Bargaining Report 9/25

Union Brothers and Sisters,

It may have been hot outside, but inside the meeting room, it was an arctic tundra.

The cold shoulder—and the blows—started the moment we entered the cave. However, the extreme chill became even more apparent when the Big Boss, Chris Pappaioanou VP Envoy Legal and Labor Relation Affairs, joined the usually 12-person team at the table. Needless to say, the temperature in the room dropped a few more degrees.

Despite the frosty atmosphere, the ice eventually melted enough for the collective teams to accomplish some much-needed housekeeping and get down to the business of bargaining.

During this bargaining session, we were able to reach tentative agreements on Articles 5 (Invalidation Clause and Application of Agreement), 20 (Filing of Vacancies), and 33 (Authorized Union Business).

We also presented Articles 16, 18, 13, 24, 31, and 32.

While not every conversation at the table was easy, each article presented is another opportunity to address the concerns and priorities of our membership. TA’ing an article represents movement, while presenting and discussing additional articles allows us to put our proposals and priorities on the table and continue working toward meaningful changes.

There were certainly moments when the temperature at the table felt below freezing, but the work continued. Bargaining is a process, and not every day at the table will look the same. What remains important is that we continue to show up, do the work, and keep the needs of our membership at the center of the conversation.

The ice may not have completely melted, but we’re still chipping away at it.

We remain focused on moving the process forward, addressing the articles before us, and continuing to fight for a contract that works for our membership.

Stay tuned. The cave may be cold, but we’re still at the table.

In solidarity
 

Keyairia Ferguson

LAX

Envoy Bargaining Committee