March 28, 2013

To: AMFA Locals and Members

Re: National Director’s Monthly Update for March 2013

Dear Members:

On March 5, 2013, Paul Kanitra, President and Nile Elam, Senior Lobbyist of our lobbying firm,

Lobbyit.com, hosted a conference call for the NEC and the Local Legislative Points of Contacts (LPOCs)

to review the legislative initiatives we are working on. We had great participation from the locals and

anticipate a busy year working on legislation that benefits our membership.

March 13-15, 2013, the NEC attended the AMT Society’s Maintenance Skills Competition in Las Vegas for

the second year in a row. Alaska Airlines sponsored a team of AMFA Technicians to compete but,

unfortunately, Southwest Airlines (SWA) decided to withdraw their sponsorship of their hugely successful

team which was very disappointing for all. During the awards event AMFA National presented a scholarship

to A&P School student, Douglas Rand, who wrote the winning essay outlining the advantages of a craft

specific union as compared to an industrial union. Mr. Rand is attending the Tulsa Technology Center in

Tulsa, OK.

Contract negotiations at SWA continued this month with meetings on March 7 and 8. Please look for

committee updates on the AMFA National Web site. The second session scheduled for March 26 and 27 was

canceled at the Company’s request. The next meeting dates are set for April 2-4 and 29-30; please contact

your Airline Representative for observer opportunities.

On March 19-21, 2013, National Safety & Standards Director David Brooks and the ASAP Representatives

from Alaska and Southwest Airlines attended the FAA’s ASAP Info-Share in Denver, CO. Kevin

Jurasinski, Alaska ASAP ERC Representative, wrote a very detailed report which highlights that the

Advisory Circular covering the ASAP program is being amended to include several improvements for

technicians; however, the FAA does not anticipate the amendment will be approved until 2014. One of the

hot topics at the Info-Share was maintenance personnel fatigue and how it contributes to maintenance

errors. For a detailed article on maintenance fatigue from Aviation Maintenance Magazine; click here and

go to page 18.

On March 25, 2013, Local 4 concluded their Local Officers and Representatives Election, and the results

are posted on their Website. Local 4’s very first general membership meeting is scheduled for April 22 in

Chicago and they will also be video conferencing in the stations of Atlanta, Baltimore, and Midway.

Most of the NEC officers are planning on being in attendance to congratulate the new LEC members.

For more carrier specific updates and further information regarding AMFA and the airline industry, please

visit the AMFA National Web site at www.AMFANational.org and remember our most determined efforts

will only succeed with your continued support and participation – Please stay informed. Remember, “safety

in the air begins with quality maintenance on the ground.”

Sincerely,

Louie Key

National Director

Pdf File Click Here