Darned 3PMP's!
There is really nothing the Union can do. The trend in the inustry is to move to 3PMP's or Third Party Maintenance Providers such as PMCO and TIMCO. The requirements in FAR Part 145 are very loosely worded and allows for non 121 certificated mechanics to work on 121 aircraft. In addition, MSG3 or Maintenance Steering Group 3 is also a problem in that it lets the carriers regulate their own TBO's without FAA supervision. 3PMP's cost 50 - 60% less than using your own in house maintenance. Direct competition has lead to any form of cost reduction, and maintenance costs are a big part of the operation. Look at Delta moving most or all of its havy checks to 3PMP's in El Salvador and Alaskan is 100% outsourced. NWA has no other option but to outsource some or all of their maintenance to these lowball companies. The airlines can no longer support the $70-90,000 dollar per year mechanics (although they are worth every penny in my eyes) and still survive.
The AMFA has a reputation for not working towards the best interests of the companies (not that sometimes the companies may deserve what they get). There is always a conspiracy theory that they base their actions on and they usually do more damage than good. Blaming the other Unions that have done their homework is not the answer. BK is inevitable, and the company can go on forever with 3PMP's ready to perform the maintenance. The mechanics will eventually find themselves in a position that they wont be able to overcome. If the Union is providing a weekly or monthly stipend, it wont last forever. The Union will end up doing the same thing that the Grocers strike did in California. Quit paying union benifits and capitulate at much lower benifits than the original offer was because the Union was loosing to much money.
NWA is doing what every other company is doing and that is sending most of their maintenance to 3PMP's. Striking to keep all of the mechanics on the payroll without a reduction in pay is futile in todays environment. Another approach may have been wise at this point.
Well all I can say is that this is going to create one HUGE problem. If they outsource the MX, what is to stop these companies from continuing on down the line. If they break One Union, The Others are possibly next! I hope the best for the NW MX boys/girls! All the unions should stick together or they will end up losing out....I FEAR!
