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Negotiations resumed on Tuesday 2-3-04. The topics of discussion included Article 11, Vacancies and Bidding, and Article 13 Furlough protection. Discussions for Article 11 included two proposal packages each from AMFA and Mesaba. Primary among the issues for Article 11 were: -The Association insists upon maintaining the use of the term “Qualified” in language regarding the filling of Position Vacancies, i.e. License requirements. Associations concern is that, should it allow the striking of the term “Qualified,” it would allow the Company to use unlicensed personnel in AMT positions. -The time at which an employee’s new rate of pay will take place, if greater than existing rate, should the entry into a new position be delayed because the employee requires, and requests, time for moving etc. -Whether or not a delay of 14 days will be allowed before reporting to the new position/station. -The issue of whether or not the delay is off duty, Vacation/unpaid leave, was agreed to be handled in the appropriate articles. -The company and Association agreed on language providing for vacancies to be posted on Mesaba.com so that Furloughed members can maintain awareness of premium position openings. Discussions for Article 13, Furlough, Displacement, Layoff and Employment Protection, included two complete proposals from AMFA, and one from the Company. The Company’s negotiators requested time to look over our proposal and conference with Upper Management, before drafting a counter proposal. We expect their counter proposal during the next session. The following issues were discussed: -Talks centered around the definitions of Work Area, and Position. Of major concern, are the administrative issues of the Company regarding the displacement/bidding procedures required by the Furlough process. -The Association has made offers to streamline the process when there are no reductions in force. However the “Bumping Process” must remain in effect for reductions in force to protect our seniority rights. -An issue has arisen over the fact that the Company’s winning of the arbitration regarding Closed Shops, presents some difficulties in the realignment solutions for non-reduction in force furloughs. -The Company disagrees as to whether or not a person is considered furloughed, if they are involuntarily removed from their shift or days off. The Association considers the furlough process to be applicable to this event as well as the other events that both the company, and AMFA agree trigger the furlough process. -The Association considers this a very important issue. In addition to pay, seniority rights are a major factor in an employee’s relationship with the company and his quality of life. The Negotiating session adjourned at noon on Thursday February 5th. The next sessions will be held on March 2, 3, 4, 2004 in MEM. We look forward to seeing our members there. Ken Wagers
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