- This week was our first TA2 Mediation Session with management and the mediator assigned by the National Mediation Board.
- We presented our initial TA2 Proposal addressing targeted issues from TA1, based on the TA2 Survey and guidance from the MEC.
- The mediator directed the parties not to publish Opening Proposals or specific details.
- We discussed the proposal and made progress on several provisions.
- The next scheduled session is December 17-19.
This week, our Negotiating Committee and Negotiations Strategic Communications Representative met with management and the mediator assigned by the National Mediation Board (NMB) for our first TA2 Mediation Session. *Our Negotiating Committee is supported during this process by AFA International Collective Bargaining and Legal departments.
The Committee presented our initial TA2 Proposal addressing targeted issues from TA1, based on the TA2 Survey and guidance from the MEC. Our intent was to publish both Opening Proposals, as well as specifics from the TA2 sessions. However, the mediator has once again directed both parties not to disclose specific details – similar to the end of TA1 negotiations. Unfortunately, we are unable to share the TA2 Opening Proposals or other specific details of the sessions.
Both parties discussed the targeted proposal and made progress on several provisions. The mediator reiterated his message that we are working under a condensed timeline, which was discussed in this update. Last week, the MECs at AFA Alaska and AFA Hawaiian elected their Joint Negotiating Committee members and began preparing for JCBA negotiations to commence in March.
We understand how frustrating it is not to be able to share more specific information about our negotiations due to the mediator’s restrictions. It’s important for us to keep you informed and engaged in this process, and we recognize that the lack of detailed updates can lead to uncertainty. Please know that despite these limitations, our commitment to achieving TA2 remains unwavering, and we will continue to provide general updates as we progress through the mediation sessions.
The next scheduled mediation session is December 17-19. We also scheduled an additional session, January 7-9.
In solidarity.
Janine Montoya says
Frustrating is a very weak word. From
The perspective of the mediator, who exactly benefits from this delay?? And the lack of communication? It sure isn’t our work group, so……
I’d like to see a lot more fighting. What were the top issues?? Will they be solved? The company has bigger fish to fry than this.
Joe Lombardini says
Really? It took All DAY to tell us you can’t tell us anything? Shaking my head…
Maki Bogart says
I’m curious what/who gives the mediator the “authority” to have “directed both parties not to disclose specific details”. And why our NC feels the need to follow these “directives” when they “ understand how frustrating it is not to be able to share more specific information about our negotiations due to the mediator’s restrictions.”
Other unions representing labor groups across this nation do not prescribed to NDAs or bring “directed” by federal entities. Why do we?
The time is now. If we want to achieve anything the time is NOW. Before new anti-union administration comes into power. It is of the UTMOST importance that we achieve an ACTUAL record contract.
Darshan Sawant D says
Thank you for the update, hoping for success 🙌 🙏