REACH mechanics seek union representation

Dear REACH Mechanic:

Several REACH mechanics have shown an interest to improve working conditions. There are many important issues; wage improvements, recognition for IA rating, at will employment, unjust actions by management, work schedules, seniority rights, etc. The Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) has agreed to help.

Too often, without a union, operators treat their employees as if they are disposable and unnecessary to the success of the company. However, for OPEIU unionized mechanics/pilots, a union has meant that their operators respect them as skilled professionals. That respect has translated into significantly higher pay, improved benefits and better working conditions than that of the non-union counterparts.

Please understand that we want REACH to prosper and return a healthy profit. Even so, you can still have an effective voice and secure your benefits and working conditions in a binding agreement with management. Also, with a union contract, if a mechanic is treated unfairly, he is not alone. He is aided by a grievance procedure and OPEIU representatives skilled in defending union represented employees. 

We know that AMRG will use many resources to try to stop this movement, and employees may feel fearful to talk about it, but is your right to unionize under the Railway Labor Act, Sec 152. 

The National Mediation Board (NMB), the governmental agency that conducts aviation employee union elections, allows you to vote in the privacy of your homes. But before the NMB will schedule a secret ballot union election, they require that a union collect authorization cards from 50% of the employees. Enclosed is an authorization card for your consideration. The cards are confidential and will never be seen by management.

Please mail your card to me at: PO Box 553, Crockett, CA 94525. Also, please visit the website helomech.org. The website contains a lot valuable information about the union organizing and collective bargaining processes, your right to join a union, an FAQ, etc.

The OPEIU looks forward to working with you to ensure that all REACH mechanics have a voice in your working conditions and profession.

Sincerely,                                                                                              

Jeff Rusich

OPEIU International Representative