The Executive Committee of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, condemns the efforts by a predatory organization, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AFMA) to raid the American Airlines mechanics that are jointly represented by two TTD affiliates, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and the Transport Workers Union (TWU).
AMFA’s behavior is shameful, particularly as the country grapples with the public health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than using its resources and efforts to expand collective bargaining rights to unrepresented workers, AMFA is using its familiar playbook of attempting to poach members from other unions. IAM and TWU have jointly represented American Airlines mechanics since 2013, and the 15,000 mechanics and related groups ratified an industry-leading contract in March of this year with overwhelming support. This raiding effort by AMFA threatens the benefits and gains achieved in this historic contract — the benefits and gains of the very members AMFA claims to want to represent. This has nothing to do with worker power, job security, safety, or any other principle upon which the labor movement proudly stands. It is a naked and cowardly power grab, by a tiny, underfunded group.
The TTD family knows that this effort will fail. We know that because of the strong leadership and representation provided by IAM and TWU. And they have the strength of all of transportation labor — in every sector of our industry — behind them. At TTD we know that there is power in unity and solidarity. Power that will continue to deliver for the American Airlines mechanics and every other member proudly represented by TTD unions.
Policy Statement No. F20-02
Adopted November 19, 2020