Local Safety News

October 2011
National Safety & Standards Directors Monthly Report for October 2011
Dear Members:
This month I participated in all National Executive Council (NEC) and Seniority Integration Committee conference calls.
October was a busy month as there was quite a bit of work for the NEC. I flew to Dallas to participate in the SWA/AirTran seniority integration meetings. We continued to work towards crafting language that would merge the two seniority lists and that would be acceptable to our respective memberships. At the time it was clear that there was still some work to be done. Hopefully the November negotiations will bring us closer to acceptable terms.
The following week I flew to Portland, Oregon to meet with the NEC. While in Portland we met with a group of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians who are seeking better representation and showed a sincere interest in the principles that AMFA has to offer. The work and support of individuals like those of Local 14 is what makes me proud to be a member of AMFA.
While in Portland I received disturbing information regarding the SWA Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP). It appears that the company has decided to interpret the ASAP MOU in a way that would fulfill their needs. The company’s intent contradicts the ASAP MOU and has profound effects on the principles of safety employed by AMFA and its members. If they carry through with this initiative, the integrity of the ASAP program could very well be compromised. We are currently in the process of communicating with the company in hopes of resolving this issue and preserving the effectiveness of this very important safety tool.
Did you know that most ASAP groups will automatically file a NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) form ARC 277D on your behalf when you file an ASAP report. The NASA ASRS program predates the ASAP program. Furthermore the reports are not shared with the company. Check with your ASAP representative for more information.
"Play for more than you can afford to lose and you will learn the game." - Winston Churchill
Fraternally,
Fred Digne
Safety & Standards Director