Local 512 Newsletter

TRANSPORT
WORKERS UNION
A F LL-- C I O
INSIDE
LOCAL
VOLUME 32 NUMBER 1
Local 512 Newsletter
MAY
512
IN THIS ISSUE:
BIANCALANA:
1
MURPHY:
2
V ISIT TO
A IR F REIGHT
3
HAGN:
4
EQUITY, RETIREE
MEDICAL
TRANSFORMATION
AA: MORE
CHANGES TO COME
SAFETY— NOT
THE FREE &
CONVENIENT KIND
F R I E D M A N:
5
6
CLASS WARFARE
G AJEWSKI :
6
VETERANS UPDATE
C HALCRAFT:
DEICING KUDOS
7
A UGUST : EAP
7
P OLITICS:
7
IL-IND MEETING
MILESTONES
8
2014
Final Equity Distribution, Retiree Benefit Ruling Discussed
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
120th
Maxon added that “American had sought a ruling that
it was free to change the health plans in which it helps
pay the premiums for retirees. If allowed, American
said it would require retirees who wanted to keep the
benefits to pay all of the premiums.” More detailed
information about the Judge’s decision, including his
49-page opinion, is posted on twulocal512.org. It is
still not clear whether American will be required to
return the “match” paid toward the now cancelled
retiree medical benefits of current TWU members.
Earlier this month, we reached the
day of
the Equity Distribution, our final portion of the Equity. I’m sure you have heard that the International
TWU is withholding an additional four percent for the
three pending lawsuits against the TWU filed by former AA employees who were excluded
from the equity distributions under the
Equity Distribution Plan adopted last
year, bringing the total to 14% of the
Former Local 512 President Sean Doyle, now
Equity withheld. Obviously, if the Inan International Vice President in the Air Transport
ternational loses these lawsuits, the 14%
Division, was in town and walked the ramp with Tim
would be used to cover the portion of
Murphy, March 24 and then visited the Title I aircraft
the Equity for which we are being sued,
PRESIDENT’S mechanics March 25. On March 26, VP Doyle, Complus legal and administrative costs. If
munications Coordinator Mike Brennan, Political
the TWU prevails, the 14% will be dis- MESSAGE
Coordinator Kevin Schmidt, and I attended the
tributed among the remaining eligible
recipients, minus administrative and legal expenses. Illinois-Indiana State Conference in South Bend.
While awaiting a decision, the Federal Judge has en- There are a lot of very close races in the upcoming
tered an order to secure a professional investment elections. It is imperative that we remain involved
and support those candidates that
manager to prudently manage
It is imperative that we remain support Labor. No longer should we
the 14% that has been placed in
involved and support those
support a candidate simply because
reserve. We will continue to upcandidates that support Labor they have a (D) next to their name.
date you with any information
They have to be accountable for
that becomes available.
their actions as well as their positions. See page 2 for
Concerning the 1114, on April 18 U.S. Bankruptcy
a report on the meeting.
Judge Sean Lane on Friday denied part of American
If you have any questions or concerns please
Airlines’ request for summary judgment on the issue
of retiree health benefits and approved part of the contact me at the Hall or on my cell phone. Thank
request. According to Dallas News reporter Terry you for your continued support and I will look forMaxon, “it looks like pretty much a win for most of ward to seeing you at our next Membership Meeting,
the tens of thousands of retirees who would have or on the Ramp.
faced paying their own insurance premiums.” The
Fraternally yours,
Judge’s order “doesn’t settle the issues raised, only
Chris Biancalana. Local 512 President
that he didn’t find sufficient reason to rule in [email protected]
can’s favor. American could request a full trial.”
People ask the
difference between
a leader and a boss.
The leader leads,
and the boss
drives.
— Theodore Roosevelt
You are not here
merely to make a
living. You are here
in order to enable
the world to live
more amply, with
greater vision, with
a finer spirit of
hope and achievement. You are here
to enrich the world,
and you impoverish
yourself if you
forget the errand.
— Woodrow Wilson
U.S. Congress Democratic primary candidate for Indiana's 2nd District Joe Bock (in the white shirt) joins IL-IND State Conference representatives
for a group photo at Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana, March 26, hosted by TWU Local 2053 Vice President Ted Berkshire.
Front row: Ted Berkshire, Danny Groves, Don May, Rafael Melon, Joe Bock, Donna Keith, Dale Wilson, Lee Clark, Luis Rodriguez
Second row: Mark Szumylo, Kevin Schmidt, Brian Connors, Chris Biancalana, Sean Doyle, Gwen York, Donald Knight, Brendan Remezas, Council Creech. Donna Keith serves as conference chair, and Dale Wilson serves as secretary. More on Page 7. (photo by Mike Brennan)
Page 2
Transformation AA — More Changes to Come
in your employee file are specific, and for that reason it is imperative
The AMR Corporation has emerged from bankruptcy. US Air- that you keep informed on your contractual rights. It is equally imways Management is in the house. Buckle up! It sure looks like we portant that you have Union Representation at ALL times when
meeting with members of Management. The US Airways/ IAM conare in for a wild ride. Coming your way is the all new AAL Group.
If we have learned anything in the past few years, it is that con- tract is different than the AA / TWU contract. The bottom line is
stant change has become the norm at American Airlines. We have this; you do not work for US Airways, you work for American Airlines. Until such time as a new Joint Collective Bargaining
weathered growth, downsizing, station closures, manAgreement is negotiated and ratified by the membership, the existing
agement changes, outsourcing, schedule changes,
AA/TWU Collective Bargaining Agreement remains in full force and
technological implementation; the list goes on and on.
effect. Your Local 512 officers are in regular communication with the
And in the short time that US Airways Management
TWU International officers, as well as the officers of other Locals in
has been around, it has become apparent that more
the system, to monitor whatever changes are implemented that may
changes are coming fast.
affect the membership. If you have any questions about your contracFirst thing in was Doug Parker. I feel that I can
tual rights, contact any union representative or call the Local 512 Unspeak for the vast majority of us when I say “Good
ion Hall.
Riddance” to Tom Horton. Unfortunately, Tom got a
There are some big changes happening at American Eagle Aircool $20 million to take with him on his way out. That VICE-PRESIDENT
equates to just about a million a month to navigate us T IM M URPHY lines too. We have seen American Eagle Airlines grow here in ORD
from three gates on the G Concourse to the mammoth operation that
through bankruptcy. Nice work if you can get it. But
it is today. All the turboprops were replaced by regional jets. Although
now Mr. Parker is in control and change is underway.
Locally, we have seen changes in the management ranks, and the AMR Corporation had realized its dream of owning a “Low Cost
undoubtedly there are more changes to come. The most prominent Carrier”, the low cost structure of American Eagle Airlines proved to
change as of late is the appointment of Mr. Dale Salisbury as Manag- be not low enough. As such, the bankruptcy has changed that operaing Director of Customer Operations. The Officers at Local 512 wel- tion too. Virtually unlimited regional flight operations were the result
come this change. Noteworthy is the fact that Mr. Salisbury is from of the contractual changes implemented during the restructuring.
US Airways, and as such, we undoubtedly will see a new perspective Now, as the American Eagle Airlines name is changing to “Envoy”, the
expansion of third party flight operations is
and further changes as Mr. Salisbury gets
fully underway. Republic Airlines and Chausettled into his new position. I am hopeful
Our record is our calling tauqua Airlines that operate flights under the
that the relationship between the office of the
American Eagle or American Connection name
Managing Director and the Officers of Local
card. As such, we must
replaced some of the flying done by
512 will improve.
look to our strengths and have
American Eagle Airlines. All of the workers at
Other known changes include an emcapitalize on them.
American Eagle Airlines are feeling the presphasis on recurrent training as well as the
sure to be competitive with third party regional
manner in which aircraft damage investigations are conducted. As such, what we have come to expect as airlines cost structures in an effort to remain employed. Management
“normal” will be a thing of the past. Although the US Airways manag- has demanded further concessions from the American Eagle Pilots
ers handle aircraft damage investigations, safety and related issues, than were realized during the bankruptcy process. Although the Masas well as perceived infractions of company policy differently than we ter Executive Council at the American Eagle Airlines unit of the Air
are accustomed to, the provisions afforded the TWU Membership Line Pilots Association (ALPA) initially chose not to bring the prounder Article 29 of the Collective Bargaining Agreements at Ameri- posed contractual changes to a membership vote, it was decided to do
can Airlines cannot be compromised. The procedures that must be so after the AAL Group Managers threatened to essentially dissolve
followed in relation to corrective action or documented conversations
(Continued on page 3)
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The New and Oddly Critical Issue of Wearing Company Lanyards
WHILE THE COMPANY HAS BEEN FOCUSED ON THE MERGER, signs of a unionized workforce.
For whatever reason, they have decided that displays of Union Tthey have decided to tackle one of its most important items to date.
ID lanyards. That’s right….lanyards. Of all the things they’ll face, shirts, jackets and other miscellaneous items are no longer acceptable. We have tried to offer items outside the contract to
the lanyards have made it to the top of the list. A few weeks
wear at work that are not governed by their self developed
back there was a hard push by management to get us to
uniform policy. The company desires to develop, interpret
wear the AA/ONEworld lanyard in celebration of USAir
and implement this policy and takes creative license with
joining ONEworld, which they deemed another important
what they think is covered. The fact is that lanyards or any
aspect of the merger.
other ID holder are not covered by the uniform policy, and
This push to wear company lanyards is another step in
if they wish to change the policy it should be properly negothe systematic elimination of union references. It seems
512
tiated with us, the union that represents the work force.
that while we are all valued for our unique abilities, the
Instead, they went out to persuade or coerce people into
most important thing is that everyone looks the same.
wearing new lanyards. Some Managers threatened a direcIn recent years, there has been a reduction in the
amount of approved TWU gear you can wear while at work. There was tive to get members to comply.
As of this newsletter, there is no policy governing the wearing of
a time when the annual TWU T-shirt was approved by management
to be worn on the ramp for the summer, and at least on two different lanyards at work. Anyone saying a policy exists is not being truthful.
occasions, TWU jackets were also approved. Those days are gone as Feel free to wear whatever lanyard suits your style, including a free
the company tries to wrest away the pride we have in being union TWU lanyard. If you have any questions, please see a Steward or call
members. While the contract allows hats and pins to be worn, there the office and speak to an Officer.
never seemed to be a problem allowing us to wear other items with
Fraternally,
proper approval. Hats and union pins aren’t as practical as a T-shirt
Kevin Hagn, Secretary Treasurer
during the annual summer heat and they are determined to erase any
[email protected]
Page 3
American Eagle Airlines unless the proposed changes were implemented. The result of that
A VISIT TO AIR FREIGHT
vote was not what Management wanted to see. Participation in the election was extremely
high with 91% of pilots voting, and an overwhelming 70% of those voting no. As promised,
John Davis
American Eagle’s president and chief executive announced the downsizing of their fleet. Additionally, the new Embraer 175 aircraft scheduled to enter service and be flown by American
Eagle Airlines pilots will be awarded to third party regional carriers.
The Auto Shop and Facilities Maintenance Mechanics at ORD will see changes, possibly
as soon as this coming summer. These are part of the system-wide restructuring of Title II.
The separation of the Customer Service and Tech Ops groups is underway. The plans include
moving all the Auto Shop Mechanics to the Tech Ops Department, which is aligned with Title
I Aircraft Maintenance. Additionally, Facility Maintenance at the GEM Building and Hangars
will be separated from the Terminal and Cargo Building,
Dan Frazier
splitting that department amongst the Tech Ops and Customer Service groups respectively. While there is much concern in relation to these changes, once again, knowing our
contractual rights is a top priority. The Title II Collective
Bargaining Agreement provides protections for the outsourcing of work that can normally be performed by our workforce.
Draconian changes at these work groups do not give the company the right to violate the contract. And while US Airways
has retained a relatively small Title II work force, that should
not be determined to be the best business practice as we move
Dana Taylor
forward. Our Title II Mechanics, both on the Auto and Facilities side, are highly skilled and
trained. They have a vested stake in the success of our company and have proven that they
Ed Blevins
perform their duties in a professional manner. So once again, until such time as a new Joint
Collective Bargaining Agreement is negotiated and ratified by the membership, the existing
AA/TWU Contract remains in full force and effect and cannot be compromised.
John Thompson
The pilots of American Airlines and US Airways are dealing with changes too. The main
disagreement has to do with a combined seniority list. As is the case with all workers in the
Airline Industry, seniority is a hot topic. Seniority determines where the employee is based,
schedules, and essentially how much money is earned. When it comes to flight crews, the
aircraft type that is flown has a huge impact on earnings and lifestyles. The union that reprePaul Pezza
sents the US Airways pilots (USAPA) has asked a court to force the pilots at American Airlines (APA) into arbitration in an attempt to resolve the disagreement.
Other personnel changes are in the works, too. The combination of identical departments at AA and US Airways will result in staffing and procedural changes. For example,
Finance Workers in Tulsa are being uprooted from their homes and forced to relocate, find
other work in the company, retire, or resign their positions.
Carla Green
We will see the US Airways ramp operation move into Terminal 3 here at ORD over the
next few months. The Local 512 Officers have reached out to our Union Representative counterparts at US Airways in ORD to make this as seamless a move as possible. The effects on
our workforce as well as the IAM represented workforce here locally are very much a priority.
Although the initial interaction was promising, subsequent conversations have been disappointing. We will work through the IAM District Lodge leadership to correct this problem as
needed. As we have more information in relation to this issue, we will pass it along to you.
As American Airlines changes, so must the TWU. As an organization, both the International and Local 512 have adapted to changes brought upon them. It’s a must. The International Union is in the process of revamping their operations and is empowering the Locals.
Local 512 has made the necessary financial and organizational changes to ensure the viability
and stability for our membership here in Chicago. We stand prepared to take on further challenges and changes as we move forward. The Local 512 leadership, in cooperation with TWU
International Officers, will explore every opportunity available to our membership. Any additional work for the membership will be explored. As a workforce, the membership of Local
512 has proven themselves as the best in the work we perform, for American Airlines and
George Peri
Charles Coleman
others. This includes aircraft servicing, deicing, baggage handling accuracy, departure dependability, fueling, and safety. Our record is our calling card. As such, we must look to our
Mike Geller
strengths and capitalize on them. We cannot ignore the changes in our industry; it is imperative that we adapt. Additional work for us as a Local equates to additional opportunities for
Miriam Santiago
each of us in the membership. Our priority must be to secure any and all work from our One
World Partners and any other airline.
The thing we all need to be aware of is this; change is inevitable. Change will happen in
our work lives whether we like it or not. That is out of our control. Having said that, the
manner in which we deal with the change is in our control. Staying informed, getting involved, and standing up for our rights is crucial. But insofar as how we deal with all the issues that arise as a result of these changes, we must rely on our strengths, our knowledge, and
our collective resolve.
Fraternally and Sincerely,
Timothy M. Murphy, Vice President
[email protected]
Phil Ray
Page 4
Safety Coordinator Kenny Cruz with Safety Stewards John Gannon, Jim Lorenz, Frank Grunauer, Drew Catania, Kenny Goodwin, Bob Johnson, George Ganas and Harry Clark
Safety — Not the “Free or Convenient” Kind
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
For many of us, safety has never been
viewed seriously by the company until after
an accident or an incident has occurred.
While there are many safety rules and procedures in place, few have been actively reinforced, and are often only used against us
after an incident. A manager goes into your
training record after an incident and pulls out
a lesson you read twenty years ago, and then
uses that as the reason to issue discipline —
even though it was never reinforced, revisited
or refreshed. It’s been used as a “get out of
jail free” card for the company to assess
blame and to show that they have dealt with
an incident. It is a tiring chain of events this
company has historically hidden behind.
This is changing and, with the new leadership
taking charge, it appears they have a more
genuine interest in safety.
Local 512 has always proactively engaged
the company in safety as long as we sensed
there was some palpable interest in their desire. Contractually, we meet monthly at the
Joint Safety Meeting to discuss the multitude
of safety issues that arise. At times we have
expanded the program to have a better platform to ensure your safety and that of the
other members, employees and passengers
we interact with daily. At times we have
clashed with the company over how the
“Partnership for Safety” was to be run,
but we have generally always been able to
find common ground, as we all have an interest in safety. As with everything there is some
relevant history with our participation in the
company’s safety program.
Shortly after we took office, the company
approached us about the amount of time our
stewards were using to do their safety-related
tasks in the company’s safety program, and
discussed their need to reduce the cost associated with the program. Because it was a
safety program and we knew the importance
being involved on some level, we acquiesced.
Additional conversations about safety over
the years with the Managing Director of
Ramp Services always centered on decreasing
the amount of time we would spend doing
relevant safety functions. Last year, after
another demand by this Manager to complete
more in the scant safety program they formed
with less manpower hours, the Officers at
Local 512 informed the company that we
would no longer participate in the partnership for safety. It was an extremely difficult
decision, but we realized the company had
minimized our level of participation to such a
negligible level that we were better off instituting our own plan outside of the prohibitive
restrictions that the company was placing on
us. We notified the appropriate Manager that
we were withdrawing from their whittled
down miniscule program and began developing our own plan with the help of the Local
512 safety team.
Shortly after withdrawing from their
program, ORD Vice President Franco
Tedeschi found out about our decision. He
asked for an immediate meeting with us to
discuss the seriousness of our actions. After
lengthy discussion with him about our concerns regarding the program’s current status,
we agreed to listen to their revised plan for
our re-engagement in a new safety program
with the stipulation that there had to be a
new face to the program from their side.
Those initial meetings saw substantial
changes in the company’s structure and attitude and they willingly addressed, reduced or
eliminated many of the major roadblocks we
brought forward. With that first step of success, we sat down with their
new safety team and worked
on a new, more comprehensive safety plan. It included
many more man hours for
our Safety Stewards to be
genuinely involved and engaged with both the membership and management. It
included more time for
m e e t i ng s , c o m pl i a n c e
S ECRETARY –
walks, observations and
T REASURER
time to address the many
K EVIN HAGN
other items that have come
up. In the eight months that
we’ve been re-engaged in the program, we
have seen many more successes with the new
team than in the four previous years under
the old team. While there remain many issues
that need to be addressed, this is a welcome
fresh start and perspective on safety. It’s a
dramatic shift from the long perceived company philosophy that safety is only important
if it is “free or convenient” — a phrase
coined by Facilities Maintenance Mechanic
Dave Drabik that has been accurate and
proven for far too many years.
This re-invented safety program is now
going to be more important as the new phi-
Local 512 Shop Stewards — Ramp
Bid Coordinator John Biddle; A.M. Ramp Shop Stewards Mike Bartucci, Ron Burrell, Guy Maloberti, Tim Marting, Dana Marzillo, John Reitmaier, Pete Romano
P.M. Ramp Shop Stewards Ron Atanus, Juan Elvira, Bob Eriks, John Gales, Jeff Haussy, Keith Kmilek, Scott Mueller, Jeff Schroyer and Sherman Young
Page 5
Executive Board Members Bobby Brun, Rick Friedman and Trevor Chalcraft; Chief Stewards Lenny Guglielmo, Mike Bartus, Randy Barthel and Amy Locke
losophies, management practices and personnel integrate from USAir to AA (or vice versa).
They have already begun auditing some practices and procedures at the legacy AA, and are
trying to address the shortcomings in the lack
of recurrent training regarding safety issues
and proper procedures they have found. While
they expect to see immediate changes, we have
advised them it will take some time to overcome the years of complacency we have seen
in regard to the lack of recurrent training and
proactive productive engagement from management. The reactive “why did you do that?”
culture we’ve worked in and experienced has
only fostered a challenging and sometimes
mistrusting relationship with management.
While the USAir team of safety managers
seems genuine in their desire to change the
philosophy surrounding safety and the use of
proper procedure, we too must be willing to
adapt. Safety needs to become the priority we
have been told it is. It starts with you and me,
and we have an obligation to hold each other
accountable as well as the managers that will
enforce what we expect to be some comprehensive procedural and policy changes.
Change is never easy. It’s even more difficult as we all have grown accustomed to the
way things have been done for many, many
years. Indications from the few short meetings
we have had with the legacy USAir Managers
indicate that a lot of that is about to change.
The new management team has stated that
things are very different at USAir, and one of
their managers is in charge of the new Safety
program. The one thing I’ve learned in meeting
some of their managers is they move quickly in
doing just about everything — more so than AA
Air Freight Stewards
ever has. We will be engaged with them and
have input when they want to discuss items
regarding our members but as they have already learned, we have a contract with American Airlines, and that contract is different than
their agreement with the IAM at USAir. There
will be limitations they will have to work
within, and we will not yield any of contractual
protections we enjoy. Safety, even with the
enhancements in the program, still isn’t a “get
Executive Board Member Terry Boyle and
out of jail free” card.
Section Chairman Bryan Piper
Our safety team is comprised of Safety
Coordinator Kenny Cruz and Safety Stewards
John Gannon, Jim Lorenz, Frank Grunauer, Kenny Goodwin, Bobby Johnson,
Drew Catania, Harry Clark and George
Ganas. They are here to help you in any safety
issue you may have. Their shifts, work areas
and days off can be found on the Steward list
posted throughout the airport. You can contact
Stewards Julie Jakubosky and Mike Geller. Not
me at the office as well about any safety issue
pictured: Hugo Pergolizzi
or concern you have.
The next several months are bound to see
Local 512 Coordinators
many changes in many areas. When it comes to
changes, enhancements and improvements in
safety, we all have an obligation to listen and
improve our habits. This may not be an easy
change, because many of us have been doing
this job for longer than we can remember, but
we can always do things more safely. We have
an obligation to ensure we and our other
Brothers and Sisters go home at night the same
way we came to work. Please work smart and
stay safe.
Political Action Coordinator, Kevin Schmidt;
Fraternally,
Veterans Coordinator, Arizo Gajewski; CommuKevin Hagn, Secretary Treasurer
nications Coordinator, Mike Brennan
[email protected]
Local 512 Officers: Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Hagn; President Chris Biancalana; Vice President Tim Murphy
Title II Facilities Maintenance Stewards
Facilities Section Chairman Tom Schultz, Rich Beeks, Len Mitchell, Dave Drabik, Tim Kmiec.
Local 512 EAP Coordinators: Coordinators
Steve August, Louie Trevino, Dan Frazier
Title II Automotive Stewards
Automotive Section Chairman Dennis Tate, Frank Dlugopolski, Dwain Wooley
Page 6
Class War Raged by the Ultra-rich
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
"There's class warfare, all right, but it's my class, the rich class,
that's making the war, and we're winning."
Anybody care to guess who said this? That quote comes from
the oracle of Omaha himself, Warren Buffet. The Republicans
and Tea partiers love to cry that the left just wants to start “class
warfare” whenever the left talks about shrinking the divide between
the haves and have-nots. Following World War II, workers in this
country enjoyed the fruits of their output. From 1947 through 1973,
workers’ incomes rose hand in hand with their productivity. Their
median wages plus benefits rose 95% as their production increased
97%.
Then a change took place. The rewards for those increases in
productivity started going to the top executives and shareholders of
their companies. Economists Robert Gordon and Ian DewBecker have shown that in the last three decades, the gains in
worker production have gone into the pockets of the
richest 10%. Wall Street bonuses in 2013 were the
third highest on record, $26.7 billion given to
165,200 employees. That's an increase of 15% over
the previous year. The amount pocketed by the Wall
Street elite would pay the cost of doubling the
paychecks of the 1,085,000 full-time employees
making the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
While this would put a crimp on the luxury goods
R ICK F RIEDMAN the rich would buy with this money it would be better spent by low wage earners. Low wage workers
EB M EMBER
spend nearly every dollar earned on basic needs.
The wealthy pocket away a greater amount of their earnings. For
every extra dollar going to a low wage worker, $1.21 is added to the
national economy. Compare this to $0.39 being added to the Gross
Domestic Product when that dollar is given to the rich.
When you see these numbers, it's hard to argue against a minimum wage increase. The right constantly rings the bell about letting
the market determine wages and prices. The Department of Justice
is just now concluding an investigation into the suppression of
wages between tech giants Google and Apple. Other companies included in the investigation were Adobe, Intel, Intuit, Lucasfilm and
Pixar. More than a million employees were part of this affected work
force. The companies had come to an agreement to not pursue each
other's workers, at a time when tech workers were in high demand
and their wages were increasing at huge levels. This agreement
started back around early March of 2005. Is this the free market
that Republicans are always championing? It's hard to believe that a
work force that is that highly educated and technically trained may
have benefited from organized labor. Unions are usually associated
with less skilled workforces, but when the ultra rich and powerful
collude to keep your earnings down, the only answer is to unite and
fight. This is something we as a work force have known for years.
We need to stay united and continue the fight, only together as one
can we hope to overcome and make our lives and the lives of our
families better.
Fraternally,
Rick Friedman, Executive Board Member
[email protected]
Veteran’s Update
Greetings to all my TWU Local 512 Union Brothers and
Sisters who are past, present, and future veterans, as well as Union
members presently serving in active duty, National Guard, or U.S.
Reserves, and their families:
This past March 19-20, the Air Transport
Division Veteran’s Committee (ATDVC) held its
quarterly meeting at the TWU-ATD offices in
Dallas. A number of issues were discussed.
There were 13 veteran reps present. As always,
the challenge of the vet reps gathering was
“Veterans Helping Veterans,” because veterans
earned this honor which makes it so meaningful.
One of the changes that International TWU has instituted under
President Harry Lombardo was to change the TWU-ATDVC to the
TWU Veterans Committee. The Committee was invited to return to
Brooks Medical Center in San Antonio in 2014 for Operation Free PX
on December 14-15. Further details will be discussed at the next
meeting.
There will be an honor flight for Viet Nam Veterans to Washington, D.C., on August 14. More information will be forwarded as it is
gathered.
A.A. Management has expedited the fingerprinting procedures
for AA employees returning from military deployment.
Legislative issues recently enacted into law include the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2013, which extends a number of Veterans’ initiatives such as the adaptive sports
program for disabled veterans, homeless veterans programs, and the
extension of grants to assist disabled veterans with
home adaptation. In addition, also signed into law is
the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-living Adjustment
Act of 2013. This law increases disability compensation, clothing allowance, and survivor benefits – a 1.5%
increase.
For benefits, John Giovenco, TWU Local
591 Benefits Chairman, spoke about how veterans and
their families are able to access benefits, and issues
they are facing, by going to the VA Government webARIZO GAJEWSKI sites for information. John also spoke about when a
VETERANS
veteran requests rehabilitation and/or vocational trainCOORDINATOR
ing. This is a service that is provided by the VA. He
related to the Veterans Committee about the process
for a veteran to be able to upgrade their military discharge if needed.
Also, by using VA Form 80 to process their DD-214. He also wants all
veterans to know their disability rights under the ADA.
CTA and PACE are providing Ventra Military Service Passes;
veterans who are rated at 10% or more disability retirement pay are
eligible. This pass is for free rides on CTA and PACE. The rated veteran needs to have an Armed Forces ID and proof of compensation
pay. To obtain this pass, go to the Ventra Customer Service Center,
165 N. Jefferson Street, Chicago, just outside CTA headquarters, 8
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The next meeting of the
Veterans Committee will be June 3-6, 2014.
Fraterally,
Arizo Gajewski, Local 512 Veterans Coordinator
[email protected]
When operations are suspended ALL employees are to seek shelter in a safe environment.
Suspended operations are not exclusive to the area around the aircraft that enables people to walk "close to the
building". The fact is simple. In suspended operations, if you don't have safe, covered access to the concourse you
CANNOT be sent to lunch. Additionally, you cannot "walk" for lunch if it entails leaving the safe, covered location
you are in during suspended operations. When operations resume then and only then can you go to lunch if you are
in the contractual lunch window or exercise your right to "walk" for lunch. Whether you are being told to go to lunch
or being given a directive, you are not to go to lunch. Arbitrators have held continuously to the following covenant:
You are not obligated to follow a directive if it's unsafe, illegal or immoral. It cannot be deemed insubordination and the company has no recourse against you for that. If the company insists on sending you to lunch
and threatens you with insubordination, document the date, time, name and follow up with a call to HR and open a Rule 32 investigation and
notify an Officer or E Board member. Furthermore, Local 512 has NOT entered into any agreement at any time allowing for you to go to lunch
in suspended operations. Management saying otherwise is blatantly untrue and these statements need to be reported to the Hall immediately
with the name of the Supervisor, date, time, and what was said. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Page 7
Kudos to Dedicated Professionals
Assisted Living Options for Seniors
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This has been one of the snowiest and coldest winters
Chicago has endured in many years, making it one of the
busiest winter operations here at O'Hare. I
don't believe there was a week, since the
beginning of December that didn't bring us
a very large dose of winter weather. All of
which made for very rough and dangerous
working conditions, day in and day out, but
we all did an amazing job, stepped up to the
plate and made it happen time after time. I
saw our professionalism displayed at all
levels within our job scope, ensuring our
T REVOR
jobs were completed on time and accurately
C HALCRAFT
with the safety to ourselves and our passenEB M EMBER
gers never compromised.
I would like to speak to you today about a trip I took
recently to a certain Senior Living Center. The level of
hospitality was greatly appreciated, not to mention the
insights provided regarding the levels of care in homes like
these.
While other ORD Winter Operations were having a
hard time just getting flights out, we were able to get them
out safely and very close to on time, every single event. It
was our dedication to ensuring our passengers were able to
reach their destination safely, quickly and all with the best
flying experience possible.
All of this helped show not
only our passengers, and our
fellow employees in other
work groups, but outside
government agencies, that
ORD winter operations is
second to none.
I do believe our hard work
and continued professionalism was the main factor that opened the door to securing
additional deicing work, not only this season, but possibly
even more work in the years to come.
We all want the best care that money can buy for our loved ones, and
these are just a few of the options. Assisted Living can be the ideal solution
for people who value their independence, but at the same time need help with
daily activities like bathing, dressing, the administration of medications, and
meals. At the same time, through all of this, the individual’s independence can
be maintained. Assisted Living can also be an alternative to many nursing
homes.
The second form of care serves people who suffer from illnesses such as
Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other forms of memory loss. The kind of care required for these seniors takes time and understanding. It not
only calls for the treatment of that individual, it also calls for
the timely recognition of the person’s problem in order to give
the proper treatment. These things can provide a comfort level
for seniors in the later stages of their lives. These memory
impairments can be challenging. A sudden change in personality, difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion concerning
time and place, and decreased or poor judgment can all be
symptoms of memory loss. There are innovative and effective
programs that can help to treat the individual, including
STEVE AUGUST healthy diet, exercise, and medications. These things can help
EAP COORDINATOR
to slow the memory loss in a patient.
Short term stays are also an option for people who might need a break
from some of the burdens that might be brought on from caring for a loved
one. This could entail someone who needs to recuperate from an illness for a
short period of time. These kinds of stays can also be based on certain criteria
that must be met, along with space availability. Please be sure to ask about
these things before admission. It is good to know that there are options and
alternatives to nursing homes and hospitals. I thank you for your time.
Fraternally,
Thanks,
Trevor Chalcraft, Executive Board Member
[email protected]
Int’l VP Sean Doyle with Gwen York, TWU COPE
Political Field Staff
Gwen York, Rafael Melon (571 President)
Dan Morrison addresses attendees
Doyle, York, Donald Knight (2014
President) and Donna Keith confer
Kevin Schmidt
Steve August, EAP Coordinator
[email protected]
Dan Morrison
Joe Bock addresses attendees
Joe Bock
Local 571: Luis Rodriguez, Mark
Szumylo, Lee Clark, Rafael Melon
Two Labor-friendly candidates running in the May 6 Democratic primary for the 2nd Congressional District in Indiana met with members of
the TWU Illinois-Indiana State Conference Wednesday, Mar. 26, at the Studebaker Museum in South Bend, Indiana. The meeting was hosted
by TWU Local 2053 Vice President Ted Berkshire. Local 512 was represented by President Chris Biancalana, Political Action Coordinator
Kevin Schmidt, and Communications Coordinator Mike Brennan. Also present was International Vice President Sean Doyle, the immediate past president of Local 512, and Gwen York, TWU COPE-Political Field Staff.
Both candidates hammered at the partisan gridlock in Congress. “If their life depended on making a decision, they’d make a decision,”
said Dan Morrison.
Joe Bock, who served on the staff of Congressman Dick Gephardt and served in the Missouri Legislature for six years, spoke compellingly about being a legislator “focused on pragmatic problem-solving.” Indiana’s 2nd is considered a swing district, one of 14 in the country
targeted by Democrats.
Congratulations Retirees!
Hank Macuras, Tim Murphy
Hank Macuras, Kevin Hagn
Cathy Castrovillari
Earline Plummer and son
Earline and Tim Murphy
Darek Mitura, Tim Murphy
Congratulations to retirees Darek Mitura, Henry Macuras, Earline Plummer, Michael Robinson and Cathy Castrovillari.
Milestones
George Loacker Hank Macuras, Darryl
Blankenstein
Support Autism Awareness Walk May 17
Michael Robinson
TWU Member Luis Hernandez, who works in
the bagroom, is helping granddaughter Zoraya
by promoting a walk for “Autism Speaks”
which will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, May
17, at Soldier Field.
Donate $5 and receive a #TeamZoey
wristband in honor of Zoraya. Those participating in the walk need to register online at
www.walknowforautismspeaks.org. Click
on “Register for this walk” and enter team name
#TeamZoey. You can also make
an online donation. The Team
captain should say Yadira Hernandez, who is Luis’s daughter
and Zoraya’s mom. There are also
two registration areas on walk
day if you do not wish to register online. The three mile
walk along the Chicago lakefront will be followed by a family friendly after party and resource fair. All proceeds go
towards the Autism Speaks Walk. Go Zoey!
Mario Grana, Dale Bottema and Darek Mitura
WITH SINCERE SYMPATHY
LOCAL 512 EXTENDS SINCERE CONDOLENCES to the family
and friends of retirees John Ritter, Jr. (1938-2014), a
40-year employee of AA; David Roome (1933-2014), a
30-year employee of AA; and Stanley
DiDomenico
(1930-2014, a 35year
AA
employee). May they
rest in peace.
John Ritter, Jr.
Dave Roome, at 2003 TWU picnic
Stanley DiDomenico
Transport Workers Union
Local 512 — AFL-CIO
650 E. Devon Ave. Suite 170
Itasca, IL 60143
(847) 956-6996
FAX: (630) 250Web: http://www.twulocal512.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Mike Brennan — Editor
Newsletter E-mail: [email protected]
TWU International - www.twu.org
AFLAFL-CIO Transportation Trades Dept. - www.ttd.org
Illinois AFLAFL-CIO - www.ilaflwww.ilafl-cio.org
National AFLAFL-CIO - www.aflcio.org
Visit TWU Local 512 Facebook Page and click “Like” - More than 6,000 photos uploaded!