviation agreements, these agreements must be balanced, legitimately promote U.S. aviation, and protect the interests and jobs of U.S. aviation workers. While we support efforts to create additional international opportunities for U.S. carriers, these opportunities cannot come at the expense of U.S. airline jobs, collective bargaining rights, and safety and security standards that are so important to our aviation system. We also urge the Obama Administration to clearly state its opposition to relaxing our foreign ownership and control rules, not only in the context of U.S.-EU talks but as the U.S. prepares for open skies talks with China later this year. <more>
Protecting the maritime industry and its workers from pirates
Last year, two U.S.-flag ships, the LIBERTY SUN and the MAERSK ALABAMA, were attacked by heavily armed pirates off the coast of Somalia while transporting humanitarian aid on behalf of the U.S. government. Transportation labor urges the U.S. government to prevent acts of piracy in the short-term through immediate military and other government assistance and over the long-term through international engagement. Specifically, transportation labor believes the most effective means to prevent and repel acts of piracy is for our government to immediately provide U.S.-flag vessels operating in high risk waters with on-board armed force protection. <more>
###
The Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, represents 32 member unions in the aviation, rail, transit, trucking, highway, longshore, maritime and related industries. For more information, visit www.ttd.org.
888 16th Street NW, Suite 650, Washington, DC, 20006
Opening Remarks from AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka at February 25, 2010 Tele-conference with State Federation, Area Labor Federation and Central Labor Council leaders
Welcome and thank you for the opportunity to talk you today. You are the basic building blocks of the labor movement -- Labor Councils and State Federations.
When I say the AFL-CIO, I want you to know I’m thinking about all of you, not just the national headquarters.
This call comes at a great time. Things are hot on two key issues for working people: Health Care and Jobs.
I want to talk a little about each of them and then I want to hear from you.
I said things are hot:
-
I just got back from an international meeting of labor leaders. Our topic was the Global Jobs Crisis.
-
Tomorrow I’m going to Evansville Indiana to fight for 1100 jobs at Whirlpool. They want to shut the plant down and move the work abroad.
-
That’s bad enough. It gets worse. A top Whirlpool exec sent a threatening letter to the members of IUE/CWA Local 808. If they protest the loss of these jobs, and I quote: “these negative activities will only hamper employees when they look for future jobs.”
-
Negative activities? Closing the factory is the negative activity. Fighting to save your job it is about as positive an activity as you can get.
-
One more thing. I don’t like threats. Never did. I don’t back down when companies threaten. Ask Pittston Coal Co. Our labor movement won’t back down. Whirlpool can take that threat and ... you get the picture.
-
Saturday, it’s Titusville Florida. The fight is for 7000 jobs at NASA.
-
Next Monday we have a Town Hall meeting in Orlando talking about the fight for jobs.
-
Next Tuesday, the AFL-CIO Executive Council is taking up a proposal for a massive Jobs Campaign.
That’s a full hot week on jobs. I hope it is the beginning of a jobs campaign of unprecedented size, scale and audacity. That’s what we need to win. More on jobs in a minute.
Let’s talk about health care. It’s hot again. A block from here, President Obama is holding a White House health care summit with Congressional leaders.
The summit is going on right now. Let me offer some preliminary thoughts.
-
We really are closer than ever to big health care reform.
-
The proposals from the President are better than the Senate Bill because of your work.
-
You made the Senate and the White House rethink their position.
-
Your hard work and the work of our unions built an anti-excise tax firewall in the House.
-
Because of labor, the entire excise tax was pushed back 5 years for all of America.
-
Because of labor the excise tax threshold was raised by thousands.
-
Please let everyone know what a difference they made.
-
We hope the President, the House and the Senate smash the Republican blockade and pass a good bill.
-
f they are ready to do that, we are ready to stand with them.
-
We are still not happy about some of the details of the proposal. We will keep trying to improve it right to the last minute, and even after the bill is passed in the implementation period.
-
On a policy note, I’m glad the focus has shifted back to the insurance companies where it belongs.
-
Can you believe them? Announcing 39% rate hikes. Want to know why we need health care reform? The insurance companies, that’s why.
-
When the insurance companies gather in DC on March 9th they will get the welcome they deserve. Labor will be a big part of the angry crowd.
-
Any chance any of you have to show your anger at the insurance companies and the politicians they own, take it.
-
I’ll have more to say about the end game strategy for health care reform after the White House Summit is over.
Let me also offer my appreciation for the phone calls about the appointment of Becker and Pearce to the NLRB. Labor flooded the White House switchboard. The White House definitely heard us.
Getting the NLRB back up and running is just one step for workers rights. We are not taking our eyes off of the goal of passing the Employee Free Choice Act. We are going to fight for it and we are going to get it.
Now let’s talk jobs.
When I was on the Bill Moyers show he asked me what’s the #1 issue for working people. I said: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs.
That’s going to be the main focus of the Executive Council meeting.
Like I said, I am calling for a massive Jobs Campaign.
We need to think big and act big. Bigger than anything we have ever done.
We need size, scale and audacity.
Here’s why.
We have a real jobs crisis in America.
-
Tens of millions looking for work.
-
40% of the unemployed have been out of work for over 6 months. That’s the highest since Unemployment Insurance started and they began to keep records.
-
The American jobs machine is dead in the water.
-
No work for college grads, high school grads, drop-outs.
-
1/3 of young workers have to live at home with their parents.
-
Our states and cities and school boards are going broke with huge public sector cuts and layoffs scheduled for this year.
I could go on.
This comes on top of thirty or more years of our economy going the wrong way. So we have a jobs crisis and an economic crisis.
I wish that was all we faced.
We also have a serious political crisis.
Millions of working class voters are angry and confused.
-
They feel betrayed by their government.
-
They think Washington cares more about Wall Street than about their streets.
-
I am talking about union members as well as the general public.
-
I know the Senate passed a Jobs Bill, and I welcome it.
-
I believe Harry Reid when he says there is more to do and that more will be done.
-
I’m saying he better move fast. America’s working families are running out of patience.
-
More to do? He got that right. It is a small first step.
-
The next steps have to come pretty fast, because people need action now. We need UI and COBRA extended. Not just for 30 days either.
-
And then we need fast action financial relief for states.
-
We need money for infrastructure right now.
-
We need direct job creation programs right now.
-
We got to get the banks lending again, starting with local community banks.
-
This welcome small first step is nowhere near enough to turn around the way working people are looking at things politically in 2010. That includes union members.
-
Half of our members voted for Scott Brown.
-
As many of our members think the tea-baggers are pretty good as think they are no damn good.
-
Members are asking us what did we get from searching for that elusive 60th vote? Not much.
-
Millions of angry and confused voters equals a serious political crisis in 2010.
I believe a massive jobs campaign led by America’s unions is the best response to this economic and political situation. Maybe even the only response with a chance of making a difference.
I think we have no choice. We build this campaign or we get beaten down on the job, in our communities and at the polls.
As bad as this situation is, I am not depressed. I am excited. This crisis is also an opportunity.
If we develop a jobs fight with size and scale and audacity, we win.
-
A big jobs campaign gets us on the road to refashion the economy.
-
A big jobs campaign re-energizes the labor movement.
-
A big jobs campaign changes the way America looks at unions.
-
A big jobs campaign sets the stage for a 2010 election about issues that matter to the American people.
That’s what I am proposing.
Here’s my thinking about this big jobs campaign.
To start, this Jobs Campaign is not a 16th Street effort.
It has to be built on three strong pillars:
First, our unions.
-
The internationals, the regional and district councils, the locals.
-
That is where the millions of union members are.
-
Not at 16th street.
In fact, many unions are way ahead of us in this jobs fight. Two examples among many:
-
The IAM America Needs Jobs Now campaign and their work with the unemployed.
-
The work by AFSCME and the AFT working with other unions to fight for fiscal relief for the states to stop 1,000,000 public sector layoffs in 2010.
The way I see it, these efforts and others like them are part of the AFL-CIO Jobs Campaign, not in conflict with it.
Second, the organizing centers of the entire labor movement – State Federations, Area Federations, Labor Councils.
I think the stronger the links on every level between all our unions and the AFL-CIO structures, the stronger our fight.
Third, the community. This is not just a union fight. We speak for our members, but we also should speak for every person in America who has a job or needs one. We need to speak to all of America. We need much more community outreach and partnering than we have had. We need the majority of America working for jobs for everybody who needs a job.
I want to talk about the full plan with all the union presidents at the Executive Council and then come back and talk about it with you.
Today I want to stress one important piece of the campaign: action.
Remember, we need more audacity. We need to be in the street more.
We are starting with a March Mobilization from March 15 – March 26.
We are targeting the big banks that are a big reason why the economy is in such a big mess.
Our message is Good Jobs Now, Make Wall Street Pay.
I probably don’t have to convince you to target the big banks.
-
They gambled away our wealth.
-
They got a trillion dollar bailout
-
They took our money for fat bonuses.
-
They use our money to lobby congress against financial reform so they can keep gambling.
-
They won’t lend money to businesses that could create jobs.
-
They foreclosed our homes.
Have I said enough?
I have a single task for every State Fed and Labor Council leader on the phone.
Sign up today to have an action in your town as part of the March Jobs Mobilization.
The fight is on.
You go next. Cities all across the country saying Good Jobs Now – Make Wall Street Pay.
We’re not stopping until we win.
Thank you.
Now I want to hear from you about how you are getting into this fight.
>>> See it on YouTube <<<
