February 10, 2010 Long-Awaited award issued in Alaska Airlines Ramp subcontracting case
After nearly five years of litigation, Arbitrator John LaRocco issued his final award in the Alaska Airlines ramp subcontracting case. Because the final award fails to hold Alaska Airlines accountable for its contract breach, the Union is profoundly disappointed with the Arbitrator's Award and has dissented from it.
The Award does not return the Seattle ramp work to Alaska employees represented by the IAM, does not reinstate all IAM-represented employees who lost their jobs, and does not make all employees whole for their losses.
In reaching his decision, the Arbitrator accepted Alaska Airlines' argument that its current subcontracts are "qualitatively different" than the subcontract it made with Menzies to take over ramp operations in May 2005. Thus, although the Arbitrator held that he did not have jurisdiction to consider the details of the allegedly new and different subcontracts, the Arbitrator decided that he could not award the standard remedy that the Union sought returning the parties to the positions they held in May 2005 before the subcontracting commenced.
Instead, the Arbitrator directed that Alaska "cease and desist from engaging in any subcontracting which violates the Agreement." He also noted that "The Company runs a real risk if it continues to outsource Seattle ramp work. A future System Board of Adjustment could find that the Company again violated Article 2B(5)."
The Arbitrator also held that all "IAM-represented employees adversely affected by the subcontracting out of the Seattle ramp work on May 13, 2005, who did not enter into a VSI agreement, are entitled to back pay without interest through the date of [the Award.]"
January 22, 2010 New Alaska Airlines negotiations page
With the start of Section 6 openers, District 143 felt it necessary to provide a link to weekly updates for our Alaska Airlines members during contract negotiations. Find the new page under the Alaska Airlines tab above or CLICK HERE.
December 17, 2009RSSA members ratify while COPS members reject
Voting results of the proposed contract extension between the IAM/Alaska Airlines RSSA
and COPS members have been tallied. The official results are as follows:
December 17, 2009System Board of Adjustment opinion and award for Alaska SEA Ramp arbitration case
Alaska Airlines – With much debate between District 143 and Alaska Airlines representatives, we are finally approved by the arbitrator to release a redacted version of the SEA Ramp Lockout arbitration award. District 143 believes that it is important for the membership to read the arbitrators decision regarding the Company’s choice to lockout approximately 500 IAM members.
As many of you already know, District 143 won the arbitration case; however since the date of the favorable award both parties have been unable to agree on an appropriate remedy that would bring closure to the case. Since the award both parties have met several times in an attempt to resolve the various issues, however neither party could reach an amicable remedy. Therefore a remedy is pending from the arbitrator and is expected to be received in early 2010.
District 143 has continued to stress upon the arbitrator that our membership has waited long enough for several months, we are relieved that the arbitrator has finally agreed to issue the final remedy in the near future. We appreciate your patience, and we are glad that everyone will have the opportunity to read his award decision. Certain sections have been blacked-out (redacted) throughout your read; these blacked-out sections contain financial data that are considered proprietary information by the Company and the arbitrator and are considered confidential.
Stephen M. Gordon
President/Directing General Chair
READ REDACTED AWARD DECISION
(download times will vary due to the number of pages in the .pdf)
December 8, 2009Alaska Airlines RSSA outsource update
The System Board of Adjustment for the Alaska Airlines Ramp Outsource case held a hearing on December 4, 2009, regarding the appropriate remedy for the airline's violation of the collective bargaining agreement in May of 2005. In August 2008, the Board held that Alaska Airlines violated the contract when it outsourced the ramp operation and fired IAM-represented ramp and stores workers on May 13, 2005. The Board has not yet issued a remedy for the airline's contract breach.
October 29, 2009Make us "whole," says District 143 to Alaska Airlines in regards to RSSA lockout case
This week, the Union, again, requested that the System Board of Adjustment issue a final remedy in the ramp arbitration case. As you know, last year, in August 2008, the Board determined that Alaska Airlines had breached its agreement with the IAM when it outsourced the ramp work in May 2005.
Since the Board's August 2008 decision, the Union has been pressing for a
full "make-whole" remedy. The Company has been vigorously resisting
the issuance of any award. This week, the Union reiterated its request for
full "make-whole" relief, but also asked that the Board issue an "interim
award" until the Board has disposed of the Company's new arguments.
The Board will hear arguments about the Union's request on December 4,
2009, in Sacramento.
We know that this case continues to be important to you and we will keep you informed regarding the progress of this case.
Fraternally and in solidarity,
Stephen M. Gordon
October 28, 2009Alaska Airlines COPS/RSSA ratification vote
REVISED VOTING TIME/PLACE SCHEDULE (Updated 11.3.09, 1:00 pm)
District 143 will be mailing the following letters to our Alaska Airlines members in regards to the proposed contract extensions. Please read the letters carefully.
August 29, 2009ASA Flashpoint: News to Us
In response to numerous inquiries from the IAM members at Alaska Airlines regarding the proposed two-year contract
extension offered this past spring 2009, District 143 feels it is necessary to clarify the most recent dialogue between
the parties to properly address any misconceptions that may exist. Representatives from Alaska Airlines management
continue to publicly state that the Company's contract extension proposal is still "on the table" with ongoing discussions
with the IAM. We have contacted Alaska Airlines to clarify the validity of these rumors...
August 12, 2009Alaska Airlines SEA Ramp Lockout Arbitration Update
On August 11, 2009 both parties appeared before Arbitrator LaRocco yet again in an effort to bring closure to the Seattle Ramp Lockout arbitration case. District 143 board member, Gerry Bernson met with arbitrator LaRocco and Alaska Airlines board member Tom O’Grady to seek resolution of an arbitration award that remains unresolved for nearly on year.
“It is incomprehensible that nearly a year after an award in our favor, that we continue to seek out a remedy that would mirror the arbitrators decision”, stated President Stephen Gordon, “both parties have met several times since the August 2008 award without coming to an amicable resolution”. Arbitrator LaRocco has scheduled both parties to meet yet again in October 2009.
Both parties were reminded once again about the on-going confidentiality agreement by the arbitrator; therefore we are unable to discuss the very nature of our discussions. District 143 appreciates the patience of the membership while this continues to unfold.
Stephen M. Gordon
President/Directing General Chair
August 10, 2009Negotiating Committee election in October
In the June 2009 nominations for ASA COPS and RSSA negotiating committee members, one member was nominated for each of the open positions or there was no nomination with the exception of the position listed below. The vacancies will be filled in accordance with District 143 Bylaws; and the vote on the contested position will be held at the first regular meeting in the month of October 2009. This position is to be voted on by all COPS members systemwide.
Notice of District 143 Nominations
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF RERUN OF ENDORSEMENT OF NOMINEES FOR
NEGOTIATING COMMITTEES ALASKA AIRLINES COPS AND RSSA
JUNE 2009
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
In the month of December 2008 District 143 issued a call for endorsement of nominees for
Alaska Airlines COPS and RSSA negotiating committee members. On March 18, 2009, District
143 received a formal protest from a Local Lodge 2202 member alleging that the local had not
mailed notice of nominations to the membership.
Upon investigation, it was found that at least two locals failed to mail notice of nomiations to its members; therefore, District 143 has determined to rerun ALL local lodge endorsement of nominees for the Alaska Airlines COPS and RSSA negotiator positions.
July 16, 2009Alaska Ramp lockout arbitration; Executive Board session
The Alaska Airlines and the IAM Union board member met with the Arbitrator in a closed door confidential Executive Board Session on July 15, 2009. As is the practice, the Arbitrator has instructed the parties that this meetings discussions are confidential. The talks are between the board members and their respective legal teams.
Rest assured,
the IAM continues to overcome every objection raised by the Company, to reinstate the ramp and stores work to the IAM at the SEATAC location. Our commitment to work with the Company, once the award is issued is unwavering.
The Arbitrator has called for another executive board session. The parties have agreed to have another Executive Board Session on August 11, 2009. Although these sessions are not unusual, District 143 is fully aware that the length of time it is taking for the actual remedy to be exposed, is weighing on the patience of the membership. Rest assured we are devoting all the necessary resources, legal advice and attention to this matter to resolve it as soon as possible. Because District 143 is committed to restoring the work back to the IAM, there is no decision!
Until we are released from the confidentiality order, there are no other details available at this time.
Your support and patience are appreciated.
PDGC Stephen Gordon
July 16, 2009Alaska Airlines Update: Missions, Visions, Values you can live without!
Sprinkled throughout the Alaska workplace locations are 4x6 inch laminated blue cards. These cards depict a snow covered mountain and an Alaska jet flying over it. Bold letters near the top of the card read:
Mission Statement
To have the best people
Provide the best service,
For the best value,
For each customer each day.
In other words, you, the worker, continue to service your passenger, the customer, providing them the best fare, product or information, day after day, without end.
June 17, 2009Alaska Airlines – Seattle Ramp arbitration update
District 143 representatives met in Seattle yesterday for the continuance of the Seattle Ramp Lockout Arbitration case. As you are aware, District 143 won the arbitration case, however the arbitrators award stipulated that both parties (IAM & Alaska Airlines) negotiate an appropriate remedy for the arbitrators decision and if both parties were unable to reach an amicable resolution then the arbitrator would retain jurisdiction and issue proper resolution.
By way of background, almost a year now both parties have met on several occasions, as well as have had several teleconference meetings in the hopes of reaching an agreement; unfortunately Alaska Airlines has refused to accept any proffer that includes returning members back to the Seattle ramp from the union. “Clearly we are disappointed in the Company’s position; a position that is contrary to their numerous public statements where they claim that their employees are their number one asset; unless you are from Seattle”, stated President Stephen Gordon.
District 143 asked arbitrator LaRocco to exercise his authority and make a ruling for a remedy. Our attorney Dave Campbell made oral arguments to the arbitrator requesting that he rule in favor of the IAM and return the approximately 476 jobs back to the Seattle ramp. Throughout the day several executive board discussions took place, President Gordon met with Company representatives in an attempt to resolve the matter at hand; unfortunately the Company refused to return the work back to the IAM. “We are fully prepared to accept the decision at hand from arbitrator LaRocco since we are at a stalemate with Alaska airlines”, stated PDGC Gordon, “We must have closure to this case; we have waited over four years, and our members have conducted themselves with respect and should expect the same from their Company.”
Oral arguments to the case have concluded and now our fate rest in the hands of the highly regarded arbitrator. Both executive board members will participate in an executive session with the arbitrator in the upcoming weeks, and then we will await Mr. LaRocco’s decision or further direction. Once further information becomes available District 143 will update the membership.
May 29, 2009Alaska Airlines responds to COPS RSSA contract extension proposals
District 143 has received Alaska Airlines' response to your negotiating committee’s counter proposal regarding the COPS and RSSA contract extension proposal that was submitted to the district for review by your elected negotiators.
On May 19, 2009 District 143 received a letter from Alaska Airlines Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations, Dennis Hamel stating, “We have reviewed the IAM’s proposals for both COPS and RSSA contract extension agreements. Neither of these proposals are acceptable and the company will not be submitting counter proposals.” All proposal exchanges are listed on the web site for the membership to view.
READ RESPONSEMay 28, 2009Alaska Airlines rejects job security… Abandons contract extension
District 143 has received Alaska Airlines' response to your negotiating committee’s counter proposal regarding the COPS and RSSA contract extension proposal that was submitted to the district for review by your elected negotiators.
On May 19, 2009 District 143 received a letter from Alaska Airlines Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations, Dennis Hamel stating, “We have reviewed the IAM’s proposals for both COPS and RSSA contract extension agreements. Neither of these proposals are acceptable and the company will not be submitting counter proposals.” All proposal exchanges are listed on the web site for the membership to view.
“I had previously said that these discussions can only be initiated if they provide additional reassurance and stability to our membership at Alaska Airlines under the current Ramp Service and Stores Agents (RSSA) and the Clerical, Office and Passenger Service (COPS) agreements during these difficult economic times,” stated President Stephen Gordon, “The fact that the company considers our counter proposals to be unacceptable only highlights an unwillingness to offer long-term job security for their number one asset – our members. Pay increases hold no value if the company can arbitrarily vendor out our jobs at their discretion.”
District 143 will proceed with preparation for the submission of contract proposals on behalf of the membership, make arrangements for an upcoming contract proposal conference, and fully prepare our elected negotiators for negotiations which will commence in 2010. “This industry has become saturated with rumors and what-if scenarios that will undoubtedly have indirect implications on negotiation strategies. This is more than an incremental pay raises that quickly vanish from our membership’s paychecks and pockets with each increase to their medical co-pays; this is about securing our future.” stated PDGC Gordon.
It has become imperative that our entire membership of Alaska Airlines become engaged in the negotiating process even though it is approximately seven months away. Each of us has an onerous of responsibility to be proactive throughout this process. Attend your local lodge union meetings, visit the district web site, and most importantly protect your livelihood.
May 15, 2009
Company RSSA proposals - IAM RSSA proposals
Company COPS proposals - IAM COPS proposals
May 12, 2009Alaska Airlines – SEA Ramp arbitration
As many of you are already aware, District 143 and Alaska Airlines representatives were prepared to meet in Sacramento, CA on May 12, 2009 for oral arguments in front of Arbitrator LaRocco on the remedy phase of the Seattle Ramp Arbitration which was awarded on the IAM’s behalf. Unfortunately, Mr. David Campbell, counsel for the IAM was unable to attend due to health issues and therefore the meeting has been canceled.
District 143 and Alaska Airlines had scheduled additional dates with Arbitrator LaRocco for the month of June in Seattle, which we intend to present our case at that time. “Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Mr. Campbell and his family, on behalf of our entire membership we wish him a speedy recovery”, stated President Stephen Gordon, “He has worked diligently to ensure that justice prevails for all IAM represented brothers and sisters at Alaska Airlines, and we look forward to his return”.
District 143 appreciates everyone’s patience regarding this matter, it has been a long four years for everyone involved.
May 1, 2009Notice of District 143 Nominations
April 1, 2009Alaska Airlines: Contract extension for both the COPS and RSSA agreements
Air Transport District 143 announced today that they have received a formal written proposal to extend the current Alaska Airlines COPS and RSSA labor agreements an additional two years, through July 19, 2012. District 143 has sent the formal proposal to the applicable elected contract negotiators for their review. District 143 officials, along with your elected negotiators have agreed to meet and discuss the Company’s proposal in late April 2009.
“These formal proposals have been sent to the District by Alaska Airlines, and we have the responsibility to carefully review such proposals to ensure that we protect the entire memberships interest especially in an industry saturated with economic hardships,” stated President Stephen Gordon, “These discussions can only be initiated if they provide additional reassurance and stability to our membership at Alaska Airlines under the current Ramp Service and Stores Agents (RSSA) and the Clerical, Office and Passenger Service (COPS) agreements during these difficult economic times.”
If you have any questions, please contact your applicable contract negotiators or assigned General Chair. We thank you for your patience.
January 16, 2009Seattle Ramp Arbitration update
Last year Arbitrator LaRocco ruled that Alaska Airlines violated its collective bargaining agreement with the IAM by subcontracting nearly 500 Seattle ramp jobs in 2005. The Arbitrator also directed that the IAM and Alaska discuss how to remedy this serious contract violation, and return to the Arbitrator if no mutual agreement could be reached. Despite four meetings, Alaska Airlines and District 143 have been unable to agree on a remedy in the Seattle Ramp Arbitration case. As a result, the District has submitted the remedy issues back to the Arbitrator for resolution. A conference call with the Arbitrator to decide on a schedule to move the case forward was postponed at Alaska’s request and is now scheduled for January 26, 2009.
The IAM believes that the appropriate remedy for violating the contract is to return the parties to where they stood before Alaska’s wrongful subcontracting occurred. Specifically, this means returning the Seattle ramp work to Alaska employees represented by the IAM, reinstating our employees and making them whole (including seniority, back pay and benefits), and taking other necessary steps to compensate for Alaska’s wrongful conduct. Since the IAM and Alaska have been unable to agree on a full and complete remedy, the IAM has no alternative but to place the remedy issue before the Arbitrator who found the subcontracting violation. We will seek an expeditious ruling from the Arbitrator on the appropriate remedy.
December 30, 2008Nominations for negotiating committees and General Chair assignment change
Call for endorsement of nominees for negotiating committees COPS and RSSA. See also General Chair, assignment changes effective 1/1/09. Read the latest Focus.
November 6, 2008No agreement reached on remedy
District 143 representatives met with Alaska Airlines representatives on November 5, 2008 in Minneapolis in our continuing efforts to seek a proper remedy regarding the SEA Ramp Lockout arbitration case. Both parties met for approximately eight hours and discussed what the remedy should include. Unfortunately, no agreement could be reached
After four separate meetings since the arbitrator ruled in favor of the IAM, we have been unable to reach an amicable agreement that would bring proper resolution regarding this issue. Therefore, District 143 President/Directing General Chair Stephen Gordon, along with other District 143 officers, informed the Company that an impasse has been reached and it is in the District’s best interest to return the arbitrator’s decision to him so that he can proffer the final remedy.
"District 143 and Alaska Airlines have reached a stalemate in reaching an agreement that would satisfy our membership,” stated PDGC Stephen Gordon. “We are clearly willing to pursue a remedy that satisfies the grievance at hand; unfortunately Alaska Airlines is not -- and therefore we will rely on the arbitrator to determine that portion of the grievance.”
District 143 will continue to inform the membership as this matter progresses. We appreciate your continued patience and support.
September 12, 2008Company to offer early-out package
To date, many locations have offered employees leave of absence opportunity to avoid furloughs in their respective stations. In addition, many locations have awarded many part-time bids to downsize their full-time employee equivalents. This could be called the first wave of reductions in force.
Wave two for the IAM members at Alaska is about to begin due to the company’s plan to reduce its flying capacity. This capacity reduction will result in furloughs and the subsequent bumping allowed in such events.
To avoid some of this disruption and hardship on employees, Alaska is offering an “early-out” program. In the past, such programs were offered before the VSI of the recent past.
The letters for both the COPS and RSSA groups are identical. The paperwork associated with this early-out option does require the employee to sever their employment with Alaska. Should this package of cash, COBRA, and flight benefits be of interest to you, follow the company instructions to request consideration for this resignation offer.
If you are not interested in the early-out package, the reduction-in-force options in your respective agreements remain your options should you be reduced at your location. These options are found under COPS Article 10 and RSSA Article 9J.
Hopefully, leave time, part-time usage, and the early-out package will lessen the loss of jobs in the upcoming company capacity changes.
The company has advised that the carrier will post the early-out package on September 12, 2008.
COPS Early Out Letter of Understanding
RSSA Early-Out Letter of Understanding
Early-Out Questions and Answers
August 18, 2008Centralized Operations - discussions continue
The company and union met on August 18-20, 2008 in Seattle to continue discussions about the company’s plan to centralize its complete operations functions. The city at which all Operations weight-and-balance work will be completed will be Seattle. This establishment of a one Operations bid location will take many months to complete.
At the August 18 meetings, the company provided the research needed to continue such discussions. Provided to the union were:
- Operations system seniority list.
- Other classification seniority the Operations Agent holds.
- Identification of who currently completes the stations’ weight-and-balance work.
- Identification of Operations Agents who have no other COPS seniority (12 members).
Lengthy discussions between the parties occurred on the following issues:
- Departure coordinator (DC) duties.
- Possible premium for DC duties.
- Training for the conversion.
- Technology needed to complete DC work.
As a result of these discussions, the company and union worked on two (2) letters of understanding to address the premium and selection process of the person who will perform the Departure Coordinator duties – one letter for each IAM Agreement (COPS and RSSA).
The parties are not in agreement on several areas. Among those, as an agreement was not reached, were the premium amount and the selection of the DC. After discussions ended between the General Chairs and the company, these tentative letters were delivered and discussed with President Gordon on August 21. District 143 has responded to the company with its suggestions and objection to the letters. The letters have NOT been agreed to.
The company published the tentative timetable in its website on August 13. When you reference it, you will see the first opportunity to bid to the Centralized Operations location is September 22, 2008.
The first actual furlough of an Operations Agent is not scheduled until December of 2008 (Seattle group). There is no intention by the parties to delay the details of these changes. Meetings are scheduled the week of September 29 in Seattle. General Chairs Jackie Fay and Nan Otto share all the information given to them by the various Operations people in their respective areas of assignment.
August 15, 2008Arbitration update
The May 13, 2005 Alaska lockout of 478 RSSA members arbitration case has been decided. THE UNION HAS PREVAILED. The parties agreed at the onset of the case that once the decision was rendered, the Company and Union would then develop the remedy. The arbitrator is still, however, monitoring the proceedings. The first meeting dates will be the week of August 18 followed by a week in September. Please keep reviewing our website for updates on the progress of these meetings. Thank you for your patience, comments, and continued support. CONGRATULATIONS IAM MEMBERS!
August 4, 2008Centralized Operations update
The company and union met on August 4-6, 2008 in Seattle to continue discussions on the company's plan to centralize the weight and balance work and how this action would affect our members and the operation (various COPS contractual provisions have been cited for your convenience).
Present for the company were Wayne Newton, Bob Hartnett, with visits from various members of the project team. Present for the Union were General Chairs Nan Otto and Jackie Fay.
An overview of what we discussed is as follows:
a) Centralized Operations
b) Departure Coordinator duties
c) Timeline for centralized operations cut-over
d) Labor Agreement provisions involved
As to the Operations Agent classification, the parties agreed that the company can eliminate a job at a station or close a bid location (Article 10, Vacancies Letter F1.2. page 41). As noted in previous company communications, the company has considered the Centralized Operations concept for the weight and balance functions for many years. The focus on cost savings, load plan accuracy and consistency is moving them in this direction.
Departure Coordination: Today CSAs, RSAs, station agents and in some cases, supervisors and vendors, are involved in the coordination of events that happen both above and below the wing prior to departure.
We recognize the need for continued coordination between the flight crews, gate agents, fuelers, ramp, cargo and dispatch.
With Centralized Operations, the coordination of above and below the wing responsibilities, safety and compliance issues, and all turn timeline elements will be performed in the station by a "Departure Coordinator." This is considered a duty and will NOT be a classification of its own. It is but one of the shared duties Operations agents, CSAs, RSAs and station agents currently perform, either as part of or the majority of their shift today.
Timeline for the Centralized Operation Cut-Over: The transition to Centralized Operations will begin in October 2008. This bid location will be in Seattle and be specifically located off the airport adjacent to SOC (Flight Operations). This transition is forecasted to evolve over a 7-month period. The Central Operation Agent positions will be assigned as follows:
- Posted for bid September 22, 2008
- The bid will close October 15, 2008
- The awards will be posted the week of October 20, 2008 (Article 10.G, page 41-42)
Once the Central Operations agent positions are awarded, each successful bidder will receive an effective assignment report date to the Central location. These dates will vary (Article 10.G, page: 41). The company will post a forecasted timeline for the elimination of the operation bid locations and approximate cut-over dates online.
NOTE: As it relates to vacation bidding in October (Article 13.C, page 54), you will bid your vacation at your current bid/station location. The newly established Operations group in Seattle, who report initially, will bid amongst themselves in Seattle in January 2009 for their 2009 vacation periods. For those who report to the Seattle location later in 2009, Article 13.K will apply.
It should be noted that the company is committed to working with individuals who report after January as it relates to their vacation preferences if at all possible.
As both the company and union are concerned about the possible movement of employees and the effect it may have on homes, families, children's school issues, the affected Operations agents will have weeks, and in some cases, several month's notice about the awarding of their bid or their furlough.
The Operations agents who are unsuccessful bidders or who choose not to bid to the Central Operations location will be furloughed (Article 10.F. 1,2, page 41). Full furlough entitlements will be afforded to these employees whose jobs will be eliminated (Article 10.A through F).
Should you choose to bump into the CSA or CSA Lead classification at an airport (as you hold seniority in those classifications), you may be eligible to perform the Departure Coordination duties. Interested individuals will be selected for the Departure Coordinator roles once the criteria for selection is defined.
In closing, the company and union are reconvening to continue discussions of all the issues associated with the Departure Coordinator duties, Centralized Operations and all other matters involved in this conversion to Centralized Operations the week of August 17, 2008.
August 7, 2008Federal arbitrator rules Alaska Airlines violated union contractA federal arbitrator ruled that Alaska Airlines violated its collective bargaining agreement with IAM District 143 when it laid off 500 baggage handlers and other ramp workers in May 2005.
“This ruling is a huge victory for the IAM, Air Transport District 143, and all the hard-working airline employees we represent. The ruling sends a message to the airlines that they must respect their workers and their Union contracts,” said President Stephen Gordon.
The ruling comes more than three years after Alaska Airlines subcontracted its entire ground handling operation to Menzies Aviation. IAM-represented ramp employees who showed up to work on May 13, 2005 had their security badges deactivated by Alaska and were told they no longer had jobs.
Since outsourcing the work to Menzies, Alaska Airlines has endured negative press reports involving lost and mishandled bags, flight delays, safety problems, and increased customer complaints.
The federal arbitrator who decided the case considered the parties’ contract language, which permitted Alaska Airlines to subcontract the ground handling work only if it was cheaper than keeping the work in-house.
The federal arbitrator directed Alaska Airlines and District 143 to work together to determine the appropriate remedy for the contract breach, but will take the matter up again if Alaska Airlines and District 143 are unable to agree on a solution.
“Only because of our strong Union and the opportunity of a grievance resolution process could we prevail in protecting jobs; without such a process, all is for nothing,” stated President Stephen Gordon.