Current NMB Clarifications

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

Our office has received numerous E-mails and phone calls as a result of confusion created by newspaper and media coverage of our AA negotiations and the contract rejection by two of the work groups. In view of this, I decided that it was important to clarify some of the key facts about where we stand today.

First, the fact that the contract was rejected does not place us on a 30 day countdown to a strike. We are under the exclusive jurisdiction of the NMB and in order to be on the 30 day clock the Board has to release us. That determination is in the exclusive jurisdiction of the NMB and is made only when the NMB comes to the determination that further bargaining without a release would be futile.

That being said, we have planned to meet with the negotiating committee in order to discuss priorities and our further steps and options. Once accomplished (September 14-15) our next step will be contacting the NMB in order to advise them that we are willing to sit down at the bargaining table with American. However, now that we are in mediation, future meetings must be scheduled by the NMB.

As you know, several months ago, the TWU and the APFA both requested that the NMB release us. Neither request was granted. We will not renew or request without the full consideration with the negotiating committee and the Presidents. Obviously, we can only make this decision after reviewing the progress of the renewed bargaining. Clearly the NMB will make no judgment about the need for a release until it reviews the progress of any further bargaining.

Hope that this helps clear up some of the misinformation that has been spread by some media accounts.

Fraternally,

James C. Little
International President

Download the PDF

AA Contract Vote- Marching Forward

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

Our contract votes are in, and now we must re-start the contract campaign. We will continue to push forward to secure an equitable agreement, to be recognized for our sacrifices, and most importantly to stop the continuing erosion of the future of all airline professionals.

Our next steps must be initiated immediately.  I have asked the ATD to call for an urgent meeting of the entire team to develop a renewed strategic plan.   

While the team will help design our campaign, there are four changes I am instituting now until we can fully review the current negotiating structure at AA.

1.There will be two equal co-chairs of the team, one from ATD staff and another elected by the team. This hopefully avoids much of the miscommunications we are currently experiencing.

2.The co-chairs will BOTH attend their meetings with the company and the NMB with no exceptions.

3.We will also make sure that every member of the negotiating team is fully engaged in the process and demonstrates their ability to get real time information to our members at the drop of a hat. As an example: having dedicated team captains in the field to disseminate the information directly from the negotiating committee.

4.I have asked the ATD to provide additional electronic communications sent out as the “Contract Connection” after every negotiating session. Regardless of how you voted, the time is now to be more united than ever. The company may be counting on us to fight one another and destroy ourselves from within; I can assure you that will not happen unless you and I allow it to happen.

Again, now that the membership has spoken, we must put the past behind us and come together and speak with ONE VOICE with the ultimate goal to get the best contract we can for our members.

The ride is not going to be easy, but we are in this together for as long as it takes. It is a proven fact that ‘United We Stand, Divided We Fall”.

In solidarity and fraternally,

James C. Little
International President

Download the PDF

Letter from James C. Little to UPS Regarding Worker Abuse in Turkey

Transport Workers Union of America's President James C. Little sent a letter today to UPS CEO Scott Davies condemning their companies abuses against workers in Turkey. Over 150 UPS workers who have engaged in organizing a union have been fired and many others have faced intimidation and threats. See President Little's letter below:

Dear Mr. Davies:

I am writing to you to express my grave concern over the serious violations of trade union rights at UPS in Turkey.

I have reason to believe that more than 150 workers who work for UPS and its sub-contractors in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir have been dismissed in the recent months because they support the union, TÜMTIS. Other workers are constantly harassed by the management not to join the union. There was a shooting incident in Izmir involving a senior manager of the company's sub-contractor.

These recent events violate the fundamental workers' rights as enshrined in the Core Conventions of the International Labour Organization. It also goes without saying that accession to the European Union will require some fundamental changes to the current climate of industrial relations in Turkey like the one we witness at your company. Actions taken by the UPS Turkish management and its subcontractors are damaging the reputation of your company which enshrines in its Code of Conduct the promotion of a sound relationship between trade unions and the management. We find it very inappropriate that UPS is one of the official sponsors to the 2012 London Olympic Games under the current circumstances.

I urge your immediate intervention to resolve this situation so that (1) all the sacked workers are reinstated unconditionally; (2) steps are taken to ensure that no further victimisation takes place at UPS and its subsidiaries and (3) the local management enters into formal dialogue with TÜMTIS to establish a sound industrial relationship.

Both TÜMTIS and my union are members of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) that represents 4.5 million transport workers worldwide. We fully support the Day of Action that the ITF has called on 1 September 2010 in solidarity with the Turkish UPS workers. We are hoping that you will be able to resolve this dispute most urgently.

Sincerely,

James C. Little
International President

You can download a .pdf of this letter here

TWU Represented Dispatchers Reach T/A with Horizon Air

Transport Workers Union of America announces that a four year tentative agreement has been reached with Horizon Air Industries and its Flight Dispatchers represented by TWU Local 542.  Local 542 President John E. Plowman said "This agreement provides surety and certainty regarding wages, working conditions and hours of work for a meaningful period of time."

Specific details of the Tentative Agreement will be discussed in upcoming membership meetings currently scheduled to take place in early September with a ballot ratification vote taking place in early October.

Call to All Members to Join “One Nation: Marching for One Dream” on 10-2-10

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.

For More Information on 10-2-10
Time to Mobilize, March, Organize
Why ‘One Nation’ - Marching for Hope and Change?

TWU Continues Lead Role in Congress with the World’s Transport Workers

The TWU delegation continues to make critical contributions at the 42nd Congress of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) in Mexico City. ITF affiliates literally move the world, representing nearly 5 million workers from over 155 countries in all sectors of transport. The ITF was founded in 1896, and holds its Congress every four years.

On Monday, August 9, TWU Civil and Human Rights Director Sandra Burleson was elected as a North American representative to the ITF Women’s Committee. Millions of women work in the transport industry world-wide. Like most workers in the industry, women are seeing globalization, deregulation and privatization squeeze their jobs, their wages and their working conditions. At the same time, women have been facing unequal wages, inadequate child care, discrimination and harassment. Organizing women into leadership roles in their unions, and empowering women to secure better working conditions, more rights and equality, are key elements of the ITF’s work. Through Sandra Burleson, the TWU will be at the center of that effort for the next four years. Congratulations, Sister Burleson!

On Tuesday, August 10, the delegates began debating strategies to implement the Congress theme of “Strong Unions—Sustainable Transport.” These strategies include
--Building strong unions – organizing globally,
-- Fighting for union rights and labor standards, and
--Campaigning for sustainable transport.

TWU International VP and Director of Strategic Planning Roger Toussaint addressed a plenary session of all the delegates on the vital importance to the success of these strategies of unions building alliances with other social movements. He emphasized how important it is for the labor movement to join with the climate justice movement, perhaps the most important emerging popular front, to advance workers’ interests in creating millions of green union jobs as we solve the climate crisis. In the same vein, he also shared with the delegates President Jim Little’s call to join the 10.2.10 national mobilization for “One Nation Working Together”. Comparing the present moment in history to 1963, when hundreds of thousands gathered in Washington to support the civil rights movement and Dr. King’s dream, he recalled the visionary labor leaders like Mike Quill of the TWU and Walter Reuther of the UAW who recognized that the nation was at a historic crossroads at that moment, and that labor must lead or get out of the way. On October 2 of this year, labor must again lead the way in bringing together the forces of hope and change to say that we won’t let the tea party and the party of “no” divide us, that we will fight for the change we voted for, and we will win.

Delegates will continue to debate the ITF’s strategy over the two final days of the Congress, as well as electing the top ITF leadership for the next four years.

AFL-CIO Executive Council Supports One Nation Movement

The AFL-CIO Executive Council issued a statement from its August 4-5 meeting in support of the multi-racial, civil and human rights One Nation movement to renew the American dream and prosperity for all people.

AFL-CIO Executive Council Statement
One Nation Working Together

Our nation stands at a critical crossroads. The 30-year drive for a low-wage, high-consumption society that imports more and more of what it consumes has hit the wall. Millions are unemployed, with little recovery in sight. A record number of Americans who want desperately to work have been jobless for more than 6 months. At the same time, Wall Street continues to roll up big profits.

Banks and corporations have made off with trillions of public dollars, while small businesses can’t get loans and cities are being forced to make cuts to public education and public safety, harming our children and our communities.

Obstructionists in Congress are doing everything they can to stop anything that helps working people, and they are scapegoating workers for the demise of the economy. Public sector workers are being cast as selfish, auto workers are being blamed for the troubles of the auto industry, and teachers are being blamed for an education system in need of support.

Working people are frustrated and angry—incensed by the government’s inability to halt massive job loss and declining living standards on the one hand, and the comparative ease with which Republicans in Congress, with help from some Democrats, have done their best to make the world safe again for JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs and CitiGroup, on the other. Just as we have seen through history, fear mongers in our country have seized on that anger and are working hard -- unfortunately with some success--to use justifiable anger about a failing economy to divide us.

We have to fight this hateful demagoguery that only benefits our foes, and we can’t do it alone. History has taught us that the best way to fight the forces of hatred is to address the economic policies that led to our economic suffering, and that our fight must draw its strength from an alliance of the poor and the middle class—everyone who works for a living.

It is against this backdrop that we join ONE NATION.

ONE NATION is a multi-racial, civil and human rights movement whose mission is to reorder our nation’s priorities to invest in our nation’s most valuable resource – our people. The organizations that have come together to form ONE NATION believe that our goal should be a future of shared prosperity, not stubborn unemployment and a lost generation. Workers should be able to share in the wealth they create, and everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve the American Dream – a secure job; the chance for our children to get a great public education and the opportunity to make their own way in the world; and laws that protect us, not oppress us.

ONE NATION is a long-term effort to reverse the dangerous economic course of our country over the past four decades. It brings together organizations from across the progressive spectrum—labor, civil rights, environmental, faith and many others—recognizing that none of us alone have been able to achieve our priorities, whether they are large-scale job creation, labor law reform, immigration reform, investing in public education or other concerns, and that we will not realize change until these priorities belong to all of us.

ONE NATION shares the labor movement’s policy agenda: An economy that works for all; good jobs, fair jobs, safe jobs, and more jobs; reforming Wall Street; repairing our immigration system; quality education for every child; and ensuring that everyone in America has the opportunity to contribute to and strengthen our country. Restoring workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively is at the heart of the policy agenda.

The ONE NATION march on Washington on October 2, 2010 will charge up an army of tens of thousands of activists who will return to their neighborhoods, churches, schools and, especially, voting booths, with new energy to enact our common agenda. And on the same day, the labor movement will walk door-to-door in targeted states around the country, bringing the same message to union members exactly one month before the fall elections.

The march aims to bring working people, young people, retirees, civil rights activists and many others together on the Mall to show the obstructionists in Congress that we are many and diverse, strong and that united—and we will fight together for the American Dream.

Many of our unions are already committed to work as a part of ONE NATION. The unions of the AFL-CIO proudly join this coalition and pledge to work collectively to add our support to this great effort.

Working people can make a difference when we rely on ourselves and act collectively. We are America. And together we can make our voices heard.

Find out more about One Nation.

President Obama Meets with US Labor Leaders

President Obama spoke before the members of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, including TWU International President James C. Little, on Wednesday morning on the first day of the two-day AFL-CIO meeting in Washington, D.C.

The president voiced his commitment to rebuilding the American economy to serve working people after the past 10 years of policies that have hurt the middle class. Obama explained there is a struggle ahead, but he is dedicated to creating jobs and increasing prosperity for all Americans.

"I'm here to tell you, we are not giving up and we are not giving in. We are going to keep fighting for an economy that works for everybody, not just for a privileged few,” remarked Obama.

TWU President James C. Little, a member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, who attended the meeting on Wednesday said: “It was an honor to hear President Obama address labor's issues and concerns and emphasize his dedication to policies and legislation that supports working families."

President Obama emphasized the importance of "Made in America," developing clean energy, creating a 21st century infrastructure and enforcing trade laws to limit outsourcing of jobs. He reflected on a recent visit to a Chrysler plant in Detroit where he met with union workers who retained their jobs because of federal assistance for the auto industry.

Obama spoke of grave need to reverse anti-union attitudes of the past and to shift policies and legislation so that they help workers, rather than hurt them. He mentioned his administration's efforts, like appointing people to the National Mediation Board that would ensure workers in the rail and air industries get a fair deal.

“I've appointed folks who actually are fulfilling their responsibilities to make sure our workplaces are safe, whether in a mine or in an office, a factory, or any place else. And we are going to keep on fighting to pass the Employee Free Choice Act,” said Obama.

Obama stressed the importance of the upcoming elections in November as a time to choose between those who led the country into the economic recession and caused hardship for millions of Americans, and those who are working for change and have hope for a better future for America.

“I'm going to continue to work with all of you on behalf of working families around the country,” said President Obama.

Watch the video of Obama’s speech here.

TWU Joins with the World’s Transport Workers!

UPDATE
For all the daily ITF Congress news go here

A TWU delegation is at the 42nd Congress of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) in Mexico city. ITF affiliates literally move the world’s peoples, goods and services, representing nearly 5 million workers from over 155 countries in sections that include all aspects of aviation; commuter and urban public, surface (buses) and ferry, light and heavy passenger and freight rail transport, trucking supply chains, maritime – dockworkers and seafarers and others. Founded in 1896, the ITF Congress is held every four years.

The theme of the 42nd Congress, which is now taking place in Mexico City, is "Strong Unions--Sustainable Transport." This theme reflects the key issues being debated by over 1500 delegates, including the need to organize globally for strong unions and to solve the global climate crisis by transforming our economies to create more environmentally friendly union jobs in all sectors. Delegates also pledged solidarity with Mexican workers whose human rights are being attacked by the Mexican government, against the killing and repression of trade union leaders and activists in Latin America, Iran and elsewhere.

The TWU delegation has been very active at the ITF Congress, intervening in the floor debates, gaining firsthand knowledge and experience from intense and bitter struggles taking place on Transport from around the globe, including in the host country of Mexico, and meeting with delegations from around the world on our common issues.

In particular, TWU’s forward looking approach, represented in statements issued by President James C. Little, to the challenges posed by the struggle to combat climate change and the opportunities it presents to grow jobs and strengthen the labor movement has been widely applauded at the Congress.

On August 8th, TWU International Vice President and director of Strategic Planning, Roger Toussaint, who also headed up NY’s Local 100 for 9 years was elected to the three member ‘Urban Transport Committee’ of the ITF joining representatives from Germany and South Africa. The Urban Transport Committee looks after ITF affiliates concerns in all areas of urban, especially public, transport.

The ITF is also launching a major health and safety initiative to support and strengthen its affiliates globally which TWU’s Director of Safety & Health is helping to coordinate. ATD Deputy Director Bobby Gless convened a meeting of the unions of the One World alliance partners, and has been making valuable connections with sister unions around the world. These new allies include the Jordanian flight attendants who have successfully organized their employer, Royal Jordan Air, which is part of the one World Alliance and American Airlines employees affiliated with the Brazilian national airline workers union. Human Rights Director, Sandra Burleson has been working a wide range of contacts and resources to bring back to TWU’s work in this area.

You can follow the ITF Congress online and stay tuned for further updates as the Congress proceeds.


TWU Representatives Attend International Conference on Sustainable Transportation
Representatives of the TWU joined transportation union leaders and activists from around the world for a conference today in Mexico City to discuss strategies for cleaner and greener transport. The Climate Change and Transport Conference is being held in advance of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) 42nd Congress on August 5-12 to develop recommendations for action on climate change.

Five representatives from the TWU will be in Mexico to participate in the ITF Congress; TWU Director of Strategic Planning Roger Toussaint, TWU Senior Council for Strategic Resources Dean Hubbard, TWU Health and Safety Director Ed Watt, Air Transport Division Deputy Director Robert Gless, and TWU Human Rights Director Sandra Burleson.

The climate change conference is occurring separately from the ITF Congress in order to provide a venue for focusing on the important impact of transportation on global warming. Conference attendees will recommend three resolutions to the ITF Congress, which, if passed, will be binding on ITF policies.

One of the most the most wide-ranging resolutions, Motion One, has been backed by 51 trade unions from around the world. The motion states that the ITF and its affiliates should take a science-based approach to climate change and contribute to the major transformations, like developing sustainable transportation, needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the motion, the transition to a low-carbon economy can be a catalyst for creating a more equitable world but this requires policies to promote green industries along a Reduce-Shift-Improve framework and to provide just transition to adversely impacted workers and developing countries.

“This conference is a historic first for the ITF, and one that reflects a growing recognition that transport unions need to respond to the issue of climate change at a workplace level and beyond,” said Alana Dave, ITF Education Officer.

The TWU is proud to continue its involvement with the ITF and is dedicated to working on issues of climate change. In July, the TWU issued a letter to the United States affiliates of the ITF in support of a resolution put forward by the ITF Climate Change Working Group advocating for strong action to cut green house gas emission which can create jobs, transform the economy and strengthen organized labor. Read the letter here.

“To protect our members and the planet we share, we must have the courage and vision to lead. Organized labor must join with other social movements in seizing the opportunity to make the changes climate science demands of our species,” said TWU President James C. Little.

Get the latest on the Climate Change and Transport Conference.

Stay tuned for more updates on the ITF 42nd Congress.

Read the ITF Resolution.

Human Rights Meeting Hosted by Local 567: “Unity, Diversity, Liberty and Justice for All”

The TWU Human Rights Department held its second regional meeting in Fort Worth, Texas on July 27-28, hosted by Air Transport Division Local 567.

TWU Human Rights Director Sandra Burleson opened the meeting by explaining the International’s recent decision to change the name of the department from Civil and Human Rights to simply Human Rights. "Civil rights are human rights," she explained, discussing how human rights are about more than issues of race, as the term civil rights connotes. Burleson also reviewed the department's mission, history and goals for the future. International Vice President and ATD Director Garry Drummond and President of Local 567 Larry Pike also provided greetings.

During the two-day session, participants heard from several different TWU and other officials on various topics of Human Rights:
-TWU International Organizer Georges Exceus spoke of his experiences as a child growing up in Haiti under a corrupt government where human rights are too often violated. Exceus explained that he immigrated to the United States in efforts to live in a country that respects and protects human rights. He also emphasized his pride in being a part of the TWU, one of the most progressive unions that has always been dedicated to fair and equal rights for all. Exceus quoted Article II in the TWU International Constitution: "To unite in this industrial union, regardless of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation or nationality, all workers eligible for membership."

-Portia Reddick-White, TWU Director of Legislative and Political Affairs, spoke on human rights and politics, explaining how and why they are enmeshed. Politics addresses human rights issues through legislation like the Employee Free Choice Act and the Paycheck Fairness Act. Labor is always fighting for human rights by supporting politicians and legislation that protects and secures the rights of all citizens.

-Jackie Oxendine, an Administrative Supervisor for American Airlines, spoke about human rights in the workplace, emphasizing the differences in behavior, language and actions that get many employees in trouble.

-Guest speaker Rodney Klein, an educator and trainer for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), provided valuable insight into Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which explains the many different forms that discrimination can take.

-Gwen Dunivent, TWU Political Field Assistant and President of the Dallas Central Labor Council discussed TWU's Political State Conferences. She encouraged participants at the Human Rights meeting to get involved with the Conferences, which discuss important local and state legislative issues and political candidates' relationship to labor and our issues.

-Louis King, Local 514 Executive Board Member, spoke about the first regional HR meeting that was hosted by Local 514 in 2008 and attended by several Local 514 members, many of whom were present at this year's meeting.

-Local 530 member Carolyn Burton closed the meeting with her reenactment of a post Civil War "buffalo soldier," Private William Cathay. Cathay was actually a woman masquerading as a male to fight in the union army. After becoming ill, her identity was discovered and the U.S. army withheld her pension, Cathay is the only known female "buffalo soldier" to have served her country.

The TWU also recognizes Local 567's HR Committee Chairman and local Executive Board member Danny Gonzalez, HR Co-chair John Johnson, HR Recording Secretary Nan Warren and Teresa Tolbert for their assistance with this meeting.

Save Our Ride Rally Houston, Texas

National labor and civil rights leaders and elected officials joined local transit workers, transit managers and environmental and community leaders at a "Save our Ride" rally in downtown Houston on July 7 at the Mickey Leland Federal Building.

The rally addressed the national transit crisis, called for federal public transit funding and against further service cuts.

Among the speakers were: 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 Human Rights Director Sandra Burleson; environmental and community leaders.

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.

President Little at AFL-CIO Executive Council Meeting Today

TWU President James C. Little and other national labor leaders are convening today at the annual AFL-CIO Executive Council Meeting in Washington, DC. President Obama will present to the Executive Council on the first day of the two-day gathering.

The meeting is slated to focus on jobs and mobilizing for the upcoming midterm election and will feature meetings with Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J) and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis.

Find out more on the AFL-CIO blog.

Time to Mobilize, March, Organize

October 2 (10-2-10) will be a culmination of months of activities planned to build up to the massive show of unity and strength in Washington D.C., one month before Election Day.

The TWU will be a force among millions of people from other unions, civil rights, environmentalist, student and community organizations, all marching in unity in support of "One Nation – Put America Back to Work, Bring America Together and Going Forward."

The New York area plans to send 4,000 buses to D.C. for the 10-2-10 mobilization; that is 200,000 people on the buses alone. Hundreds of thousands of others will be flying, driving or taking trains in from all over the East coast. Regional mobilizations will also be held in areas too far from D.C. for practical travel. The event is expected to be of historic scale and impact.

After 10-2-10, all forces pivot for the final stretch to the mid-term elections on November 2.

But this mobilization is about more than the elections and their outcomes. This is a battle over the near and long-term future of America's political atmosphere and climate, which determines how TWU and labor issues will fare, from the fights over funding, to the priorities and policies coming out of Washington.

This is about more than just one inspirational day; it is about building a movement and protecting our futures. Throughout the rest of the summer, building such a movement has to be our shared focus.

TWU calls on all activists to join committees in their locals and local areas that are being set up to mobilize for this effort. Help get the word out to friends, family, churches and your communities. Help raise money to rent buses and to support local events. Work through your locals to put together events where we educate people on our agenda and our efforts to protect the middle class and working Americans.

In order to fight for "One Nation," an America working together and moving forward, we must start organizing and mobilizing today.

Why ‘One Nation’ - Marching for Hope and Change?

For the last eighteen months we have watched as the forces of bitterness and division have been inaccurately portrayed as the voices of ordinary Americans against "big Government." First came the "birthers," then the "Tea Party" and the "Party of NO;" seeking revenge over the outcome of the 2008 presidential elections and attempting to drag America into division, bitterness, roadblocks and gridlock. They hope and try to have us turn on each other and work against each other. A dysfunctional society is what they would "take us back to."

But there are other voices out there – our voices. We are the people who believe an even greater America is possible and lies around the corner. We believe in an America that works together, depends on each other, pulls together and lifts up as "One Nation." Now it is our turn to be seen and heard from and to stand up for the change that we voted for. Silence encourages others to pressure the administration to back pedal on its promises and commitments. Let's speak up, mobilize and show what America truly looks like.

Join us on October 2, (10-2-10) in Washington D.C. for a massive mobilization working towards positive change in this country. Put America back to work! Pull America back together!

Arriving Today, A Tentative Agreement for American Eagle Fleet Service Clerks

Press Release
If Ratified, 2,145 Transport Workers Union Members Will Gain
Structural Wage Increases and other Benefits

DALLAS – Negotiators for the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and American Eagle, a subsidiary of AMR, have reached a tentative agreement for a new four-year contract that includes structural longevity increases, signing bonuses and improvements in healthcare for part-time workers, among other improvements. The agreement, if approved by the union’s membership, would place Fleet Service Clerks at American Eagle among the highest paid fleet service workers employed at a regional carrier, ranked in the top three with comparable employees at Chautauqua and SkyWest. A ratification vote will likely be scheduled for mid-September.

Under the new agreement, a clerk with 12 years or more experience would earn $16 per hour. Workers with 4 to 11 years on the job would receive a $500 signing bonus, new employees would receive a $250 bonus. Crew Chiefs also would receive additional hourly increases, if ratified.

Fleet Service Clerks are responsible for loading and unloading cargo, as well as transporting cargo to and from the aircraft. American Eagle’s Fleet Service Clerks also clean and service cabin interiors. In addition to representing fleet workers, TWU represents approximately 4,000 workers at American Eagle, other TWU-represented work groups at the airline include Aircraft Mechanics, Ground Support Mechanics, Inventory Control Specialists, Ground School Instructors, and Flight Dispatchers. TWU represents more workers at American Airlines and American Eagle than any other union.

The 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.