Mediation started off today in Chicago on a positive note. The parties, as mediated by National Mediation Board (NMB) Mediator Victoria Gray, signed tentative agreements (TAs) in the following sections:
- 8 – Hours of Service,
- 10 – Scheduling,
- 11 – Reserve,
- 12 – Exchange of Sequences,
- 15 – Leaves of Absence,
- 27 – General Association Information, and
- 28 – Domiciles.
Some of the highlights include: $2.50 Reserve premium reinstated, no pre-plotted ER days (scheduled AM/PM only), eliminated Quartile System and clarified Open Time Trial and “Back to Book” provisions.
One of the previously announced provisions (but worth repeating) is a 15% year over year cap on insurance premium increases in Section 23 Insurance Benefits.
The parties anticipate working late into the night as we begin to exchange comprehensive proposals on the economics. Stay tuned for further developments!
In solidarity,
Your Negotiating Committee—MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Kristy Stratton, Lisa Pinkston, Jake Jones, Christina Frees and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo