Day one of the AFS Negotiations

Opening Day Of The AFS Negotiations

Today was the Opening Day of Negotiations for Contract 2008. The IAM set the tenor for the talks with strong statements of the Union’s positions.

Negotiations with AFS opened today at 9:00 a.m. in Troy, AL.   Attending for the union, in addition to the GNC, were IAM aerospace coordinators Frank Santos, who is the chief negotiator , John Crowdis , Ray Moffat, and assigned Business Representative Tony Blevins.  Additionally , Directing Business Representative Steve Pridgen and Business Representatives  Jimmy Cotter and Henry ‘Pappy’ Perrigen from District 75 attended the opening round.  General Vice President Bob Martinez was unable to attend due to airline problems in Dallas, but sent a message to both sides in hopes of successful negotiations. Our assigned Grand Lodge Representative Billy Blackmon will be assisting during negotiations.  IAM Southern Territory Communicator Bob Wood is assisting the GNC with communications. 

As part of the ground rules, the IAM requested to have the Last, Best and Final Offer from the company tentatively by April 28^th. Both sides agreed that they would attempt to finish negotiations by this time.

In his opening statement, IAM Chief Spokesman Frank Santos underscored the union’s commitment to our customer, and read the “We Will” Mission Statement for AFS. Santos said “We are committed to our families, our customer and our community.” Brother Santos finished with “I am confident WE WILL get a contract our members can be proud of.”

Business Representative Tony Blevins went in depth about what the Union considers two obstacles that the Union expects to be resolved, the company’s arbitrary removal of Finance and Accounting jobs, and the excessive disciplinary actions, including the recent firing of two shop stewards.

During his opening statement, AFS Chief Spokesman Ken Demarko talked about the recent GM Contract, seemingly saying that it could possibly have a negative effect upon our negotiations. United Auto Workers (UAW) members recently gave concessions to the beleaguered company.

In response, Brother Santos pointed out that the auto industry isn’t the strong and growing Aerospace  Sector, L3 is a successful and profitable company in comparison to money-losing General Motors, and that the IAM isn’t the UAW.

We then passed our non-economic proposals to the company. "You can download the attachment below for the proposal."

AFS did not pass any proposals to the union today.  However, they did respond to several of our proposals , some favorably, and stated that they will pass their  non-economic proposal first thing in the morning. 

Negotiations will resume Tuesday morning at 0900 am. Let your Supervisor know you are closely following these negotiations while supporting your Negotiating Team, and demand a strong IAM contract.

Click here for more opening day photos