Representation for mechanics
The responses received from last week’s Blog were, in a word, excellent. I would like to reiterate some of what I heard in these responses as a way of emphasizing the input.
I heard unanimous agreement for an advocacy of aviation mechanics in DC. I also heard a willingness to pay for this representation provided the services rendered are truly professional, with “boots on ground” and an in-your-face spirit.
Additionally, I heard continued significant concern related to the greater use of non-certificated personnel in aircraft maintenance operations, both at the management and floor levels.
An excellent observation related to the aviation maintenance tech subsets: airline, general aviation, subdivided into corporate and FBO/MRO ops. Let me add regional carriers tech as different subset, the reason being the regional techs function in a more universal manner as opposed to the often rigidly segmented mx ops of major trunk carriers.
Taking these subsets into account, do you think it is possible to represent these as a whole? It seems to me that this will mean many members, which in turn will result in a more effective advocacy. On the other hand are the interests of each of these subsets too diverse as to make unification of promotion not possible? If the latter, then which subsets do you see would result in an effective support office in DC. PAMA was unable to lure airline techs into its folds because the airlines would not support membership in what it perceived to be a unionizing effort. PAMA did add avionics technicians to its membership in an effort to add numbers and representative interests. Do you think this was good idea?
My personal opinion, and mine only, is that it is too difficult to try to represent airline techs under one hat. I think an effective representation for aircraft maintenance technicians includes corporate, regional, FBO and MRO certificated A&Ps. I am sure there are enough numbers to generate the clout and resources necessary to properly promote the interest of these professionals.
What has to happen was also cited often in the aforementioned responses to the earlier Blog – A&Ps have to get off their butt and become actively engaged in support of efforts to achieve this necessary advocacy if they want to improve their positions. Each has to quit lamenting his or her role in the overall aviation structure, and start being the professional each is by working continuously to improve.
Don’t you think it is time for mechanics to stop being “victims”?
One item stood out in your blog that I feel compelled to comment on…”What has to happen was also cited often in the aforementioned responses to the earlier Blog – A&Ps have to get off their butt and become actively engaged in support of efforts to achieve this necessary advocacy if they want to improve their positions.”
We could pay our dues to an organization (e.g. AMT Society, PAMA, etc.), help promote the organization with participation and recruitment of our peers, but the leadership of the organization can destroy our efforts with their actions.
PAMA has tried for years to sell the “Washington Advocate” position to aviation maintenance professionals and for almost two decades I supported the organization, helped promote the organization to my peers and participated in organization activiies. The leadership made decisions without thinking of its membership and I finally called it quits.
The AMT Society looked promising, but after the excitment at Cygnus I’m wondering what is going on there. Haven’t heard from the Society leadership…
Here’s something to consider: Did almost half a million pilots join AOPA because they wanted to unite with their peers and be a voice in Washington, or did they join because the organization that they joined works for them and provides value for their membership $$$
Can anyone remember the last dues increase at AOPA
How about Organizations, get off your butts and give me a reason to join.
BTW, I keep my old PAMA and ISAMP membership cards to remind me of the dues I paid. I pray the AMT Society card won’t join the retired card collection in my desk…
Do I think it’s possible to represent all the ‘subsets’ of technicians? Absolutely I do. Not only that, but I think it’s strategically imperative that we do. There is strength and money in numbers. To not be able to represent all ‘subsets’ under one banner is just more of the same fractured, poor representation attempts. Look at the AOPA membership stats: 400,000+ members. Do you think they are all ‘professional pilots’? I guaranty you there are large bodies of pilots from all subsets of pilots involved: private, hobby, and professional, low time, high time, owners, renters, retired, military, even – get this- non licensed people! Jezz, they were even able to have a new class of pilot called ‘Recreational’ created! Don’t for a minute think these guys walk on water. They are not perfect. But in regard to having a voice, being heard, supporting its membership, and actually enacting change, these guys nail it. Folks, that’s the kind of solidarity and money it takes to get things done.
As for ‘Victims’ I have an issue with that connotation. A victim is someone who is trapped by another. Unless someone has a gun to your head, I see us all engaged in a business. Even if your position is ‘Employee’. We reap the rewards and consequences of our individual actions and decisions daily. Everyday when you get up, you need to look in the mirror and say Me Inc. is open for business. I recommend you clean up your game, class up your act, and I promise your presence and services will be in demand. Take command of your company Me Inc. Grow it, nurture it, train it, invest in it, and you will profit from it. Don’t for a minute think some other company, is keeping your companies best interest in mind! And for petes sake learn the following non-technical skills: negotiation, communication, execution (action) and follow through!
So the questions that beg to be asked:
How do we do this? Develop a non-corruptible, representative organization of our interest, and who’s willing to put up the time, money, and organizational skills to do it get it done. (I’m in)
Or
Do we as a group continue wallowing in self pity, congregating on the web in this little cuddle fest!
“How do we do this? Develop a non-corruptible, representative organization of our interest, and who’s willing to put up the time, money, and organizational skills to do it get it done.”
Tommy, I could not agree more!
Scott……
Tommy replied “Not only that, but I think it’s strategically imperative that we do”.
He’s right on. We have to do some soul searching to be able to prioritize in the first place. If we divide the group at large into subsets right off the bat, we’re already diluting our strength and displaying a divisive presence. Sure, it might be difficult to decide what common issues are important enough to take to the podium, but whats the alternative? The status quo gets us nowhere, and we couldn’t possibly appear more fragmented than we are now.
A slightly off-topic rant, but in the same vein: Look at the credible representation that we get now in the public eye. Just this morning I was watching some aircraft maintenance related network news clips on Youtube. I don’t care what the airline or incident is that’s being reported on……when the news folks decide that they want to sensationalize on aircraft maintenance related topics, who do they consult with? Airline Pilots. (Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhOtTIMnLBI)
It’s ludicrous for AMT’s to accept this!
Nick, I agree with your conclusion regarding airline vs, GA technical personnel, but there’s no reason why those couldn’t be two divisions of the same organization. I think the AOPA model is something that we should follow as well. On the airline side, AMFA seems to be doign the job there, but a cooperative effort with a non-union organization would both make them more relevant and give the rest of us some clout as well. We are going to have to shift gears and get into the cooperation mode with other aviation organizations in order to counter ATA’s lobbying efforts to eliminate certificated maintenance personnel. The Europeans have largely accomplished this through EASA, where licenses are generally granted to employers, rather than individuals, meaning that job mobility is now virtually non-existent. That means the AMT has much less salary leverage than here. Meaningful Washington representation is critical and AMT Society could provide that if only it can move beyond the “Us versus Them” mode. I’m sure EAA would be happy to assist us there, as would NATA, NBAA and AOPA.
Operationally I see no problem being able to represent all the subsets of mechanics under one banner. The pilots do it. Sea plane, Rotorcraft, professional pilot etc, all represented quite well both under the flag of the AOPA as well as many sub associations. By the way, these different subset groups typically stand together when needed, and don’t go about bashing each other when a subject is disagreed upon.
Just as there are natural variances in flight ops that exist, we each have our own maintenance operational nuances- budgets, seasons, manpower, new technology equipment, antiquated equipment, training for both types, target markets, and the list goes on and on. But the common denominators are always: its all aircraft and its all maintenance, and most importantly- others lives rest on the actions and decisions we make.
There is a larger conversation that needs to take place. Can the people (that’s we mechanics) sit down together and have a rational discussion as to what’s best for the whole? Can we do this with out taking a territorial stance in one’s particular industry niche? Are we able to understand another’s concerns and operational needs? Can we as a whole commit the willingness, take the action to support each others strategic operational goals, without squashing and minimizing any other particular subset? Can a group of mechanics working as an association, engage the other Alphabet and Regulatory organizations, garner their support and work together towards the betterment of all involved, or protect our interest tenaciously? And the icing on the cake- untimitly, will we mechanics commit to fund this operation? Or will we wallow and gripe of the past failures and money spent?
Just a little factoid:
AOPA membership $39 per year X 400,000 members = $15,600,000 income per year!
That’s the coin that buys Talent, Facilities, Political influence, and a Voice in regulatory affairs. As well as the development of tools, training, publications, and other supportive activities for its membership.
I’d wager a bet that PAMA, AMT society and all the other ventures income combined for the last twenty years would hardly put a dent in what these guys collect from their members in one year. And the kicker is the membership is glad to pay it! (And they should be!)
If there’s any question as to what it takes, there you go. Just something to ponder when it comes time to open your wallet.
The folks that started successful organizations (EAA, AOPA, etc.) didn’t wait till their membership numbers swelled into the thousands to start providing value to members.
The AMT Society started with an excellent value package for members and gained sponsors from the start. Now I hope the society will communicate with its current membership and not flounder.
Mission first and the money will follow!
I hate to pick out any one persons comment but Howies “On the airline side, AMFA seems to be doign the job there” makes me wonder what he means. AMFA has done nothing but hurt our situation (Jobs going away, undercutting each others jobs, GA being way under paid for their responsibilities, Air carriers out sourcing, out sourcing facilities in the US paying sub standard wages, etc). Look at NWA, United, even non-union Delta has found it easy to cut our ranks and our pay (at UAL & NWA AMFA traded workscope language for pay). If this industry thought there was a shortage of AMT’s in 2000-2001, just wait, as the industry recovers from the latest (fuel prices)crisis. This profession is dead. low wages first in GA and now at major airlines has killed it. The FAA is and has allowed non certificated people work on aircraft both here and abroad (alot of third world)further destroying or profession. Not getting reconized as “professional” and being listed as un-skilled was the first death blow.
No asso. is going to reverse this trend. We need to form a Union or join and exsisting union, not just the airline folks but EVERYONE of us with certification. If an “N” numbered aircraft needs inspection or repair it must be done by a unionized tech in or from this country. (I can’t wait for the screams!)
It is in my opinion the only chance that this profession has to last as a career for the young currently in this field (since there are only a few training to enter this field).
Just to put my words in perspective, I was there at the beginning of PAMA (1971) joined AMT Society when it formed, (still member of both), have worked at FBO’s, Corporate, Major airlines and for myself (A&P/IA). I had hoped to retire from this profession but it looks like I will just get to work as an aircraft technician until I drop, since retirement is not an age it is a financial condition and I am in no condition financially to retire, even with 36 years of not being without employment. It’s the effects of being under-employed. I may have done better off at McDonalds! Would you like fries with that?
I’m just tossing this out there, I suppose it’s been kicked around before but I may have missed it. I hear repeated references to AOPA and what a great job they are doing for their members. Has anyone considered calling upon them for assistance or guidance in forming our own organization? Or could they form a division or affiliate to represent us? Or perhaps our purposes are two diverse; AOPA members expect representation and clout to beat back the things that would hinder them from continuing to own and fly aircraft. What we are often talking about is something that will obtain for us better pay, benefits, conditions, and respect. As much as I hate to admit it, sounds like many of us commentators are asking for a union. We all have and are entitled to our opinions of unions, mine is not favorable. Perhaps, istead, we need to focus on “Me, Inc.” as one of the other writers suggested, then join AOPA for Washington clout. AOPA stands for what is good for aviation, especially general aviation, and what keeps airplanes flying provides me with airplanes to fix! Face it we DO have some common ground, too. Look at outsourcing; surely AOPA members know that any aircraft incidents shine a bad light on aviation as a whole. If outsourcing truthfully does produce inferior and dangerous maintenance, then they ought to have a vested interest in limiting it even if the individual member flies a C170 and not a Boeing. Don’t flame me, I’m just trying to brainstorm here.
Hey Forrest
I sent a communication to the AOPA in regard to this manor today. I’ll report back any findings. (I figure somebody had to ask)
All the comments on here are valid and correct.
I have spent 30 years in Aircraft Maintenance ( Mechanic, Lead Mechanic, Aircraft Inspector, Maintenance Controller.
When a member of Congress was asked to change the skill level (semi-skilled to skilled) he said that the Mechanic group will never be allowed to gain the same status as the pilot group. This was in the middle 1990’s.
Does the mechanic group need representation? Absolutely.
What is the first thing that needs done? Look at the piece of paper that is sent to you upon completion of your A&P. It is a Certificate, NOT a License. This is something that Everyone needs to change in there vocabulary. There are groups that want to equate your certificate to a drivers license.
If we can’t get the verbage correct on what we have in our wallet, then everything then everything else is a moot point.
Jeff
…Just another example why we need to have a homogenous advocacy group, which is funded by us, which looks after & speaks of our interest in regulatory matters, and supports our professional growth. We can not count on the government to look out for us- on our behalf.
Skilled, semi-skilled, licensed, certificated, technician, mechanic, what ever we are called or considered. It’s all a privilege granted by the regulatory body which over the years has mitigated the need or value of holding such ‘privileged’ paper. Personally as a whole, I think we’ve wasted too much time, money, and energy trying to define what others or ourselves want to be considered as in title. Few significant efforts over the last 25+ years have gone forth in producing quantitive results in the issues of growing the profession, protecting its value as a profession, increasing the significance of holding such paper. (and yes, I know it now plastic- lets not split hairs!)
Of course, we can’t lay blame these failures on any one organization. As a whole, we mechanics have failed to gather together, support each other- regardless of which corner of this industry we operate in, and organize in a significant effort to correct these issues. In my view, that is the very essence of what is needed.
I want to respond to Ken’s comment about AMFA hurting our situation. AMFA didn’t hurt it Ken the scabs that crossed my picket line and helped NWA to bust the union did. AMFA had the right idea but we as mechanics were just as guilty as AMFA was for any mistakes made. My first contract under AMFA I saw an immediate 13 dollar an hr increase in my pay and more than double the monthly pension that I had under that worthless iam. This allowed the entire industry to bring the pay rates up for the mechanics. But NWA saw AMFA as militant and did not want a union like that on the property so they undertook what they had to do to destroy AMFA and the membership. So you can thank the worthless scabs who ran across our picket line to take our jobs. Thanks to them the over 10 dollar an hr raise afforded the industry was then just as quickly taken away..Thankfully not all carrers did. I now enjoy the fruits of our labor at my new employer. But as long as we as mechanics are willing to cut each others throat we will never advance as a profession.