December 3, 2020 After the merger of American Airlines and US Airways in 2012, the IAM and TWU fought together in solidarity with the singular focus of bargaining the best joint collective bargaining agreement for our members at the new American Airlines. Together, we proved what concession focused AMFA organizers said could not be done, fighting together and winning an [Read More..]

December 3, 2020 This morning the Union was advised by Southwest Airlines that they are going forward with their plan on furloughing Customer Service Agents, Customer Sales and Support and Source of Support employees.  Today, the company is issuing WARN notices to those who the company says will be furloughed and will also issue “potential Impact” notices to those who [Read More..]

November 26, 2020 Sisters, Brothers and Friends of the IAM, While this year has been unlike any other, there is still much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. This challenging time has given us all a new perspective. I know I’m especially grateful for our Machinists Union family—and the work all of our members have done day in and day [Read More..]

November 23, 2020 As has been reported, your Union has met with Southwest management to discuss the continuance of the home agent program. It is important to understand that these discussions are not encumbered by the simultaneous negotiation for a new contract under the National Mediation Board procedures. The need for us to engage with Southwest over this matter was [Read More..]

November 20, 2020 Despite the Company’s very awkward attempt to bargain directly with its employees and go around your negotiators, the fact remains that there is no contract package for our members to vote on. We continue the negotiating process under the rules of the Railway Labor Act with a mediator who calls for our official negotiating meetings. No such [Read More..]

November 17, 2020 Recently, Southwest distributed a communication Companywide from Julie and Russell trying to describe terms that may be used as Southwest contemplates reducing the workforce. One misleading or confusing part of that communication, as it applies to IAM represented employees, is the use of the term furlough or layoff. Under our collective bargaining agreements, the use of either [Read More..]

November 15, 2020 A small and poorly-resourced association claimed on Friday that it secured the requisite support among mechanic and related workers at American Airlines to call for a representation election. The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (amfa) filed what is known as an application for investigation for a representation dispute with the National Mediation Board (NMB) Friday afternoon. The NMB [Read More..]

November 12, 2020 All five of Southwest Airlines’ named executives would be subject to strict pay limitations for up to six years if the company takes a loan from the U.S. Treasury as part of the CARES Act emergency relief legislation. CEO Gary Kelly, who received $8.8 million in total compensation in 2019, would be limited to no more than [Read More..]