IAM Local Lodge 1904

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

Local Lodge 1904

News

Wired to the Prez

3/29/2003
Wired To The Prez IAM District 143 President/Directing General Chair Robert B. De Pace __________________________________________________________ March 28, 2003 Bad Move NWA top executives were awarded bonuses to the tune of about $1,031,563 and $3,435,450 in restricted stock awards which vest in full in 2005. The top executives include Richard Anderson, Doug Steenland, Tim Griffin and Phil Han. These executives have a right to what's coming to them, but in a time of the most uncertain period in airline history these executives, with total disregard for the company that they are supposed to be trying to save and resurrect, have taken what is theirs at the expense of a company that, according to these executives, needs the help of labor because labor costs are too high. What a crock of baloney. Last year American Airlines stopped all raises, bonuses and incentive pay for management knowing that they would have to eventually come to their employees for relief. NWA will tell you how important and vital these executives are to Northwest Airlines, how these executives are the lowest paid in the industry. Excuse me, they still make six figures a year plus stock options. How bad can they be hurting? Let's make it clear, NWA might think these executives are worth keeping to steer NWA through these turbulent times, but there is no more important group on the NWA property than their employees, and the IAM employees are the most integral part of Northwest Airlines. Without the 17,000 of us doing our jobs, there are no executives to pay - no airline to run. If NWA thinks these executives are so essential to this airline then we are imperative for NWA. We are the airlines bottom line. We are the movers and shakers. We are the front person. We are the inside person. We sell you your ticket. We route your aircraft, put your flight crews on your planes, stock the shelves, maintain your flight simulators, guard your property, serve your food, greet you at curbside, direct you to your plane, help you at the ticket counter, provide service in the World Club, load your luggage and make sure your cargo gets shipped, work the towers. We are the ones who cut your checks, file your paperwork and administer all your benefits. If NWA top executives are so essential then we are the airline, and just like them we should be compensated and treated as fairly as any other group on the property. We are the airline - let no one forget it. Alaska Airlines COPS Negotiations District 143's financial advisor Tom Roth will be meeting with the negotiators on Monday, March 31, 2003 in Seattle. COPS negotiations with the company and Federal Mediator Denise Hedges are scheduled to resume April 2-4 in Seattle. Northwest Airlines Force Majeure Furloughs Northwest Airlines began distributing furlough notices to IAM members on Thursday, March 27, 2003. The company has advised the District that this initial round of furloughs will become effective April 6, 2003. Please make sure that if you receive notice of furlough, you exercise your seniority rights through written notice to the company by the designated date. If you have any questions about the furlough notice, contact your local grievance committee or steward. For members who are laid off or displaced due to the war with Iraq and who remain off payroll after having fully exercised their seniority, the company has instituted a one-time relief program. Details of that program can be found on our website at www.iam143.org under Furloughs, or also on the NWA employee RADAR website under Employee Resource Center. If you are unable to access the Internet, your union representative should be able to help you locate a copy. As we start this round of force majeure furloughs due to the war in Iraq, please stay informed about happenings that may affect you through our website or on the District 143 toll-free hotline at 1-800-392-6554. IAM News Imail March 25, 2003 Imail March 27, 2003 Newswire March 26, 2003 __________________________________________________

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Last modified: 10/17/2006