Union asks National Mediation Board to release them from negotiations so they can walk out

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) yesterday said that following Independence Air's refusal to present a meaningful comprehensive economic proposal at the bargaining table, AMFA has requested a release from the National Mediation Board's Mediation Services, seriously increasing the possibility of a strike.

"The Company has consistently refused to present a comprehensive economic proposal and has completely ignored multiple good-faith AMFA proposals put forward since August 17," said AMFA Region III Director Kevin Wildermuth. "You can't have effective negotiations if only one party is willing to negotiate."

Wildermuth said on Wednesday, September 22, the Company presented a piece-meal proposal on only a few issues and stated that they could not agree to economics until the number of issues was reduced. Yet on March 10, 2004, the Company said they "didn't want to negotiate in the blind" and would not agree to these very same issues until economic costs were established. "In light of the Company's 180-degree flip-flop, it is strikingly obvious that their latest proposal was just another stalling tactic to delay making the economic proposal needed to move this process forward. AMFA believes it is high time for both parties to deal with the comprehensive package."

"After more than two years of negotiations and patiently enduring numerous delays, we believe this process should be moved to completion, and accordingly, we had no responsible alternative but to ask for a release from the mediation process," said Wildermuth. AMFA held informational meetings at Independence Air's three largest maintenance stations and found overwhelming membership support for the release request, which, if granted, automatically initiates a 30-day countdown to a strike.

As of press time, the management of the airline had not published a press release reacting to AMFA's announcement.

FMI: www.amfanatl.org, www.flyi.com