Thu, Feb 23, 2012
Airline Says Primary Goal Is 'Speedy Resolution' To The Issue
Without Arbitration
The merger of Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways hit a bump
in what had been a pretty smooth road to finalization Tuesday, as
the members of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA)
Local 11, which represents mechanics working for Southwest
Airlines, rejected the seniority integration agreement proposed by
the airline as part of its merger with AirTran. This tentative
agreement would have integrated the two groups' seniority lists.
Voting on the plan ended Tuesday, and the union had no immediate
comment.
The next step in this process is the joint filing for
arbitration by AMFA and IBT. Southwest says it hopes that the two
parties come to a resolution before arbitration begins, and it
remains open to working with both Unions to reach a solution that
supports a comprehensive integration. AMFA represents approximately
1,600 Southwest Airlines Aircraft Mechanics, and the IBT represents
more than 400 AirTran Aircraft Mechanics.
"With the rejection of the seniority integration proposal, we
understand that Employees have different perspectives and opinions
on this issue, but our goal continues to be the speedy resolution
of seniority integration," said Jim Sokol, Southwest Airlines Vice
President of Maintenance Operations. "Our vested interest remains
focused on our Employees, and we fully support a proposal that
meets their needs without increasing complexity, creating division,
or diminishing Southwest's Culture."
Southwest and AirTran Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Flight
Attendants have already successfully completed the Seniority
Integration negotiation process. Work groups still in seniority
integration negotiations include Aircraft Mechanics; Ramp,
Operations, and Provisioning Agents; Customer Service Agents and
Customer Support and Service Employees; Dispatchers; and Materials
Specialists.
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