The Official Site for AMFA @ AA Organizing Information

Q: What is the A.M.F.A.?

    A.M.F.A. stands for Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, and it is a Union solely focused on representing the the Mechanic and Related Craft and Class.  For a more detailed description of the AMFA and its' goals, click here.

Q: Why change from the twu to the AMFA?

    The main reason we, the organizers, believe, we need to change unions is to obtain a completely open Contract negotiation process with no Confidentiality Agreements and no secrets.  We need to be able to trust our negotiators, and when we cannot verify their activities by actually observing that process, we cannot have transparency, true accountability or trust.
    There are many secondary reasons as well, those include, but are certainly not limited to:
        The twu has not been focused on the needs of the Mechanic and Related Craft and Class because the twu will represent anyone, not just our skilled work group, whereas the AMFA, by its' Constitution, can ONLY represent the Mechanic and Related Craft and Class, providing us, the Mechanic and Related Craft and Class, with a superior bargaining position during negotiations.
        The AMFA Constitution is solely focused on the needs of the Mechanic and Related Craft and Class.
        The AMFA is a more democratic form of Union representation than the twu.
        The membership is COMPLETELY in charge when represented by the AMFA.
        The AMFA is committed to open and visible negotiations with observers from the membership.

Q: Is the AMFA only for Aircraft Mechanics?

    No, the AMFA is a Union dedicated to protecting and representing the profession of the Mechanic and Related Craft and Class as defined by the National Mediation Board. See answers below for more information on the National Mediation Board and the Mechanic and Related Craft and Class. 

Q: What, exactly, is the "Mechanic and Related" Craft and Class?

    This answer is directly from the National Mediation Board:  "The Board considers several facts in determining a proper craft of class including the composition and relative permanency of the employee grouping along craft or class lines; the functions, duties and responsibilities of the employees; the general nature of the work performed; and the community of interest between job classifications."  In a nutshell, Employee groups that are determined by the NMB to have a commonality of interest are grouped together.  Historically the Mechanic and Related Craft and Class has included:
        Aircraft Mechanic     Overhaul Support Mechanic     Auto Mechanic                       Facility Mechanic    Ground Serviceman
        Aircraft/Part Washer   Cabin/Building Cleaner    Blasting Machine Operator

Q: Won't the changing from the twu to AMFA cause the current contract to be voided?

    No, the Railway Labor Act (RLA) explains that a labor agreement is between the membership and the Company regardless of who represents the membership, not the 'union' and the Company and therefore follows the membership.  The 'union' is there to administrate and enforce the contract and the membership 'owns' the contract.

Q: What is the Railway Labor Act (RLA), and where can I find it?

    The Railway Labor Act (RLA) is the Federal Law that governs all labor disputes pertaining to airlines, as well and railroads and some other modes of interstate transportation, and the complete updated document can be found here.  The airlines are generally not covered by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which is another Federal Labor Law.

Q:  What is the National Mediation Board (NMB)?

        The National Mediation Board (NMB) is the government agency assigned the task of investigating Union issues pertaining to Union representation of businesses governed by the Railway Labor Act (RLA).  The National Mediation Board has a web-site which lists all current and several past years of their investigations and decisions.  Click here to go to the NMB web site.

Last changed: 10/03/04