Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Allow me to start this message by wishing the best to you and your families during the Easter holiday. I would like to update you on a couple things going on in Local 512.
International President Harry Lombardo sent a member of his staff, Steve Roberts, to ORD to make a station visit earlier this week. Steve is the Director of the Organizing Department at the TWU, and is working in concert with his colleagues on a systemwide membership communication campaign. Steve made his way around the ramp and to the various Title II shops here in Chicago to promote the new TWU smart phone app and to discuss the various ways that the TWU will notify our membership of updates in our contract negotiations. I encourage you to download the app, free of charge, and sign up for email communications directly from the International. This communication campaign is being conducted at the direction of President Lombardo, and essentially the entire Internal Staff is taking part. Additional communication resources have been provided at the International level; this to support the campaign. As this was just the first of many planned visits, we expect Steve and other International Representatives to be back in Chicago soon. The best way to stay informed about the contract is to get your information from first hand reliable sources.
Vice President Kevin Hagn continues with his work on communications with our membership, primarily with the Weekly Update. Every Saturday morning, Kevin sends out an e-mail containing topics of interest of both American Airlines and general industry news. Kevin is also working on a Local 512 app that will complement our website. Whenever special communications have proved necessary, Kevin has sent out additional e-mails. To add yourself to this list, please contact Kevin at the union hall.
Secretary Treasurer Trevor Chalcraft is working on our upcoming Shop Steward Seminar. Shop Steward appointments for the year beginning April 1 will be made at our Executive Board Meeting on March 29, 2016. This training seminar will cover a range of topics including the AA Attendance Control Policy, corrective action under Peak Performances through Commitment (PPC), and drug and alcohol testing procedures. A special thank you goes out to all those that have shown an interest in serving the membership.
Executive Board Member Chris Biancalana has teamed up with Legislative Field Coordinator Derrick Smith and Legislative Field Representative Dave Hansen during the past primary elections. Chris, Derrick, and Dave serve on the TWU Illinois/Indiana State Conference. These state conferences have been formed throughout the country and focus on promoting labor-friendly candidates for political office. Chris was appointed to represent each and every Illinois TWU Local by International President Harry Lombardo at the Illinois State AFL-CIO endorsement sessions. The season was highlighted by the COPE Conference in Washington DC. The work of the committee will continue as the November elections draw near.
Facilities Maintenance Section Chairman Harry Clark remains engaged in our contract negotiations as he holds a seat on the Title II Negotiation Sub-Committee. Harry takes part in the weekly conference calls conducted by International Representative Tony McCoy, and is prepared to get to the table as required. I hold a seat on the Title III Negotiation Sub-Committee and am prepared to take on any assignment as called upon.
I will be attending a Tech Ops and Title II GSE Leaders Meeting at HDQ on April 1, a Presidents Council Meeting on April 6 & 7 at the ATD Offices in Hurst, TX, and the monthly International Benefit Committee meeting on April 19 at HDQ. I will update you about the content of those meetings when I return.
Finally, our monthly membership meetings are at the airport this month. They will be conducted in the Terminal 3 West Mezzanine Conference Room, above the ticket counter, on Wednesday, March 30 at 11AM and 2PM. I hope to see you there.
Fraternally,
Tim Murphy
Local 512 President
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