On January 19th, 2016, the parties met at the National Mediation Board in Washington, D. C.
National Mediation Board member Nick Geale first met with the Company and then with Airline Division Director David Bourne.
A joint meeting was then held. Present were Board member Nick Geale, Senior mediator Terry Brown and Mediator Gerry McGucken.
From the Company: COO Terry Vais, Skywest Chief Commercial Officer Wade Steel, VP Maintenance Bob Madigan and Attorney Tom French.
From the Union: Airline Division Director David Bourne, International Representative Chris Moore, Lead Negotiator Bob Luciano and IBT Economic Consultant Dan Akins.
The meeting was productive in that both sides expressed their needs. The Company maintains its need for flexibility to be able to obtain new flying opportunities.
The Union expressed its need to obtain a first agreement for the CRJ technicians and remove concessions long endured on the ERJ side of the Company.
The recent pilot extension agreements were discussed. They are separate agreements.
Both sides felt that might be the way to move our negotiations forward. The Union offered to accept the Companys comprehensive proposal of October 2015 as a stand alone agreement for the CRJ, former ASA, side of the group. This would give them a first agreement and should make it easier to reach a combined agreement.
The Union expressed that we think we have been flexible in acquiring the American Airline flying and can work with the Company, but will need to have Scope concerns addressed, in addition to seeing a stronger picture of future viability as the company continues to shed aircraft.
We will be in communication with the Company to see if they are willing to accept their proposal for the CRJ mechanics.
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