Local 562’s Al Blackman Celebrates 68 Years of Service

The year was 1942, James Cagney had won the Oscar for Best Actor in the film, "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and teenager Al Blackman began his career with American Airlines working at LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York.

Blackman has worked for American for 68 years now; a front line participant in the technological evolution of aviation. As an Aircraft Maintenance Technician, Blackman worked on turbo prop aircraft, to the earliest versions of commercial jet engines. On July 16, AA management and TWU Local 562 members celebrated this milestone with a party for Brother Blackman at JFK International Airport. He has been number one on the AMT seniority roster longer than most AMT's have been alive. Blackman obviously has been blessed with good health and a great attitude. Congratulations for such a remarkable achievement.

Save Our Ride –San Francisco

National labor and civil rights leaders and elected officials joined local transit workers and environmental and community leaders at a “Save our Ride” rally in downtown San Francisco on Tuesday, June 29 at the Federal Building at 450 Golden Gate Avenue.

At the rally, transit advocates called for a shift in federal funding from purchasing equipment to defraying operating costs for financially troubled transit systems such MUNI and BART, which has been forced to institute fare increases and service cutbacks to meet a multi-million budget shortfall.

Speakers included: Amalgamated Transit Union International President Ronald J. Heintzman;Transport Workers Union International Executive Vice President Harry Lombardo; San Francisco Central Labor Council President Tim Paulson; environmental civil rights and community leaders.

Following public events in Atlanta, Birmingham (AL), Detroit, Cleveland and Portland, the Save Our Ride campaign is coming to the Bay Area, where service cuts have reduced bus and train routes, leading to repeated calls for wage and benefit concessions from city transit workers. Seven out of ten transit agencies in the nation are facing deep deficits. MUNI and BART are two of the ten most financially strapped transit authorities in the nation.

“Taking money out of the pockets of working people is no way to balance a budget – especially in a city which has just about the highest cost-of-living in the United States,” said Ron Heintzman, International President of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU).

“Politicians in Sacramento need to keep their hand off local funds that are dedicated to transit service,” said Harry Lombardo, Executive Vice President of the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU.) “And we need to give systems like BART and Muni more flexibility to use federal dollars to meet local needs.”

Cutbacks in transit service, fare hikes, and layoffs of transit workers are happening across the country, not just in the Bay Area. According to a recent survey by the American Public Transit Association, 84 percent of public transit agencies across the country have increased fares, reduced services, or are considering one or both actions.

The Save Our Ride campaign is advocating for federal legislation to address the nationwide transit crisis:

The Public Transportation Preservation Act of 2010, (S.3412 and HR 5418) would provide $2 billion in emergency aid for transit systems throughout the U.S., to help reverse fare increases and service cuts.

HR 2746 and S 3189, allowing local control of federal transit funds. Current federal aid for municipal public transit comes with significant strings attached; local officials in large cities can only use these funds for capital projects and are prevented from using resources to meet local needs and priorities. These bills, without allocating any additional federal funds, will allow local control of federal transit funds. This would give BART, Muni and other municipal transit systems the ability to keep buses and trains rolling when and where they are most needed.

Labor’s Next Generation

After twelve years working at the TWU International, with decades of experience at Local 208, COPE Director and Administrative Vice President Hubert Snead retired in April of this year. Under his leadership as COPE Director contributions to TWU COPE reached the highest amount the union has ever seen. "Hubert is a dedicated union man who has a keen sense of how to use our COPE funds to make the political system work for labor," said TWU COPE Coordinator Trish Rodican.

TWU President James C. Little added, "We wish Hubert well in his retirement, but we are sorry to see him go. We could always depend on Hubert to explain the importance of COPE to members and attract donations that he carefully allocated to promote a political agenda that favors working families."

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Snead came to the TWU in 1971 as a Bus Operator with the Central Ohio Transit Authority and member of TWU Local 208. He started representing workers as a Shop Steward in 1972 and 1973. He was subsequently elected Local Recording Secretary, Transportation Vice President and finally President of Local 208 in 1988. In that role, Hubert always reminded members and management, "A Bus is Nothing Without Us!"

During his time at Local 208, Snead came to understand the importance of politics in the everyday lives of our members. So when he joined the TWU International Staff in 1997 he started to work in the COPE department expanding TWU's COPE presence in the locals he supervised. In 2004, Snead was named Director of the Transit Division, and then became the COPE Director in early 2009. Alex Garcia named COPE and Political Field Director International President James C. Little has named Alex Garcia to succeed Snead as Director of COPE and Director of Political Field. Garcia became a TWU member when he worked as a Fleet Service Clerk at American Airlines in 1989. Three years later he became a Shop Steward and then a Chief Steward and a member of the election committee at Local 568.

Garcia's interest and passion for politics led him to take an internship position in Senator Bob Graham's office from 1998 through 2002, where he helped with Graham's 2000 presidential run and worked on fundraising for the senator.

In 2002, and again in 2005, Garcia was elected President of Local 568. In April 2007 International President Little assigned Garcia to serve as a TWU political representative in Washington DC, where he met with legislators on behalf of the TWU membership's political interests. In early 2009 he became the Legislative and Political Field Representative when he was tasked with beginning a Political Field Service Program.

Garcia holds a minor in political science from Miami-Dade College and a Bachelors degree in Labor Studies and Political Economy from the George Meany Center, now named the National Labor College.

You can read more about Garcia's plans for the COPE Department and Political Field program in his column on page 15.

Hubert Snead retires after 39 Years at the TWU

After twelve years working at the TWU International, with decades of experience at Local 208, COPE Director and Administrative Vice President Hubert Snead retired in April of this year. Under his leadership as COPE Director contributions to TWU COPE reached the highest amount the union has ever seen. "Hubert is a dedicated union man who has a keen sense of how to use our COPE funds to make the political system work for labor," said TWU COPE Coordinator Trish Rodican.

TWU President James C. Little added, "We wish Hubert well in his retirement, but we are sorry to see him go. We could always depend on Hubert to explain the importance of COPE to members and attract donations that he carefully allocated to promote a political agenda that favors working families."

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Snead came to the TWU in 1971 as a Bus Operator with the Central Ohio Transit Authority and member of TWU Local 208. He started representing workers as a Shop Steward in 1972 and 1973. He was subsequently elected Local Recording Secretary, Transportation Vice President and finally President of Local 208 in 1988. In that role, Hubert always reminded members and management, "A Bus is Nothing Without Us!"

During his time at Local 208, Snead came to understand the importance of politics in the everyday lives of our members. So when he joined the TWU International Staff in 1997 he started to work in the COPE department expanding TWU's COPE presence in the locals he supervised. In 2004, Snead was named Director of the Transit Division, and then became the COPE Director in early 2009.

The Benefits of Health and Safety

Health and safety walk-around inspections results, safety committee reports, surveys and studies can be used during contract negotiations. These resources can be used to make a case during negotiations, including why members deserve better pay. In addition, a well-informed negotiating committee can help formalize necessary safety improvements in collective bargaining agreements, which helps improve working conditions in a concrete way.

When conflicts have to be settled by third-party action, such as arbitration, health and safety documentation can be used to prove the union's positions are justified, and can also be used as evidence when grievances are filed.

Most transportation jobs involve hard work, lots of stress and, sometimes, very dangerous working conditions. Unfortunately, many of our passengers or consumers have no idea how transportation work can be so detrimental to our long term health and downright dangerous. Health and safety facts and information help to explain to the public how transportation workers risk their own well being to get the public to work safely on time, or to make sure their baggage doesn't get lost. Once the public sees that information, the union can gain public support for whatever issue may be at hand, and public support is a strong force to have on your side.

Transportation is also heavily regulated at all levels of government. We know that with one single piece of legislation, years of collective-bargaining gains can be swept away. Hours of service, medical standards, and drug and alcohol testing are just some of the areas where legislation can impact our work lives. The ability to use health and safety material in the arena of public policy is crucial; testifying at legislative hearings can be a powerful tool to get our message delivered.

Management is undoubtedly using surveys and other measurements of health and safety to their own advantage, which is often not to the workers advantage. The ability to respond with the same level of expertise puts the union at an advantage in instances when management might use their health and safety statistics in a way that would be detrimental to workers.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, bringing our members together around health and safety builds a stronger union. Keeping our members safe is something of which we can be proud. Contributed by Health and Safety Director Ed Watt

Local 568 Hosts Working Women’s Committee

The TWU Air Transport Division Working Women's Committee (ATDWWC) held their second meeting of the year on June 14, hosted by Local 568's union hall in Miami, Florida by the Local's President, Sidney Jimenez. Two new representatives, Angie Bell from Local 514 and Shannon Smith from Local 525, joined the 21 women in attendance from ATD locals across the country.

Following with its primary goals to address women's issues, mentor women for leadership roles at their locals and in their communities, and to cultivate interest in union activism, the Committee heard from several speakers who spoke on women's issues ranging from employment discrimination to how to detect and prevent skin cancer. Libby Herrera-Navarette, a labor attorney for Local 568 who specializes in employment discrimination and sexual harassment litigation addressed the group about those issues.

Patty Ireland, also a labor attorney, discussed her experience working as a flight attendant for Pan American Airways and then returning to school to earn a law degree. Ireland has the distinction of being the National Organization for Women's (NOW) longest serving president. She explained that when, "back in those days," the company offered family coverage only for men she turned to NOW and asked for help, which is when her association with the organization began. Other speakers in attendance were: Deborah Dion, Political Director for the South Florida AFL-CIO; Jeannie Driscoll, Managing Director of AA's Miami Cargo operations and Maria Greco, a pilot and businesswoman. Local 568 members Joyce Frissora and Gilda Brown Suluki presented research they had completed on skin cancer, including statistics and treatment and prevention of the disease. Newcomer Angie Bell said, "I was truly amazed by the strength and power of the women in the room; I've never experienced so much sisterhood."

The next WWC meeting is scheduled for October 14th-16th in Hurst, Texas. A community service project supporting the Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" is scheduled for the 16th. For details go to: www.atdwwc.org.

Local 252

In June about 40 Local 252 members volunteered hundreds of hours of their time to the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged. The local has been helping transport the athletes from their dorms at Hofstra University to Mitchel Athletic Complex and Nassau County Community College for more than twenty years. More than 1,200 children compete in the games each year. This year's games were held on June 3-5.

Local 291 Miami-Dade County

Transit Local 291 recently finished contract negotiations that, despite massive budget cuts, ended favorably. The Local was the only union out of Miami-Dade County's 13 public sector unions to secure a "no-layoff" clause. Twenty-six TWU employees who were laid off several months ago were reinstated as part of the overall contract settlement.

"We are very pleased with the outcome of these contact negotiations and thrilled that we have 26 brothers and sisters who are now back to work," said Transit Director Carl Martin.

At the April COPE Legislative Conference in Washington DC, Local 291 member Brian Davis explained his appreciation for his union's help in getting his brothers and sisters reinstated. "With the help of the TWU International, who helped put the right language in place, along with our Board and President, we were able to get those 26 positions secured again. It was a big plus."

Local 291 Swears in New Officers

June 1, 2010 International Vice President J. W. Johnson swore in the new officers of Local 291.

Local 550

Local 550 held its annual family day at Sandy Lake Park, Texas, in June. Members and their families enjoyed a day in the sun relaxing and getting to spend quality time with their TWU brothers and sisters and relatives.

Local 212

Local 212 First Transit, Inc. - Para Transit Drivers in Columbus, Ohio reached a three-year agreement that includes a wage increase and signing bonus, reduced probationary period from 120 to 90 days; more lenient bidding process; more vacation time for senior members; paid funeral leave and jury duty for part time members and increased contributions toward healthcare premiums from the employer.

Local 241

Local 241 reached its first contract settlement with Columbia's Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory after almost one year of negotiations. The contract brings new members to the Local. The three-year agreement provides wage increases and bonuses, no cost medical, grievance and discipline procedure, longevity pay, a seniority provision, and overtime distribution policy.

New Structure, Bigger Mission

I would like to start by thanking everyone who contributes to the COPE program. Without your support, it would be impossible for TWU to carry out its vital mission in helping to shape our country's political and legislative landscape. So, I thought I'd fill you in on some new developments at COPE.

The COPE Department has gone through several changes in the past several months and will continue to change as we adapt to developments in Washington and the states where our members live and work. Upon the retirement of Hubert Snead (see story this issue), who served TWU members for 40 years in various capacities, I assumed the position of COPE and Political Field Director. I had most recently been International Field Representative. The political field program and COPE have now been formally combined, creating the new COPE and Political Field Department. The step was taken to directly link our COPE dollars with the union's "on the ground" involvement in political races and campaigns to pass specific legislation beneficial to TWU members. We, of course, work closely with TWU's Department of Legislative and Political Affairs.

Our political involvement in the field is primarily through what are known as TWU state conferences. Where the state conferences have been active, they have been a great success in getting our TWU locals to coordinate their political activities in each state. My role in the past year, along with Political Field Assistants Gwen Dunivent and Terry Daniels, has been to support our established conferences and nurture the new ones that have been coming online. That effort will continue.

We currently have active single state conferences in California, Florida, New Jersey, Ohio and Texas. Some other states have combined their efforts in joint conferences. These are Georgia-Tennessee, Nevada-Arizona, and Illinois-Indiana. New York and Pennsylvania will soon launch their own state conferences.

Although we say it year after year, it is no less true: politics and legislation are so important to the lives and livelihoods of our members that we in the union run the risk of sounding like the boy who cried wolf. There is never a more crucial time to get involved politically and to contribute to COPE.

The mid-term elections are around the corner and our voices must be heard loud and clear if we are going to try and preserve some of the gains we made under a worker-friendly administration. In addition, much remains to be done in job creation, transportation funding, the environment, investment in high-speed rail, FAA reauthorization and a host of other issues.

As this department transitions we look forward to visiting with all of you, whether at a state conference or during a COPE drive in your area. We will be looking at every aspect of our department in order to improve how it functions, including the current gift structure and distribution methods, as well as how COPE drives will be done in the future.

Politics and legislation really are central to our lives as workers. Any gains made at the bargaining table can be undone at the ballot box. We welcome all your suggestions. Please feel free to contact COPE Coordinator Heather Rose (hrose@twu.org), our newest member of the COPE Department, with any comments or questions.

Politically Active TWU Members Grow D.C. Savvy During DLPA Internship

TWU Local 502's Sharon Polk and Local 1's Bernie Burkett have been involved with their local politics in Los Angeles and Akron, Ohio, respectively, for years. But their experience with the Department of Legislative and Political Affairs Internship program this past April has broadened their understanding of how a presence in Washington, DC is an absolute necessity in order to be involved with national and local legislative decisions.

Along with attending legislative hearings on important TWU issues, learning the skills to thoroughly research bills and other documents, and attending fund raisers where they met lawmakers, the interns had the opportunity to help plan for TWU's 2010 COPE Legislative Conference.

"Being in Washington before the Conference showed me how important it is to be in this face-paced world where you are always running to different meetings, seeing different people and taking notes," said DLPA intern Bernie Burkett, Local 1 President.

Burkett was impressed with International President James C. Little's announcement at the COPE Conference that the International would be moving to Washington. "It touched me to see such a dynamic leader who understands the necessity to be more involved and readily available Washington," said Burkett, who felt that observing legislative hearings on the Hill was one of the most valuable aspects of the internship.

Sharon Polk, Local 502 Recording Secretary and Chair of the Local's Legislative Committee, emphasized Burkett's point: "When politicians see us in the Capitol it shows them that our presence and reach is both local and national."

Both interns said that it was a comfortable and learning experience interning at the DLPA and getting to know the staff. Polk added that the researching skills she learned during the internship has given her needed insight to help inform her brothers and sisters about political issues.

Both Polk and Burkett emphasized that members need to take an active interest in their local politics and to voice their opinions. "You have to understand what you are voting for," Polk explained.

"Everyone should experience the internship if they have the opportunity because you come away feeling like you can conquer the world," said Polk.

"Everyone is encouraged to apply, but when TWU members accept the challenge to be an intern, they should understand that their work during the program is for the good of other TWU members. It's important they are focused on the Department's agenda and plans created for them instead of any personal agendas or interests that they might have. That way, all of our members will benefit and not just one sector or local."

Apply for the 2011 DLPA Internship program by visiting www.twu.org and clicking on the application on the right-hand side of the page. The deadline is September 30, 2010 so apply now! Please note that applicants will require approval by their local presidents.

Transit Fight of the Century

Since May, community leaders and riders in Atlanta, Birmingham, Detroit, Cleveland, San Francisco, Sacramento, Houston and Miami have joined the Save Our Ride alliance at rallies to demand an end to the destruction of mass transit - service cuts, layoffs and fare hikes - and the effect this destruction will have on their cities and the environment.

"The transit cuts are actual amputations. They are cutting routes completely; they are cutting people off from their jobs and they are cutting the community off from the vital service of public transportation," said Theotis James, TWU International Representative at a Save Our Ride rally in Atlanta in May.

As reported in the last issue of the Express, under the leadership of International President James C. Little we have formed the Save Our Ride alliance with the Amalgamated Transit Union and Rev. Jesse Jackson to support TWU transit locals and the riding public in cities that are suffering from the transit crisis. At the direction of President Little, TWU International Executive Vice President Harry Lombardo is heading up the TWU's efforts, supported by International Representatives Theotis James, John Bland, Irwin Lum, J.W. Johnson and with ground support from local leadership.

"This is an uphill battle for the riding public and transit," said Little. "Our locals and representatives around the country have done a commendable job publicizing the issue and our concerns for mass transit in the media." He pointed out that a recent survey by the American Public Transit Association showed that 84 percent of public transit agencies across the country have increased fares, reduced services, or are considering one or both actions.

Little stressed that TWU locals have a major role not only in driving the Save Our Ride campaign locally by building alliances, and mobilizing member support for federal legislation, but also in making sure that financial assistance is used by local transit authorities "to maintain jobs, wages and the service that we and riders advocate for." He noted that federal stimulus funds already have been provided to many cities that could have used them to preserve and improve transportation, but instead are slashing jobs and services.

"We'll be in this for the long run as it is a complicated task to change long- standing formulas. The International is working hard to help our legislators understand that this is about our communities, our environment, the ability for a mother to take her child to day care, or a senior citizen to get himself to the doctor," said TWU Executive Vice President Lombardo.

"If these bills pass, it's important to remember that just because municipal systems will have greater ability to control their federal funds, it doesn't mean that they will use it for operations - on behalf of the riding public and their employees," said President Little. "We've seen it too many times: transit authorities neglecting what's best for the public and workers in favor of their own agendas. We have to fight for jobs and public service on the ground, city by city, as we take this campaign forward."

TWU State Conferences and Grassroots Training have helped to spur the coordination of local campaigns and activities at the local level. This kind of nationwide support network will be a resource for locals that are forced to battle local authorities to invest in operations that create jobs and maintain quality service.

Strong community support and unity between the TWU and ATU at the city and state level also will be required in order to demand municipalities to use federal funds for operations. The TWU plans to strategically build on the momentum created by this summer's nationwide Save Our Ride rallies to foster relationships with community groups, riders and others concerned with the future of public transit.

International Awards 15 Quill College Scholarships

The TWU International awarded 15 four-year college scholarships to the sons and daughters of TWU members from across the country. The random drawing for this year's winners took place at the International's headquarters at 1700 Broadway in New York City on June 2.

The 15 winners and 10 alternates were drawn from hundreds of applicants by TWU Education and Research Coordinator Helen Mahoney.

The scholarships are worth $4,800 each, paid over a four-year period, for use at any accredited four-year college. In addition to the 15 Quill Scholarships, five other grants amounting to a one-time $2,400 payment each were awarded by Union Benefit Planners, an employee benefits consulting firm.

Also, ATD Local 514 funds five additional $4,800 scholarships for children of its members and Transit Division Local 252 funds five one-year scholarships for its members.

The Quill Scholarship Program is supervised by International Executive Vice President Harry Lombardo with the able assistance of Administrative Secretaries Bernadette Uckele and Carlean Williams. Visit www.twu.org for more information on the Quill Scholarship winners.The 2010 Quill Winners (1) Gabriella K. Antignolo, Local 501; (2) Quentin J. Campbell, Local 100; (3) Daniella D'Aquino, Local 100; (4) Allison M. Kane, Local 510; (5) Brittnie I. Kreiser, Local 223; (6) Lexys A. Martinez, Local 100; (7) Melissa Imbruglia, Local 2054; (8) Jacqueline S. Paluszek, Local 100; (9) Mark T. Swanson, Local 563; (10) Whitney D. Qualls, Local 545; (11) Kendrick L. Rudolph, Local 541; (12) Gawayne D. Taylor, Local 100; (13) Bobby M. White, Local 291; (14) Breanna E. Silva, Local 507; (15) Jeffrey K. Wright, Local 291 Alternates: Matthew T. Terrell, Local 530; Joyce John, Local 100; Amber T. Payne, Local 100; Austin F. Simone, Local 2054; Jissy Cyriac, Local 512; Declan Geraghty, Local 512; Jenny Tse, Local 100; Brittany E. Reilly, Local 106; Luke J. Nomeland, Local 563; Joby G. Jacob, Local 252 Union Benefit Planners Winners ($2,400 each for one year) Mic Kae T. Truman, Local 100; Ethan J. Ockay, Local 1400; Wyell A. Okda, Local 567; Ryan Humphrey, Local 514; Haley E. Hafbauer, Local 2011 Local 514 Scholarships Winners: John T. Hatzell; Mathew D. Hendrix; Kyle D. Wingate; Amanda J. Haberman ; Brianna M. Masingal Alternates: Branon K. Cotton; Lauren N. Bernales; Curtis G. Holloway; Stacy A. Tucker; Corey M. Smith Local 252 Scholarships Winners: Jarrett S. Jones; Amanda T. Bonsignore; Joby G. Jacob; Samantha C. Gavan; Janine R. Meade Alternates: Kyana M. Binford, ; John J. Goode; Allison Janke

Local 550 Family Day Local 252 Volunteer at Empire State Games

Local 550 held its annual family day at Sandy Lake Park, Texas, in June. Members and their families enjoyed a day in the sun relaxing and getting to spend quality time with their TWU brothers and sisters and relatives.

New York Local 100 Gains Allies In Fight Over Job, Service Cuts

Local 241 Local 241 reached its first contract settlement with Columbia's Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory after almost one year of negotiations. The contract brings new members to the Local. The three-year agreement provides wage increases and bonuses, no cost medical, grievance and discipline procedure, longevity pay, a seniority provision, and overtime distribution policy. Local 212 First Transit, Inc. - Para Transit Drivers in Columbus, Ohio reached a three-year agreement that includes a wage increase and signing bonus, reduced probationary period from 120 to 90 days; more lenient bidding process; more vacation time for senior members; paid funeral leave and jury duty for part time members and increased contributions toward healthcare premiums from the employer.SHOP TWU Find exclusive Union products at our TWU store at shopTWU.com. All merchandise is Union made in the U.S.A.Local 100 is reaching out to enlist community and political support in a tough fight against the New York MTA's heavy-handed transit cutbacks, which already have cost several hundred Local 100 members' jobs in recent months.

Slashing bus and subway service, and reducing the presence of station agents, isn't only about jobs - it's a direct threat to public safety as well as a blow to small business, to low-income working commuters and to the handicapped.

Local President John Samuelsen was joined by Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer at a Times Square news conference in mid-July to urge a huge public outcry over plans to close another 89 subway booths and fire 220 agents.

Stringer told the media: "It makes no sense to take away the eyes and ears of the system… The people underground are the people who are going to save us if there is a terror attack." Samuelsen noted that the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee along with law enforcement groups have advised against the personnel cuts, which he called "a crime against New York City transit riders."

Earlier, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) joined local TWU members and allies, including the Amalgamated Transit Union and the community Straphanger's Campaign, at a rally to spotlight a bill that would save jobs and services for New York and other cities faced with transportation cutbacks - the Public Transportation Preservation Act.

The bill, which also is a goal of TWU's nationwide Save Our Ride coalition campaign, would earmark $345 million in emergency aid for New York and "hold off all job and service cuts for the next few years," Schumer said. Overall, the bill calls for $2 billion in assistance to transit systems around the country.

Local 100 also is pressing for help from Albany, where the New York senate recently passed a bill to place a moratorium on job cuts pending a study of the impact on crime and terrorism; the measure now is before the state assembly.

Be There and Be Counted

It's crucial that our voices are heard on Election Day - every single one of us. That starts with making sure that you're registered to vote, as well as all of your family members and friends. All working people have an enormous stake in keeping pro-worker candidates on the job, defeating the forces of political division and gridlock, and protecting our jobs and our future. Go to www.twu.org for information on deadlines and procedures for voter registration in your state. The next issue of TWU Express will have more information on the issues, critical races and specific candidates endorsed by our union, as well as ways that you can volunteer for an active campaign role in your community.

June IEC Meeting Reviews Plans for TWU to Strengthen its Role on the National Stage

TWU's International Executive Council, meeting June 22-23 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, reviewed plans designed to increase TWU's force on the national stage and to build strength moving into 2011.

International President James C. Little, who chaired the two-day session, reported on collaborative projects the Air Transport and Transit Divisions have embarked upon, the Railroad Division's achievements with Amtrak contracts, the success of strategic planning and capacity building sessions, and the forthcoming move of the International headquarters from New York City to Washington, D.C.

"If we are going to continue to evolve we need to have a viable presence in Washington, D.C.," President Little told the Council, which concurred with his recommendation.

TWU leadership levels have recognized the need for this move and have been planning for it for many years. President Little has brought these long-standing plans to fruition.

"As an International union it is key that we be involved in our nation's politics, and when it comes to politics and legislation, you can't phone it in. Having a solid presence in the capitol is going to help push TWU issues forward and to work hands-on with legislators who we need to help move our agenda."

In his report, President Little described ongoing strategic planning sessions, which he views as a top priority for the union in the current political and economic environment. He praised TWU local presidents who have participated in the the most recent meetings, which focused on two main topics: elevating TWU's infrastructure and branding of the union, and strength through autonomy. Little also described the success of recent Divisional and Departmental capacity planning sessions as indications of progress towards greater efficiency within the International and for locals.

President Little also reported to the Council that International Executive Vice President Harry Lombardo has been assigned to spearhead the Save Our Ride campaign, which you can read about on pages 12-13 of this issue.

The union's finances were reviewed by International Secretary-Treasurer Joseph Gordon, who explained that no different from most businesses, organizations and Internationals, and many TWU locals, we've had to navigate our way through one of the most devastating economic downturns since the Great Depression, but that we've seen signs of an economic recovery with a few of our major contracts settled and others out for ratification. Gordon also mentioned that the cost of the Save Our Ride Campaign and the move to Washington have raised some of the International's costs, but that he has confidence these investments will even out over time with the expected progress of these ventures.

In his report, President Little also announced that the International is continuing to cut expenses where possible, but has reached a point where it is no longer financially viable to bear the cost for Local 721's office and expenses. The TWU will continue to represent the casino dealers with TWU's Gaming Division Director Joe Carbon's continued assignment to oversee the Local, but the official Local 721 office was closed on August 1.

Strategic Planning Director Roger Toussaint reviewed the details of TWU's involvement with the "One Nation: the 10-2-10 National March on Washington" event. He stressed TWU's imperative involvement with this movement, which is dedicated to moving America forward, and providing an alternative voice to an anti-worker movement and its determination to "take the country back" into divisiveness, bitterness and roadblocks to change.

President Little emphasized the importance of the upcoming mobilization event on October 2, 2010 by urging the IEC to participate and encourage member involvement. New Division Directors Announced President Little announced recent changes to International staff that he explained will allow TWU to be more involved in external industry affairs, without jeopardizing Division level service to locals.

International Vice President Garry Drummond was announced as the new Director of the Air Transport Division, with outgoing Director John Conley now assigned to work with external aviation issues, among other International assignments. Both Conley and Drummond reported on the current developments in negotiations, legislation and the aviation industry. Conley announced that the TWU has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the Coalition of Airline Pilots Association. The MOU is a joint commitment between the three parties to work together on relevant legislative issues.

International Representative Carl Martin was announced as the new Director of the Transit, Utility, University and Services Division, with outgoing Director Susan Resch now assigned to assist with external transit issues and Applied Research. Martin reported on the state of many transit contracts, the success of several transit organizing drives, and the funding crisis facing many of TWU's biggest transit locals.

Railroad Division Director Gary Maslanka reported on the successful contracts that two groups have reached with Amtrak after only five months of negotiations, a stark departure from the last contract negotiations, which took eight years to reach an agreement. Maslanka noted that, in addition to being solid contracts, the agreements also assist in achieving more productive Labor/Management relations at Amtrak, a key in TWU's quest to ensure Amtrak is the operator of choice in the new and changing passenger rail environment. Read more on page 6 of this issue.

Others reporting included TWU's new COPE and Political Field Director Alex Garcia, Director of Legislative and Political Affairs Portia Reddick White, Managing Director of Organizational Development Tonya Gordon, Gaming Division Director Joe Carbon, Organizing Director Frank McCann, Human Rights Director Sandra Burleson, Strategic Resources Director John Donnelly, General Council David Rosen, Communication Director Liz Giegerich, IT Director David Moses, and Chair of the Appeals Committee Gary Shults. TWU Hosts Divisional Meetings, Supports Exchanging of Ideas Following TWU's International Executive Council meeting in Atlantic City, local officers from all divisions met June 24-25 to discuss the issues and challenges facing their members.

On the morning of June 24, International President James C. Little greeted all groups, emphasizing that such Presidents' Councils are opportunities to exchange ideas and build knowledge.

"Coming together and learning from each others successes, challenges and strategies is one of the most valuable things our locals can do to strengthen their own locals as well as the entire union," said Little.

President Little also reviewed the International's move to Washington DC, in order to increase TWU's participation in the legislative and political arena and urged all Presidents to get involved with the One Nation Movement and March on Washington on October 2. "We will not continue to support leaders who are not working for our agenda," said Little. "We need to step out of the box and send a clear message. The time for complacency is gone."

Little addressed the International's efforts to play a more active role in regulatory and policy-making bodies that affect our members, and commended the honorable appointments of International Vice President John Conley to the Department of Transportation's Future of Aviation Committee, and Health & Safety Director Ed Watt to the Federal Transit Administration's Transit Rail Advisory Committee for Safety, both designed to help shape the future of the air and transit industries.

"We are building alliances and branching out, something that has already helped the TWU evolve in this uncertain political environment," said President Little.

Director of Legislative and Political Affairs Portia Reddick White discussed legislation specific to each division and urged all presidents to encourage members to register and vote on November 2.

TWU's new COPE and Political Field Director Alex Garcia announced his plans for the merger of the departments and to use State Conferences for COPE drives, urging Presidents to get involved with Conferences and their local and state politics.

International Organizing Director Frank McCann reviewed current organizing drives and provided background on the decision to help Jet Blue, Virgin and Allegiant Airline Flight Attendants organize. Seeing the success the TWU has had at Southwest, a similar low cost carrier that boasts an industry-leading contract, the Organizing Department is working to bring the same benefits of TWU representation to the newer and unorganized airlines.

Human Rights Department Director Sandra Burleson announced the recent name change of her Department, formerly Civil and Human Rights, explaining that civil rights are included in Human rights, and that human rights encompass more than race issues, as the term "civil rights" connotes.

Health and Safety Director Ed Watt explained the wide range of use that health and safety has for members, locals and the union.

Strategic Resources Director John Donnelly presented Airline and Railroad Division presidents with an overview of his group, its skill sets and mission as a cross functional asset - to provide "consultant like" assistance in a variety of areas - to the TWU.

All Divisional meetings included open discussions or panels where local presidents reported on achievements and challenges affecting their locals. Presidents shared information candidly in order to learn from and to teach each other.

Railroad Division Wins Unprecedented Contracts with Amtrak

On May 28 and June 18, the Railroad Division ratified two unprecedented contracts with Amtrak after less than five months of negotiating. The swiftness in reaching these agreements and provisions included within are record breaking considering the union's history negotiating with the company, and in comparison with other labor agreements during these economic times.

"These agreements are a remarkable deal in this economic environment, and would be great contracts even during more prosperous times," said TWU Railroad Division Director Gary Maslanka.

That the agreements were achieved so quickly is in stark contrast to the past, when ongoing irregular and inadequate funding, along with deeply rooted political ramifications, always caused negotiations to drag on for years. The TWU was engaged in a nearly eight-year battle with Amtrak over its last agreement for Joint Council of Carmen, Coach Cleaners, and Helpers (JCC) members, which ended up before a Presidential Emergency Board in order to achieve justice for TWU members.

This year's contracts, which cover the JCC and Amtrak Service Workers Council (ASWC) members, provide 15 percent raises over 5 years, protect current health benefits, and put hard dollar caps on membership contributions, extremely important provisions given the state of the economy and the ever increasing cost of health insurance.

They also provide for minimal work rule changes, a contrast to past negotiations where carrier demands would have literally gutted agreements. Draconian rule changes were a large factor in the eight-year long negotiations that ended only less than three years ago.

"The success of these contracts is attributed to Gary Maslanka and his staff's expertise, aptitude, and keen understanding of the industry's new atmosphere, which presents unprecedented opportunities for Amtrak and TWU's potential influence on the future of rail in America," said TWU International President James C. Little.

The passenger railroad industry's new atmosphere is shaped by a federal government that understands the value and supports passenger rail investment, in contrast to past administrations' starvation budgets for Amtrak.

Having been organized by Congress and President Nixon to provide intercity passenger rail service in 1971, Amtrak has been subject to the federal government's whim since its inception. Because the U.S. President appoints the board of directors and the Senate confirms the choice, elected officials have a heavy influence on Amtrak's agenda, and the Bush Administration's plans for Amtrak were to starve its funding and drive it into the ground.

In November 2008, the month President Obama was elected, Joseph Boardman was appointed CEO and President of Amtrak. TWU immediately began cultivating a positive relationship with Boardman, and learned that Boardman seemed to have the foresight and intelligence to understand that Obama's stance on environmental responsibility, jobs, rail and labor would help to revitalize the industry. Both Boardman and Maslanka also understood that a positive labor-management relationship is absolutely essential in order to take advantage of the new opportunities for rail and to stand out against the competition.

The recent contracts with Amtrak, in addition to providing members with the fair contracts they deserve, demonstrate that Amtrak's backbone - its workers - is strong. The success of these agreements show that a productive labor-management relationship pays dividends, and add to an already compelling case for making Amtrak, America's Railroad, the carrier of choice at this time of renewed interest in passenger rail.

President Little Call to All Members to Join One Nation: 10-2-10 National March on Washington

Brothers and sisters of the TWU: we are at a critical crossroads, one where we can choose the politics of hope and change, or reward the politics of division and gridlock, such as we've seen by anti-worker forces in Congress and their 'party of no' backers. I call on all officers, members and activists who are able to join the TWU International in "One Nation, Marching for One Dream," a mobilization to take America forward on October 2, 2010 in Washington D.C. As we struggle to climb out of a deep recession we must awaken public attention to the huge political clash now looming over these elections. This November's congressional and state races will decide our country's direction for years to come and have vital importance for TWU members and other working Americans. October 2 is just one month before Election Day. This mobilization will demonstrate the power of our united One Nation coalition, created by forces of goodwill that stand for hope and change.

The TWU is one of the founding forces in the One Nation coalition, driving the mobilization which shows we're not going to cede the political agenda to a phony, pseudo-populist party, created by wealthy interests and extremists - we're going show that the real majority of working Americans stands for economic stimulus and growth based on jobs and investment in our communities.

At the TWU's June International Executive Council meeting, the IEC discussed the importance of this political era and the march in October, knowing that if the voices of working America are not heard against those of hate and division, we will suffer increased anti-labor forces blocking legislative and policy changes that we desperately need in order to have a level playing field in Washington. Our grassroots and activists networks must be fully engaged in these weeks leading up to the march on Washington. Locals will receive information on how to get involved in the mail, which will also be available on twu.org.

Get involved in the movement to take America forward into a hopeful future for working families. Jobs and Growth - Or More Political Gridlock? A Stark Choice this November

The march will emphasize that America has a stark choice on November 2 over the course of recovery efforts. One camp - the Obama administration and a majority (right now) of lawmakers - says: focus on putting 15 million jobless Americans back to work. Stimulate the economy by investing in our infrastructure, including neglected, under-funded transit systems. Bolster our sagging state economies and invest in clean energy programs that both spur job growth and address energy and environmental threats. On the other side, calling themselves deficit hawks, are a nearly lock-step Republican caucus determined to block anything the Obama administration proposes. Most recently, millions of jobless workers lost benefits because of filibustering by Senate Republicans, joined by a couple of Democrats, who refused to extend approval of long-term unemployment aid that expired in May.

For 8 weeks, those 2.5 million working families suffered until pro-worker forces finally, on July 20, mustered the 60 votes required to break the GOP filibuster and restore long-term assistance. Benefit extension is viewed by many economists as a needed stimulus to the economy as well as the right thing to do in a long economic slump. (Today, there is only one available job for every five job seekers.)

The GOP gridlock strategy is especially apparent in the Senate. It sounds undemocratic, but majority support for a Senate bill isn't enough to pass it - 60 out of 100 votes are needed if opponents dig in. That's why the health care battle was such a marathon struggle, and why TWU and other unions had to fight so hard to battle the insurance lobby and protect workers' interests in the final bill.

Anti-worker forces in both houses have cynically decided that obstructionism - whether on health care, Wall Street regulatory reform or programs to create jobs and revitalize the economy - is the key to defeating candidates they try to brand as "big spenders."

The One Nation mass march is just the official start for a major, nationwide TWU election mobilization. Activists will coordinate with the AFL-CIO in phone banking and door-to-door canvassing, member education and networking, and getting out the vote. Visit www.twu.org to get involved and stay updated on the One Nation March in Washington on 10-2-10.

Air Transport Division Contract Update

In early May, a TWU negotiating team reached tentative agreements (TAs) with AMR (American Airlines' parent company) that affect more than 13,000 members in three work groups: Maintenance and Related, Stores and Technical Specialists. The lengthy negotiations, which were carried out in a difficult climate of economic crisis and industry losses, resulted in tentative agreements with both gains and elements that members of those three groups will want to consider carefully in deciding whether to ratify the agreements.

On the positive side, the agreements call for signing bonuses and structural salary increases, preserve TWU defined- benefit pension plans for all current members, and continue retiree health care benefits. They would also provide increases in holidays, sick time pay and accrual, profit sharing and vacation days. In addition, the Maintenance and Related agreement does not include any provisions that would further outsource aircraft maintenance overseas. Most other major air carriers have shipped the majority of these jobs overseas where less skilled workers perform maintenance in under-regulated shops. The TWU is proud of its highly skilled and hard working members at the maintenance bases that have helped to keep these American jobs in our own country and to keep the flying public safe.

On the other hand, active members 49 and under would no longer prefund for the retiree healthcare benefits. Instead, they would utilize their sick bank hours to fund their coverage and will need to purchase Medigap coverage after the age of 65 to supplement Medicare. Other changes members will want to think about in making their decision about ratification include work rule changes to increase productivity, a new classification of support mechanic, available seat mile cap percentage changes, and the fact that newly hired employees would have a defined contribution pension plan.

The wage increases bring the three groups' wages to second highest in the industry. However, in the current economic climate, it wasn't possible for the negotiating team to recoup everything lost in 2003. On balance, the TWU negotiating team felt that, after 30 months of negotiations, the members should be given the opportunity review the TAs and vote for or against ratification.

"The language is simple, but these are not simple choices," explained International Representative Don Videtich, assigned to the Bargaining Committee. "After 30 long months of negotiations and careful consideration of the economic environment and what we gave up in 2003, the bargaining committee voted to send these agreements, which include raises and other improvements, to the membership for a ratification vote."

Copies of the TAs have been mailed to Locals' union halls for reviews and ballots have been mailed to members' homes for them to vote on ratification. The results are to be tabulated and announced by the American Arbitration Association on August 24.

While the America Airlines Maintenance and Related, Stores and Technical Specialists groups decide whether to vote "yes" or "no" on ratification of their contracts, American Airlines Fleet and Ground Service Workers will be taking a strike vote.

On June 28, at the request of the National Mediation Board (NMB), TWU International President James C. Little, International Vice President John M. Conley and International Representative Timothy J. Gilllespie, met with AMR officials and representatives of NMB, including board member Harry Hoglander, to receive clarification of the Fleet and Ground Service negotiations.

The TWU had previously requested release from mediation on March 11, 2010. Since we were unable to reach a mutually agreeable resolution, we reiterated our desire for release. President James C. Little made the decision to revoke the TA based on the fact that TWU local Presidents and the negotiating committee could not recommend the agreement. The ATD mailed a letter to all fleet service locals asking them to schedule strike votes during the month of July. As of this printing, the TWU is awaiting the results, which will be tabulated in August.

Three other American Airlines groups, Ground School Instructors, Simulator Technicians and Dispatchers, and American Eagle Dispatchers and Fleet Services groups are still in mediated negotiations.

TWU's Maintenance and Related and Ground School Instructor work groups at American Eagle both signed new two-year agreements with the company in April. The agreements cover Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, Inventory Control Specialists, Ground Support Mechanics, Aircraft Cleaners along with Ground School Instructors. The American Eagle Maintenance and Related contract provides a lump sum payment at date of signing (DOS) and another lump sum after twelve months. The Ground School Instructors agreement is an inaugural agreement, which provides for an initial pay increase along with lump sum payments after 12 months and 24 months from DOS.

International Awards 15 Quill College Scholarships Our Legacy, Our Duty

Over the July 4th holiday, I had a chance to reflect on this great country of ours and think about what makes it special. We belong to a truly great country that can become even better. But in order to improve America, we must face our challenges and make the right choices come election time this November.

It's so easy to become disenchanted when you watch all the inaction and game-playing in Washington at a time when the country is still in the economic doldrums and millions of Americans are out of work. The spectacles in our state capitals can be even harder to watch.

But, then I remembered that each and every one of us has the opportunity - an obligation, really - to change our country's direction. That opportunity comes at election time when we choose those who represent us in government.

In the same vein, I reflected on how much politics and legislation occupies my duties as a union officer. When I first became involved in the union as a young man my focus was on the shop floor issues, which boiled down to whether or not the company was treating us fairly.

As important as pay and working conditions are, you soon realize that these issues, as well as everything that affects working families' well-beings, are deeply impacted by what goes on in Washington and state legislatures.

I share these thoughts with you because election time is fast approaching. The main show will be the mid-term Congressional elections, but there will also be thousands of local offices contested as well. It is imperative that you be involved.

These elections represent a crossroads for America. If the march of the Tea Party and the atmosphere of fear mongering, hate and division that it spreads is not effectively challenged, not only will America's opportunity to progress slip from our grasp, but our wage and benefit gains will be even more seriously set back.

Anti-worker forces propagandize that the current deficit and "big government" are the greatest threats to America today. They are wrong - our country's biggest threats are layoffs and unemployment, foreclosures that force families from their homes, and being told to give back what it took labor decades to win. Working people's enemies are screaming about a deficit when it comes to money for jobs, unemployment benefits and to save our cities from sliding into ruin. But exorbitant executive bonuses are still being paid out at companies that are losing millions.

We cannot allow our voices to be drowned out. TWU's legacy is at stake. This is why TWU was one of the first to become involved with the upcoming National March on Washington scheduled for October 2, 2010 (10-2-10). This is a mobilization of millions in support of hope, change, justice and moving forward as "One Nation," in opposition to fear, hate, division and turning back the clock.

Our move of the TWU headquarters to Washington D.C. is progressing as we focus on many hot button legislative issues: transportation funding and FAA Reauthorizations (with security training for our flight attendants and stricter control of overseas repair stations); high speed rail funding that is being constantly threatened; rail safety legislation that is inching along - and the list goes on.

In order to win legislation and elect leaders that will fight for working people we must be politically active. For us, this is a season to mobilize, to march, and to organize. I urge you to get involved in politics, join us in our mobilization, and at the very least, register and vote.

Local 562’s Al Blackman Celebrates 68 Years of Service

June 19, 2010 Holiday Hill, Connecticut The Local 100 Retirees Association hosted its annual family picnic where hundreds of TWU Local 100 retirees and family members enjoyed activities for all ages. The year was 1942, James Cagney had won the Oscar for Best Actor in the film, "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and teenager Al Blackman began his career with American Airlines working at LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York.

Blackman has worked for American for 68 years now; a front line participant in the technological evolution of aviation. As an Aircraft Maintenance Technician, Blackman worked on everything from turbo prop aircraft, to the earliest versions of commercial jet engines. On July 16, AA management and TWU Local 562 members celebrated this milestone with a party for Brother Blackman at JFK International Airport. He has been number one on the AMT seniority roster longer than most AMT's have been alive. Blackman has obviously been blessed with good health and a great attitude. Congratulations for such a remarkable achievement.

Honoring TWU’s Long Dedicated Women

Honoring TWU's Long Dedicated Women At the June IEC meeting in Atlantic City President Little honored TWU's dedicated Administrative Secretaries, particularly the three who have been working for the TWU for longer than most of its current officers and staff and who are retiring this year: Francine Albach, Carlean Williams and Bernadete Uckele. Albach has been with the TWU for 58 years. Uckele has been with the union for 39 years and Williams has been at TWU for 32 years.

"These women are an inspiration to all of us who have worked at the union and have always been the backbone of the International," said President James C. Little. "Their relentless dedication and work are a standard to admire and they will be truly missed."

Spotlight: Texas & California the Public Good

Public sector workers sure are taking it on the chin lately. Looking at the newspaper stories you'd think they were responsible for bankrupting state and local governments, not to mention the continuing recession and the failure to find a cure for cancer.

TWU represents both public and private sector workers, so I don't have a particular ax to grind. I understand that when so many average Americans are suffering, losing jobs or forced to take lower-paying ones, it's easy to target workers who have more job security and good benefits.

The union bashers have been targeting private sector workers for decades, arguing that U.S. companies can't be competitive in world markets if they pay union wages. Now that most of the good-paying manufacturing jobs are now in low-wage havens overseas, there's not much to beat up on any more. That leaves public workers front and center in the anti-union crosshairs. It's always good to have a scapegoat when things aren't going well.

If you've ever attended a TWU Convention or other union-wide meeting, you've met some of our public sector workers in transit or municipal services. They're pretty nice guys and gals just like you, and not the villains they're made out to be.

Many of our public workers have college degrees, or other special skills, and could have earned more money elsewhere. They chose job security and good benefits because they felt it was a fair trade-off for their families' security. In recent years, they've given up pay increases to protect the benefits that are now being scrutinized. And that job security doesn't look that secure.

Public sector workers perform valuable jobs, taking commuters safely to and from work and our kids to school. They protect our water supply, environment and public health. Police, firefighters and teachers are some of the most prominent public workers now being bashed.

These workers have become a target because cash-strapped local governments and agencies have been hard-hit by the recession. Even worse, some states and local governments failed to adequately fund pensions, relying instead on inflated stock market values to avoid making the proper contributions. Now, they're casting the employees as the greedy villains.

Understandably, taxpayers resent paying for workers whose benefits are better than theirs. Part of the problem is that decades of GOP tax cuts sliced rates for corporations and the wealthy, while worsening the burden on the middle class.

It's a difficult issue that will be fought over for years to come. But, if you're smart enough not to buy the anti-union malarkey, you soon realize the problem isn't that public workers have decent pay and benefits. It's that so many other workers don't.

New Structure, Bigger Mission Politically Active TWU Members Grow D.C. Savvy During DLPA Internship

I would like to start by thanking everyone who contributes to the COPE program. Without your support, it would be impossible for TWU to carry out its vital mission in helping to shape our country's political and legislative landscape. So, I thought I'd fill you in on some new developments at COPE.

The COPE Department has gone through several changes in the past several months and will continue to change as we adapt to developments in Washington and the states where our members live and work. Upon the retirement of Hubert Snead (see story this issue), who served TWU members for 40 years in various capacities, I assumed the position of COPE and Political Field Director. I had most recently been International Field Representative. The political field program and COPE have now been formally combined, creating the new COPE and Political Field Department. The step was taken to directly link our COPE dollars with the union's "on the ground" involvement in political races and campaigns to pass specific legislation beneficial to TWU members. We, of course, work closely with TWU's Department of Legislative and Political Affairs.

Our political involvement in the field is primarily through what are known as TWU state conferences. Where the state conferences have been active, they have been a great success in getting our TWU locals to coordinate their political activities in each state. My role in the past year, along with Political Field Assistants Gwen Dunivent and Terry Daniels, has been to support our established conferences and nurture the new ones that have been coming online. That effort will continue.

We currently have active single state conferences in California, Florida, New Jersey, Ohio and Texas. Some other states have combined their efforts in joint conferences. These are Georgia-Tennessee, Nevada-Arizona, and Illinois-Indiana. New York and Pennsylvania will soon launch their own state conferences.

Although we say it year after year, it is no less true: politics and legislation are so important to the lives and livelihoods of our members that we in the union run the risk of sounding like the boy who cried wolf. There is never a more crucial time to get involved politically and to contribute to COPE.

The mid-term elections are around the corner and our voices must be heard loud and clear if we are going to try and preserve some of the gains we made under a worker-friendly administration. In addition, much remains to be done in job creation, transportation funding, the environment, investment in high-speed rail, FAA reauthorization and a host of other issues.

As this department transitions we look forward to visiting with all of you, whether at a state conference or during a COPE drive in your area. We will be looking at every aspect of our department in order to improve how it functions, including the current gift structure and distribution methods, as well as how COPE drives will be done in the future.

Politics and legislation really are central to our lives as workers. Any gains made at the bargaining table can be undone at the ballot box. We welcome all your suggestions. Please feel free to contact COPE Coordinator Heather Rose (hrose@twu.org), our newest member of the COPE Department, with any comments or questions.

Transit Fight of the Century

Since May, community leaders and riders in Atlanta, Birmingham, Detroit, Cleveland, San Francisco, Sacramento, Houston and Miami have joined the Save Our Ride alliance at rallies to demand an end to the destruction of mass transit - service cuts, layoffs and fare hikes - and the effect this destruction will have on their cities and the environment.

"The transit cuts are actual amputations. They are cutting routes completely; they are cutting people off from their jobs and they are cutting the community off from the vital service of public transportation," said Theotis James, TWU International Representative at a Save Our Ride rally in Atlanta in May.

As reported in the last issue of the Express, under the leadership of International President James C. Little we have formed the Save Our Ride alliance with the Amalgamated Transit Union and Rev. Jesse Jackson to support TWU transit locals and the riding public in cities that are suffering from the transit crisis. At the direction of President Little, TWU International Executive Vice President Harry Lombardo is heading up the TWU's efforts, supported by International Representatives Theotis James, John Bland, Irwin Lum, J.W. Johnson and with ground support from local leadership.

"This is an uphill battle for the riding public and transit," said Little. "Our locals and representatives around the country have done a commendable job publicizing the issue and our concerns for mass transit in the media." He pointed out that a recent survey by the American Public Transit Association showed that 84 percent of public transit agencies across the country have increased fares, reduced services, or are considering one or both actions.

Little stressed that TWU locals have a major role not only in driving the Save Our Ride campaign locally by building alliances, and mobilizing member support for federal legislation, but also in making sure that financial assistance is used by local transit authorities "to maintain jobs, wages and the service that we and riders advocate for." He noted that federal stimulus funds already have been provided to many cities that could have used them to preserve and improve transportation, but instead are slashing jobs and services.

"We'll be in this for the long run as it is a complicated task to change long- standing formulas. The International is working hard to help our legislators understand that this is about our communities, our environment, the ability for a mother to take her child to day care, or a senior citizen to get himself to the doctor," said TWU Executive Vice President Lombardo.

"If these bills pass, it's important to remember that just because municipal systems will have greater ability to control their federal funds, it doesn't mean that they will use it for operations - on behalf of the riding public and their employees," said President Little. "We've seen it too many times: transit authorities neglecting what's best for the public and workers in favor of their own agendas. We have to fight for jobs and public service on the ground, city by city, as we take this campaign forward."

TWU State Conferences and Grassroots Training have helped to spur the coordination of local campaigns and activities at the local level. This kind of nationwide support network will be a resource for locals that are forced to battle local authorities to invest in operations that create jobs and maintain quality service.

Strong community support and unity between the TWU and ATU at the city and state level also will be required in order to demand municipalities to use federal funds for operations. The TWU plans to strategically build on the momentum created by this summer's nationwide Save Our Ride rallies to foster relationships with community groups, riders and others concerned with the future of public transit.

Former Manchin Chief Counsel to Assume Vacant WVa Senate Seat

Carte Goodwin, former chief counsel to WVa. Governor Joe Manchin, was appointed today to temporarily fill the vacated Senate seat left by Robert C. Byrd. The longest serving Senator passed away last month and Goodwin is set to hold the seat until November when a special election will be held to determine who will serve out the remaining 2.5 years of the late Senator’s term.
Goodwin, a 36 year old lawyer from Charleston, West Virginia worked on Manchin’s 2004 campaign team, and served as his chief counsel for five years until he left to practice law in his family’s firm in 2009.

The West Virginia State Legislature has convened in a special session to consider the Governor’s proposal of allowing for a general election in the fall. It is widely speculated that Manchin will resign as Governor to run in the November special election as he is considered the heavy favorite to win.

Local 568 Hosts Working Women’s Committee

The TWU Air Transport Division Working Women's Committee (ATDWWC) held their second meeting of the year on June 14, hosted by Local 568 President Sidney Jimenez at the local's union hall in Miami, Florida. Two new representatives, Angie Bell from Local 514 and Shannon Smith from Local 525, joined the 21 women in attendance from ATD locals across the country.

The Committees' primary goal is to mentor women for leadership roles in their locals and communities. By influencing change, they work hard to energize coworkers and educate them about workplace harassment and discrimination.

Guest speakers shared their experiences overcoming career obstacles. Libby Herrera-Navarette, a labor attorney for Local 568, who specializes in employment discrimination and sexual harassment litigation was one speaker who addressed the group. Patricia Ireland, also a labor attorney, and the president of the National Organization for Women (NOW), shared her experience working as a flight attendant for Pan American Airways before returning to school to earn a law degree. Ireland said that “back in those days” when the company offered family coverage only for men she turned to NOW for help, which is when her relationship with the organization began. Ireland holds honorary degrees from: The University of Western Massachusetts College of Law, The University of Rhode Island, Indiana University and Sweetbriar College. She is working on a second book to follow her 1996 political autobiography, What Women Want.

Other speakers: were Deborah Dion, Political Director for the South Florida AFL-CIO, who discussed the importance of local and national political campaigns. Dion explained the importance of the Paycheck Fairness Bill and asked WWC members to contact their state representatives in support of the bill. Maria Greco, a professional pilot, spoke to the ATDWWC about overcoming her family's objection to her earning a pilot's license at the age of sixteen. Greco started her own air charter business despite discrimination from male pilots and passengers that would not fly with a female pilot at the controls. Greco, now a mother of ten, is featured in a traveling exhibit of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and in a book by Carolyn Russo; Women in Aviation.

Jeannie Driscoll, Managing Director of American Airlines Cargo in Miami also addressed the group.

Cope Director Alex Garcia extended an open invitation to WWC members to participate in TWU's State Conferences held across the country. International Organizer Steve Roberts gave an update on campaigns and history of Local 500, which was the first TWU Local in the new Air Transport Division, organized in 1945.

Several WWC members distributed leaflets on the benefits of unionism to Jet Blue flight attendants on the final day of the meeting at Fort Lauderdale International Airport.

Local 568 members Joyce Frissora and Gilda Brown Suluki presented the results of their research on skin cancer, and Sister Suluki gave an informative presentation on the treatment and prevention of the disease. Newcomer Angie Bell said, "I was truly amazed by the strength and power of the women in the room; I've never experienced so much sisterhood."

The next WWC meeting is scheduled for October 14-16 in Hurst, Texas. A community service project supporting the Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" is scheduled for October 16. For details go to www.atdwwc.org

Save Our Ride Miami News Advisory

Press Release
Rev. Jesse Jackson to join transit workers and community leaders
Friday July , 2:00 pm at Steven T. Clark Gov't. Center in Miami
“Save our Ride” rally to address transit crisis, call for federal public transit funding and against further service cuts

Miami – National labor and civil rights leaders and elected officials will join local transit workers, transit managers and environmental and community leaders at a “Save our Ride” rally in downtown Miami this coming Friday, July 9th at 2:00 pm.

What: Rally for federal public transit funding

Who: Rev. Jesse Jackson; Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) International President Ronald J. Heintzman; Transport Workers Union (TWU) International Executive Vice President Harry Lombardo; TWU Local 296 President Talib Nashid, environmental and community leaders.

When: Friday, July 9, 2:00 pm

Where: Steven T. Clark Government Center Bldg., 111 NW First St ., Miami

Background: Following successful public events in Atlanta, Birmingham (AL), Detroit, Cleveland, Portland and San Francisco, Sacramento and Houston the Save Our Ride campaign is coming to Miami to advocate for affordable, quality mass transit.

Public transit systems are in crisis, with fare hikes, service cuts, and layoffs of transit workers taking place in communities throughout the U.S. According to a recent survey by the American Public Transit Association, 84 percent of public transit agencies across the country have increased fares, reduced services, or are considering one or both actions.

The Save Our Ride campaign is advocating for federal legislation to address the nationwide transit crisis:

The Public Transportation Preservation Act of 2010, (S.3412 and HR 5418) would provide $2 billion in emergency aid for transit systems throughout the U.S., to help reverse fare increases and service cuts. Senate Banking Chair Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Rep. Michael McMahon (D-NY) are sponsors of this legislation.

HR 2746 and S3189 will allow for local control of federal transit funds. Current federal aid for municipal public transit comes with significant strings attached; local officials in large cities like Sacramento can only use these funds for capital projects and are prevented from using resources to meet local needs and priorities.

HR 2746 and S3189, sponsored by Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-MO) and Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), do not allocate any additional federal funds. Instead, they allow greater local control of federal transit funds. This would give Miami Dade Transit and other municipal transit systems the ability to keep buses and trains rolling when and where they are most needed.


The Save Our Ride campaign was convened by the Amalgamated Transit Union, the Transport Workers Union of America, and the Rainbow/Push Coalition. With support from elected officials, transit advocates, transit managers, environmental and community groups, Save Our Ride has sponsored transit rallies in cities across the country, purchased paid media, and initiated a national text message campaign in support of quality, affordable mass transit.

ontact: Jamie Horwitz, 202.549.4921; jhdcpr@starpower.net

Ballot Choice for AA Workers: Ratify Agreement or Vote to Authorize a Strike

Mechanics and Related Workers to Review Tentative Agreements Starting Today, Ballots Mailed July 26, Results Announced Aug. 24

DALLAS –Beginning today, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) will begin to distribute written copies of tentative agreements reached with AMR for Aviation Maintenance Technicians, Facility and Automotive Mechanics, Technical Specialists and Stock Clerks at American Airlines. The written copies of the tentative agreements will reach TWU Locals across the country over the next week.

Roughly 13,000 workers at American will participate in the ratification votes. Ballots will be mailed to TWU members July 26; results will be tabulated and announced by the American Arbitration Association on the afternoon of Aug. 24.

Ballot language to be considered by members of the three bargaining units reads simply:

• I VOTE TO ACCEPT

• I VOTE TO REJECT AND AUTHORIZE THE NEGOTIATING TEAM TO TAKE WHATEVER ACTION NECESSARY UP TO AND INCLUDING A STRIKE

“The language is simple, but these are not simple choices,” said Don Videtich TWU International Representative. ,“It wasn’t an easy choice for our bargaining committees to agree to these TA’s. However, after 30 long months of negotiations and careful consideration they voted to send these agreements out to members for a ratification vote.”

This tentative agreement, calls for signing bonuses, structural pay increases, increases to existing premium pay and other pay increases and maintains defined-benefit pension plans for all current TWU members, as well as retiree healthcare benefits, although active members 49 and under will no longer prefund for the retiree healthcare benefit, they will utilize their sick bank hours to fund their coverage. Improvements also were negotiated in holidays, sick leave, paid time-off among other contractual changes.

The membership also must consider work rule changes, a new mechanic classification, and available seat mile cap percentage changes. If ratified, new hires will have a defined-contribution pension plan. And, despite the wage increases, pay and benefits would not be fully restored to pre-2003 levels.

These improvements were made possible while maintaining aircraft overhaul work in-house (in the U.S.A) by skilled TWU labor, unlike other major airlines that send the bulk of their aircraft overhaul overseas for repairs.

Added Videtich, “Our members understand that this has been a difficult economic climate to negotiate in. Understanding the challenges, we have been able to reach TAs that include raises and other improvements. The members must decide if these negotiated agreements are acceptable. If the members do not want to ratify the TA that is their right. However, It also is important that everyone understand the full consequences and next steps entailed in a “no” vote.”



Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) represents 200,000 workers and retirees, primarily in commercial aviation, public transportation and passenger railroads. The union is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO. For more information visit www.twu.org

SAVE OUR RIDE News Advisory

Press Release

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee to join transit workers, environmental and community leaders Wednesday, July 7 at Mickey Leland Federal Building in Houston, 11 am

“Save our Ride” rally to address transit crisis, call for federal public transit funding and against further service cuts

Houston – National labor and civil rights leaders and elected officials will join local transit workers, transit managers and environmental and community leaders at a “Save our Ride” rally in downtown Houston this coming Wednesday, July 7 at 11 am at the Mickey Leland Federal Building in downtown Houston.

What: Rally for federal public transit funding

Who: Rev. Jesse Jackson; Rep. Sheila-Jackson Lee; Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) International President Ronald J. Heintzman; Transport Workers Union (TWU) International Executive Vice President Harry Lombardo; TWU Local 260 President David Gollinger; environmental and community leaders.

When: Wednesday, July 7, 11 am

Where: Mickey Leland Federal Building, 1919 Smith St., Houston.
Background: Following successful public events in Atlanta, Birmingham (AL), Detroit, Cleveland, Portland and San Francisco and Sacramento, the Save Our Ride campaign is coming to Houston to advocate for affordable, quality mass transit.

Public transit systems are in crisis, with fare hikes, service cuts, and layoffs of transit workers taking place in communities throughout the U.S. According to a recent survey by the American Public Transit Association, 84 percent of public transit agencies across the country have increased fares, reduced services, or are considering one or both actions.

The Save Our Ride campaign is advocating for federal legislation to address the nationwide transit crisis:

The Public Transportation Preservation Act of 2010, (S.3412 and HR 5418) would provide $2 billion in emergency aid for transit systems throughout the U.S., to help reverse fare increases and service cuts. Senate Banking Chair Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Rep. Michael McMahon (D-NY) are sponsors of this legislation.

HR 2746 and S3189 will allow for local control of federal transit funds. Current federal aid for municipal public transit comes with significant strings attached; local officials in large cities like Sacramento can only use these funds for capital projects and are prevented from using resources to meet local needs and priorities.

HR 2746 and S3189, sponsored by Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-MO) and Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), do not allocate any additional federal funds. Instead, they allow greater local control of federal transit funds. This would give Harris County Metro and other municipal transit systems the ability to keep buses and trains rolling when and where they are most needed.

Contact: Roger Kerson, 202.315.8533, roger.kerson@gmail.com ; Jamie Horwitz, 292.549.4921, jhdcpr@starpower.net

The Save Our Ride campaign was convened by the Amalgamated Transit Union, the Transport Workers Union of America, and the Rainbow/Push Coalition. With support from elected officials, transit advocates, transit managers, environmental and community groups, Save Our Ride has sponsored transit rallies in cities across the country, purchased paid media, and initiated a national text message campaign in support of affordable, quality mass transit.

With Contract Talks at an Impasse, TWU Fleet and Ground Service Workers’ Local Unions are Instruct

Press Release
DALLAS –Today, the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) has asked its 13 union locals that represent fleet and ground service (Title III) workers to schedule strike votes during the month of July. Each local is to report the results of the balloting to the International union no later than July 30th. Each TWU local also has been asked to mobilize member strike committees and apply for picketing permits at all airports where American Airlines operates and in all cities where the local unions are based.

“If our members authorize a strike, we believe that we could be granted release by the National Mediation Board as early as September,” said Robert Gless Deputy Director of TWU’s Air Transport Division. Under the Railway Labor Act, the federal National Mediation Board (NMB) must grant permission to strike and certain other actions termed “self help.”

On June 28th, TWU declared that negotiations for fleet and ground workers were at an impasse.

Fleet and ground service workers handle baggage, clean aircraft, deice and fuel planes and move freight. While the bargaining process is at impasse for fleet service workers, voting on tentative agreements is moving forward for TWU-represented mechanics, technicians and workers who handle parts at American. Those pending agreements have different terms and do not have the same issues related to contracting –out work that has caused the breakdown in the fleet/ground service negotiations.

For further information contact:
Jamie Horwitz 202/549-4921
jhdcpr@starpower.net

TWU Railroad Division Alert Concerning Health Coverage

The Railroad Division of the TWU has released the following important reminder concerning members' health coverage.

Click here to read the alert.
Click here to read the notice.