N E W S R E L E A S E

February 17, 2009

For Immediate Release

Attention aviation, business, labor, Washington and Dallas-based reporters

Transport Workers Union Will Ask to be "Released"

If No Agreement at American Airlines is Reached by March 8

-- First Step Toward Self Help --

TWU Would be First Union Representing a Major Carrier to Request

Release from Obama-Era National Mediation Board

DALLAS – Leaders of the Transport Workers Union (TWU), representing more than 28,000 workers at American Airlines and American Eagle, announced today that unless all outstanding contract issues are settled at the two carriers by the end of the mediated discussions on March 8, union members will seek an immediate release from federal mediation.

Under the terms of the U.S. Railway Labor Act – which governs labor relations in the commercial airline and railroad industries – a release from mediation entitles workers to exercise "self help" -- essentially the right to go on strike. TWU would be the first union representing a major carrier to request such action from the National Mediation Board (NMB) since the Obama administration took office last year.

TWU members have been in negotiations with AMR, the parent company of American Airlines and American Eagle, since contracts became amendable in 2006, and the parties have been in federal mediation since 2008.

"Four years is time enough to settle a contract," said TWU International President James C. Little. "In the dark days of 2003, when AMR was in desperate financial straits, it took us just two weeks to reach an agreement which included major sacrifices from our members in order to keep this company alive. If we could get the job done in two weeks in 2003, an agreement, years in the making, can certainly be reached by March 8."

In 2003, even after accepting painful concessions, TWU members increased productivity and implemented process improvements, such as decreasing the standard turn time required to perform aircraft overhaul.

The enormous contributions made by our members, "are simply not being recognized at the bargaining table by AMR executives. This situation cannot continue," said TWU Air Transport Director John Conley. "Over the past four years we have utilized a facilitated approach, direct negotiations, mediation, super meditation and recess sessions, all to no avail. Releasing the parties is the natural order of progression and called for under the Act."

TWU members work in eleven American Airlines and American Eagle bargaining units in locations across the United States. The parties have reached two tentative agreements – covering aircraft maintenance technicians and fleet service workers at American Eagle that are currently pending ratification.

"If AMR is sincere about reaching an agreement, we can settle the remaining nine contracts," said TWU International President Little. "The company needs to recognize the wage and benefit needs of our members, as well as the contribution they’ve made through enhanced productivity and by bringing new business into the company."

"If AMR executives are not serious, they’re going to find out very quickly that TWU members are – and we’re going to do what it takes to reach a fair and equitable agreement," Little added.

TWU represents ground workers who work in a wide variety of job classifications at American Airlines and American Eagle.

Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) represents 200,000 workers and retirees, primarily in commercial aviation, public transportation and passenger railroads, including 22,000 workers at AMR. TWU represents more workers at AMR than any other labor organization. The union is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.

TWU President Writes Congress as Opposition Mounts to Health BenefitsTax

Many unions are outspoken in their opposition to taxing healthcare
benefits. We reprint below, a letter sent to all members of the House and
Senate by James C. Little, International President of the Transport
Workers Union (TWU). http://www.twu.org/international/article/486/

Below President Little's letter is an article from Tuesday's New York
Times which indicates some are hearing the rank and file sentiment.

New York Times February 16, 2010

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/16/health/policy/16health.html?th&emc=th

EXCISE TAX LOSES SUPPORT AMID WHITE HOUSE PUSH

Is this your typical Manager or just what they think? check it out here.... http://snipurl.com/j1kl

Fleet & Ground Service Negotiations Update - 02/05/2010

http://aa.twu.org/default.asp?Display=41

AA Joint Negotiation Committee Update December 15, 2008

To: All Members of AA Locals 501 – 590

From: John M. Conley, ATD Director

Re: Reflections on 12.2 to 12.12 AA “SuperSession” Negotiations

To say I am disappointed would be a gross understatement – it is difficult to distinguish between arrogance and ignorance, referring to the company’s comprehensive proposal of December 12. Are they destitute of knowledge, unaware, untutored - or simply antagonist, arrogant and domineering? Perhaps a combination of all, as the TWU addressed sensitive issues and offered creative solutions that were countered with nothing but the same lethargic, uninspired, one sided demands that are the hallmark of AA negotiating tactics. We did not ignore the competitive realities or economic frailty of the current environment. In fact, our proposals were anything but destructive, toxic or unrealistic – after all, intuitively, an unhealthy employer does not serve the intrinsic interests or needs of our members. We negotiated with a full understanding of industry challenges; we considered forward looking seminal contract changes while protecting and enhancing the economic interests of our members.

In the end, we negotiated with the intent of satisfying the interests of both parties. However, the Company came to the table with a small carrot and big demands – demands that were short sighted, unrealistic, impotent efforts to achieve what other carriers could only execute in a bankruptcy court room. The TWU presented resourceful solutions that addressed the company’s long term needs in substantive ways while protecting current and future members. Since our efforts went unacknowledged and undervalued, we will be hard pressed to consider cornerstone subjects such as these in future negotiations. American squandered an opportunity to achieve equilibrium and long term competitive parity by overreaching – the TWU did not refuse to consider timeworn, foundational modifications – which if enacted, would have positioned American to compete and succeed, providing stability while balancing the opportunity for our members to realize gains, now and prospectively. In the end it was a losing proposition, as American Airlines demanded that we leave the “unborn” behind.

We remain unequivocal in our commitment to our members, our future members, and the future of our Union. A formal application for mediation services was submitted this a.m. and we anticipate a case number being assigned by week’s end. Further updates will be forthcoming.

For immediate release December 15, 2008

Attention aviation, business, labor and Dallas-based reporters and editors

Transport Workers Union and American Airlines File for Federal Mediation after Collapse of Latest Round of Negotiations for Ground Workers

DALLAS – After a week of intensive bargaining and no significant progress toward a contract, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and American Airlines (AMR) have jointly filed today for federal mediation.

"The company didn‟t seem very serious about getting an agreement," said TWU‟s Air Transport Division Director John Conley. "Union negotiators neither ignored the competitive realities that American faces nor ignored the economic fragility of the current environment. We gave them our equivalent of a „red tag sale.‟ This was a great opportunity for the company to award workers who have sacrificed and to lock in a labor agreement that was both fair and affordable. Next year, if industry analysts are correct in their predictions and profits rise, the price of jet fuel stays low, competition is thin and ticket prices are stable, you can bet the cost of a settlement will be greater."

"It is our hope that a federal mediator will now move us toward an agreement," said Conley. "Our members are angry. They have taken deep cuts in pay and benefits, while significantly boosting productivity and new sources of revenue. This airline can‟t run without TWU members, but American‟s executives wrongly think they can run away from their workers."

A federal mediator will likely be assigned in before the end of the year by the National Mediation Board (NMB). TWU contracts for ground workers including baggage handlers, flight simulator technicians and instructors became amendable on May 1. Aircraft mechanic and other TWU-represented workers are covered by a separate set of negotiations. TWU represents more AMR employees than any other union.

Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) represents 200,000 workers and retirees, primarily in commercial aviation, public transportation and passenger railroads. More than half the union’s membership works for commercial airlines. The union is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.

-- 30 --

AA Negotiations Team Update

NegotiAAte.twu.org
Do not subscribe to breakroom rumors and management whispers. Your TWU Negotiating Committee NEEDS YOU to stay informed. Talks are reaching a critical stage as the amendable date draws nearer. Go to NegotiAAte.twu.org and subscribe for the most accurate information.

Updates also available by clicking here Air Transport Division

TWU Opening Statement by John Conley - ATD Director Click here to read the statement

AA Negotiations Update 10-31-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 10-27-08 TWU Joint Committee Meetings AA Negotiations Update 10-24-08
Click here to read the Mechanic & Related Committee update Click here to read the Joint Committee update AA Negotiations Update 10-10-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 10-03-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 09-26-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 09-19-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Timeline Update 08-25-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 08-22-08Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 08-19-08Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 08-15-08Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 08-14-08Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 07-18-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 07-11-08Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 07-03-08Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 06-20-08Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 05-16-08Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 05-02-08Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 04-18-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 04-11-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 04-04-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 03-28-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 03-20-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 03-07-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 02-29-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 02-22-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 02-15-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 02-08-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 02-01-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 01-25-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 01-18-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 01-11-08 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 12-14-07 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 12-07-07 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 11-16-07 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 11-09-07 Click here to read the update AA Negotiations Update 11-02-07 Click here to read the update, AA Negotiations Update 09-28-07 Click here to read the update, AA Negotiations Update 09-21-07 Click here to read the update, AA Negotiations Update 09-14-07 Click here to read the update, AA Negotiations Update 08-24-07 Click here to read the update, AA Negotiations Update 08-10-07 Click here to read the update

The TWU-ATD Negotiation Committee met June 11-15 in Irving, Texas. The meeting was opened by International Vice President Dennis Burchette with the pledge of allegiance and a prayer. TWU Education Director Bob Weschler arranged June McMahon from the UCLA Labor Department, and Walter Pearson from Simpson College to give detailed presentations educating the Committee on contract language, proposal writing, and note taking.
Click here to read the full story

All AA Locals & Members 501-590
At the request of the Company, the AA Presidents Council has authorized a Sub-Committee, chaired by the International to explore the possibility of seeking non-traditional compensation, and a possible contract extension.
Click here read the full pdf

TWU Launches “Online Picket Line” Against Corporate Greed at American Airlines
Union circulates online petition, purchases Web-based advertisements and blasts email to hundreds of thousands of air travelers, shareholders, union activists and other citizens to draw attention to inequity of AA executives splitting nearly $200 million stock windfall while employee “partners” get nothing.

Union also to join lobbying effort for Congressional limits on executive compensation.
Click here to read the release

What's At Stake?
Tell Your Representative to Co-Sponsor H.R. 1257, the Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act
TWU supports HR 1257 (the Executive Compensation Act), which would give shareholders a real say in preventing public companies from lavishing executives and managers with obscene bonuses, as just occurred at American Airlines.

The bill would require that public companies submit executive pay plans to a nonbinding shareholder vote each year.
E—mail your representative. Tell them to become a sponsor of the bill.

AA Rejects TWU Proposal
American Airlines rejected a proposal by the Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO (TWU) today in regards to the Compensation Committee of the AMR Board of Directors.
Click here to read more in the Airline Division Section

TWU Request for Option Review - March 13, 2007
The Transport Workers Union requests that the AMR Board of Directors, through the appropriate Committee, conduct a review of the 2003 Employee Stock Incentive Plan (ESIP) based on the facts set forth below.
View PDF

Formal Response from AA - April 02, 2007
View PDF

Letter sent from TWU to all AA Locals - April 09, 2007
On April 18, 2007, the Compensation Committee of the AMR Board of Directors will grant awards to approximately 874 Officers and key employees. The awards are purported to provide greater incentive to select members of Management compelling them to achieve the highest level of individual “performance.”
View PDF

For immediate release

January 22, 2007

SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE – TRANSPORT WORKERS UNION TO NEGOTIATE NEW CONTRACT WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES

Citing a Return to Profitability, 800 Percent Increase in Share Price, Successful Labor/Management Partnership and Millions of Dollars in Executive Compensation, TWU Calls for a Return to the Bargaining Table

DALLAS – American Airlines’ largest union, the Transport Workers Union of America, representing more than 27,000 ground workers including Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (mechanics), today announced that it is reopening contract negotiations with the nation’s largest airline. Negotiations are expected to begin in November.

“American’s leadership has told us in recent years that workers and managers should ‘share the gain’ as well as ‘share the pain,’ ” said Transport Workers Union (TWU) International President James C. Little. “Profits are up, the share price is up and our members have improved the airline’s bottom line by in-sourcing work from other carriers and finding new ways to boost productivity. The gains are there, it’s time to share.”

            Last week, the company announced that its 2006 profit was $231 million. The stock price was trading near its 52-week high of $41, an 800-percent increase over the share value of $5 in 2003. Under the company’s executive compensation plan, roughly 1,000 company executives could end up splitting as much as $218 million in stock payments in April based on today’s share price.

            “We’re pleased the company is doing so well,” said Little. “We know that much of this success is directly tied to our highly profitable partnership with the company that has streamlined the maintenance process and brought more than 50 customers, including many foreign airlines, into American’s hangars for repairs.”

Over the past three years, American Airlines’ management and TWU members have partnered on a redesign of the airline’s repair facilities. As a result, instead of 800 mechanics working the usual 25 days on a complete aircraft overhaul, the process is now completed in 13 days with just 450 personnel. The cost has been reduced by 55 percent.

            American’s repair facilities have become a major profit center for the airline. Many U.S. airlines send their planes to South America for major repairs. The opposite is true for American. South American airlines are flying their planes to American’s facilities in the U.S. for maintenance because the partnership between TWU and American has resulted in new efficiencies and cost competitiveness. The partnership is expected to bring in $100 million in revenue from outside sources in 2007 and a projected $175 million in 2008.

            The TWU/airline partnership also has produced significant improvements in Fleet Service as members working with local management have saved the company millions of dollars through shortened flight turnarounds and innovative scheduling enhancements.

            “This is a real test for the partnership,” said Little. “Our members tightened their belts, rallied around this airline and kept it out of bankruptcy, boosted productivity and put American’s balance sheet in the black. Other union partnerships have not produced the same results. The gains need to be shared with the people who generate new revenue and keep the planes flying.”

            Gary Yingst, the director of TWU’s Air Transport Division, will be the union’s lead negotiator. Between now and May the union will solicit proposals from its local unions at American and communicate with members about bargaining strategies. The union is responsible for contracts covering seven work groups at American: Aircraft Maintenance Technicians and Related, Stores, Fleet Service and Ground Service, Technical Specialists, Flight Dispatchers, Flight Simulator Technicians and Ground School Instructors.

            The Transport Workers Union of America represents 125,000 workers primarily in commercial aviation, public transportation and passenger railroads. More than half the union’s membership works for commercial airlines. The union is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.

Workers’ Comp Cuts Cause Ongoing Agony

By Attorney Larry Goldstein

In 2003, as he was fighting a recall movement, then-Gov. Gray Davis tried to score points with business leaders by cutting Workers’ Comp benefits. The attacks on injured workers have only worsened since then. Arnold Schwarzenegger began his term by cutting benefits even deeper and installing officials who would interpret his new Workers’ Comp law as severely as possible.

For many Californians injured on the job, two of the most painful changes have been limits on physical therapy and utilization review by insurance company doctors.

The law currently limits treatment for injuries on or after Jan. 1, 2004, to 24 sessions of physical, occupational and chiropractic therapy. Utilization Review by insurance company doctors – often including out-of-state physicians who don’t know California law or the patient’s medical history, and who may never examine the patient – can limit treatment even more.

Injuries before 2004 are subject to Utilization Review, but not the 24-session limit. Aqua-therapy, acupuncture, massage or other therapies are also subject to review, but not the limit.

An adverse ruling under Utilization Review can be overturned, but it requires nationally recognized, scientifically based, peer review. That is a high standard to meet in most cases.

These changes can have devastating effects. Utilization Review may not authorize surgery until more conservative treatments have been tried, but patients can reach the 24-session limit before trying more aggressive therapy.

Because therapy is limited to 24 sessions for each injury, additional treatments can be approved if the law firm can show a second injury, even to the same body part.

The bottom line: Injured workers should get legal help immediately to ensure they receive all benefits under the law.

******

Larry Goldstein is partner with Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein. The law firm has been helping injured union members for more than 30 years on cases involving Workers’ Comp and Personal Injury laws, including discrimination on the job. For more information, contact Goldstein at (213) 739-7000.

Stewards

The first line of defense for us at work,
To protect us from some corporate jerk;
Such as a boss with the roving eye
Who pinches women on the thigh
Or from the Boss who has to spy.
The steward's job is such a tedious chore,
Without them we would be out the door,
Fired for another yet unjust cause.
We can not thank them all enough,
Because the job is so very tough.
So support your steward every day;
For they do their job without more pay.
They volunteer so give them thanks,
Perhaps you could join their ranks.
That's all she wrote there is no more,
About the stewards we all adore.

What is a Union?

What is a Union, why it's you and it's me
When we all work together in true harmony
A chain's only broken by its weakest link
We must all pull together, so no-one will sink

The power of out Union is ever so near
Stick close to our goal, a straight course we must steer
Look to your Union my sister and brother
An injury to you is an injury to another

A Union needs unity, a oneness that's true
Equality and empathy are what we need too
Think like your brother, picture his needs
Now to build a great Union, you're sowing the seeds