November 23rd, 2020

WHAT REPUBLIC MANAGEMENT CONSIDERS A "MIDDLEMAN" IS ACTUALLY US

Recently, Republic management sent us a communication about the new TDY program. Management claimed how this program is the result of Republic’s ability to be “nimble” and not have to deal with a “middleman.” They imply that if Republic AMTs formed a union, then something as wonderful as the TDY program would not have been possible. Nothing could be further from the truth.

First, the “middleman” that Republic refers to is us. Elected Republic AMTs would be the representatives that Republic management would propose this type of TDY program. Republic AMT representatives would then meet with Republic management to ensure that the program was fair to Republic AMTs and discuss things like travel pay, overtime pay, hours of service, seniority administration, among other things. Things that Republic management currently decides without our consent or input.

Secondly, IAM-represented workers at every major airline have come to terms with airline management months ago regarding programs to mitigate the detrimental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. And when carriers tried to make changes to the detriment of IAM members, like at United Airlines, the IAM sued in federal court and United backed off and then negotiated some of the most generous programs in the airline industry.

Even at Republic, management quickly met with unionized Republic pilots and negotiated a letter of agreement that prevented all pilot furloughs and was approved by over 90 percent of Republic pilots. Having a union didn’t seem to be an impediment to negotiate that deal quickly and effectively.

The fact is, this is just another attempt by Republic management and its high-priced law firm, Ford and Harrison, to create doubt and uncertainty. They want us to believe that with Republic management having all the power to call the shots without our input that somehow we are better off because those decisions can be made faster without our consent. 

​Really? 
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PRINT AND POST THE FLYER.

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