ELECTION Q&A
Q: What does “filing for a representation election” mean?
A: The IAM today delivered election authorization cards (a-cards) today from at least 50 percent of Republic Airways mechanic and related workers. The a-cards were delivered along with an official application to the National Mediation Board (NMB), a federal agency in Washington DC, requesting that the agency determine if the a-cards do, in fact, constitute at least 50 percent of all Republic Airways mechanic and related workers.
Q: If the NMB finds there are sufficient cards signed, are we automatically represented by the IAM?
A: No. The NMB must determine there is a sufficient showing of interest (50% of the mechanic and related workforce) and conduct an election.
Q: If the NMB determines that at least 50 percent of Republic Airways mechanic and related workers did submit a-cards, what happens then?
A: Once the NMB determines that at least 50 percent of Republic mechanics signed a-cards, the agency will then schedule a voting period.
Q: How long will this process take?
A: Once the NMB receives the application, the agency sets all the process deadlines, including the date in which the company must send the “voter eligibility list,” the date that all potential challenges to that list must be made and any other disputes that may arise. At each step of the way, the IAM will keep all Republic mechanics apprised of all developments.
Q: Can the Union challenge additional names the Company may put on the list to try to inflate the number of Craft and Class so the 50% required threshold is not met?
A: Yes. The Union has worked very hard with the internal AMT committee to ensure accuracy of the Craft and Class list used. The Union and committee will continue to work together to bring the process to a successful conclusion.
Q: How will we vote in a representation election?
A: Once the NMB determines that a representation election will be conducted, a voting period will be scheduled—usually at least 14 days. The NMB will mail to each eligible voter “voting instructions.” These instructions will contain an “access code.” By using this access code, eligible voters will be able to cast their ballot either by phone or online.
Q: How many votes do we need to gain IAM representation?
A: A simple majority of those voting for IAM representation will secure victory.
Q: Will the company ever find out if I signed an a-card or how I voted?
A: No. The company is prohibited under federal law from ever knowing who signed an a-card or how an individual voted in a representation election.
Q: Can the Company retaliate against me for outwardly supporting unionizing with the IAM?
A: No. It is against federal law for ANY company official to threaten, coerce, influence or retaliate against any employee who exercises his or her right to join a union.
Q: What if I feel like I am being threatened by management for exercising my right to support and join the IAM?
A: Please contact the IAM immediately if you feel like the company is violating your federal right to support and join the IAM. Click the following link to contact the IAM and submit a confidential interference report: http://www.iam4republicairways.com/online-interference-form.html
Q: What exactly are my rights during this process?
A: To find out exactly what your rights are, please click the following link: http://www.iam4republicairways.com/your-rights.html
Q: The Company is telling us if this comes to an election, we are going to have to pay a large initiation fee and Union dues from day one, Is this correct.
A: The IAM will NOT collect any dues until a majority of Republic AMT’s have ratified a contract.
Q: Who is going to negotiate Republic AMTs contract?
A: The IAM will train a committee of Republic AMTs and help them negotiate your new agreement. There will be surveys /questionnaires, so the negotiating committee knows what is important to the AMTs. The full resources of the IAM are available during the whole process of negotiations.
Q: What are the benefits of joining the IAM?
A: The benefits are many. One immediate benefits, for example, is that when you join a union you have a legal right to bargain a contract, and other agreements, that are legally enforceable. The company must bargain with you in “good faith.” This means the company cannot ignore you or make up the rules as it wants, like it does now.
Q: There may be big changes that occur on October 1st when the CARES Act no-layoff protections expire. How can the IAM help if these protections expire?
A: The day we win IAM representation, we will demand that we meet with Republic management and develop programs/agreements that would mitigate layoffs and create fair rules if layoffs are, in fact, needed. For example, at United and American Airlines, the IAM was able to work with both carriers and create voluntary partial pay leave programs that maintain all benefits. These programs will mitigate thousands of layoffs if CARES Act protections expire on October 1st. Our intent is do engage Republic Airways in the same way.
Q: Will the Company or the Union be communicating with us during the whole process of the election?
A: Yes. Both parties will be putting out information. For accurate information, please contact your Union organizers or someone from the IAM Staff. Contact information is posted on your dedicated web site. www.iam4republicairways.com. The IAM will also be sending information via text messages, emails, or USPS so ensure we have good contact information for you!
Q: The Company is telling us the Union will promise AMTs anything to get their vote, but they will not be able to deliver! Will the Union be able to help the AMTs if we choose to vote them in?
A: YES. We can tell you this; right now, the Company can do whatever they want to do with the AMTs; reduce their hours, change their work rules, discipline you without a resolution process, or even furlough you and not have a defined process to bring you back to work. When you negotiate your first agreement, at the minimum you will have a seat at the table to voice your side of the story. A seat at the table to fight unjust treatment. A seat at the table to ensure you are treated with the dignity and respect you deserve! You will have a legally binding contract. You will have the full support of the largest, strongest airline Union in the United States!
A: The IAM today delivered election authorization cards (a-cards) today from at least 50 percent of Republic Airways mechanic and related workers. The a-cards were delivered along with an official application to the National Mediation Board (NMB), a federal agency in Washington DC, requesting that the agency determine if the a-cards do, in fact, constitute at least 50 percent of all Republic Airways mechanic and related workers.
Q: If the NMB finds there are sufficient cards signed, are we automatically represented by the IAM?
A: No. The NMB must determine there is a sufficient showing of interest (50% of the mechanic and related workforce) and conduct an election.
Q: If the NMB determines that at least 50 percent of Republic Airways mechanic and related workers did submit a-cards, what happens then?
A: Once the NMB determines that at least 50 percent of Republic mechanics signed a-cards, the agency will then schedule a voting period.
Q: How long will this process take?
A: Once the NMB receives the application, the agency sets all the process deadlines, including the date in which the company must send the “voter eligibility list,” the date that all potential challenges to that list must be made and any other disputes that may arise. At each step of the way, the IAM will keep all Republic mechanics apprised of all developments.
Q: Can the Union challenge additional names the Company may put on the list to try to inflate the number of Craft and Class so the 50% required threshold is not met?
A: Yes. The Union has worked very hard with the internal AMT committee to ensure accuracy of the Craft and Class list used. The Union and committee will continue to work together to bring the process to a successful conclusion.
Q: How will we vote in a representation election?
A: Once the NMB determines that a representation election will be conducted, a voting period will be scheduled—usually at least 14 days. The NMB will mail to each eligible voter “voting instructions.” These instructions will contain an “access code.” By using this access code, eligible voters will be able to cast their ballot either by phone or online.
Q: How many votes do we need to gain IAM representation?
A: A simple majority of those voting for IAM representation will secure victory.
Q: Will the company ever find out if I signed an a-card or how I voted?
A: No. The company is prohibited under federal law from ever knowing who signed an a-card or how an individual voted in a representation election.
Q: Can the Company retaliate against me for outwardly supporting unionizing with the IAM?
A: No. It is against federal law for ANY company official to threaten, coerce, influence or retaliate against any employee who exercises his or her right to join a union.
Q: What if I feel like I am being threatened by management for exercising my right to support and join the IAM?
A: Please contact the IAM immediately if you feel like the company is violating your federal right to support and join the IAM. Click the following link to contact the IAM and submit a confidential interference report: http://www.iam4republicairways.com/online-interference-form.html
Q: What exactly are my rights during this process?
A: To find out exactly what your rights are, please click the following link: http://www.iam4republicairways.com/your-rights.html
Q: The Company is telling us if this comes to an election, we are going to have to pay a large initiation fee and Union dues from day one, Is this correct.
A: The IAM will NOT collect any dues until a majority of Republic AMT’s have ratified a contract.
Q: Who is going to negotiate Republic AMTs contract?
A: The IAM will train a committee of Republic AMTs and help them negotiate your new agreement. There will be surveys /questionnaires, so the negotiating committee knows what is important to the AMTs. The full resources of the IAM are available during the whole process of negotiations.
Q: What are the benefits of joining the IAM?
A: The benefits are many. One immediate benefits, for example, is that when you join a union you have a legal right to bargain a contract, and other agreements, that are legally enforceable. The company must bargain with you in “good faith.” This means the company cannot ignore you or make up the rules as it wants, like it does now.
Q: There may be big changes that occur on October 1st when the CARES Act no-layoff protections expire. How can the IAM help if these protections expire?
A: The day we win IAM representation, we will demand that we meet with Republic management and develop programs/agreements that would mitigate layoffs and create fair rules if layoffs are, in fact, needed. For example, at United and American Airlines, the IAM was able to work with both carriers and create voluntary partial pay leave programs that maintain all benefits. These programs will mitigate thousands of layoffs if CARES Act protections expire on October 1st. Our intent is do engage Republic Airways in the same way.
Q: Will the Company or the Union be communicating with us during the whole process of the election?
A: Yes. Both parties will be putting out information. For accurate information, please contact your Union organizers or someone from the IAM Staff. Contact information is posted on your dedicated web site. www.iam4republicairways.com. The IAM will also be sending information via text messages, emails, or USPS so ensure we have good contact information for you!
Q: The Company is telling us the Union will promise AMTs anything to get their vote, but they will not be able to deliver! Will the Union be able to help the AMTs if we choose to vote them in?
A: YES. We can tell you this; right now, the Company can do whatever they want to do with the AMTs; reduce their hours, change their work rules, discipline you without a resolution process, or even furlough you and not have a defined process to bring you back to work. When you negotiate your first agreement, at the minimum you will have a seat at the table to voice your side of the story. A seat at the table to fight unjust treatment. A seat at the table to ensure you are treated with the dignity and respect you deserve! You will have a legally binding contract. You will have the full support of the largest, strongest airline Union in the United States!
