Published 21 Jun, 2016
International President Harry Lombardo met with presidents of TWU’s American Airlines locals yesterday, taking a short break from ongoing negotiations preparations for an honest and frank status check on bargaining with the company.
“We’re investing an incredible amount of resources into this,” Lombardo told the group. “And if you need more, tell me. Don’t tell me what you think I want to hear. Tell me what I need to hear.”
Lombardo pledged TWU International’s unconditional support to the negotiating team, and encouraged them to continue to take a hard line leadership role at the bargaining table. “There are no back room deals to be made in this administration,” he explained. “You know what your members need, and we’re going to take this company on, together, to make sure they finally get it.”
The group discussed what articles had been agreed upon so far, and how the negotiation process has been working for the last several months. They strategized new tactics for future bargaining meetings, including how to better communicate with membership, and the ongoing Today We Unite unity campaign.
Secretary Treasurer Alex Garcia also joined the meeting to hammer out specific contract items with the group as they prepare to return to the table later this week.
“We’ve been at this seven months already,” Lombardo remarked. “It’s no one’s fault but American Airlines’ that more progress hasn’t been made.”