Who Is AMFA?

• Read about AMFA's Failure to Represent Its Members.
• To find out even more about AMFA, visit the AMFA Watch Dogs website.
• Click here to read Frequently Asked Questions about AMFA.
• Will AMFA Lose Continental Mechanic Jobs, Too? Click here.
• What's wrong with this picture? Click here.
• Click here to read warning from Airborne Maintenance Teamster Organizing Committee Member.
• To get the real story about the McCormick Advisory Group, click here.

The so-called Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) is a pseudo-union that seeks to break Continental Airlines mechanics away from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. In addition to violating the most basic principles of collective action, such a move, if successful, would be disastrous for the Teamster aircraft mechanics at Continental.

Virtually every claim made by the AMFA reeks of cynicism and half-truths:

AMFA claims to be an independent association that fights for aircraft mechanics. The facts strongly suggest otherwise.

AMFA claims to be an association run for mechanics by mechanics. It is, in fact, run by the McCormick Advisory Group, a real estate firm in New Hampshire, which provides administrative, management and contract negotiation services for the AMFA group. This association has no credibility as a labor group; it only exists on paper. Further, the McCormick “consultants” charge more than $500,000 per year for their “services.”

The AMFA headquarters are located in Laconia, New Hampshire, an odd location for an SWA union. More ominously, it shares its location with the Professional Flight Attendants Association (PFAA), the group that is unsuccessfully attempting to raid the Northwest flight attendants. So are they working just for mechanics or not—no one can find the truth.

AMFA locals around the country are unable or unwilling to negotiate strong contracts for their members. In fact, NWA mechanics in Atlanta were notified in October that all of their jobs were being eliminated. Why? AMFA negotiated weak subcontracting language that allows nearly 40% of work to go to non-union workers or foreign stations.

AMFA says that the Teamsters Union is not structured to meet the needs of aircraft mechanics. That would come as some surprise to thousands of aircraft mechanics at Continental Airlines, America West Airlines, Frontier Airlines, United Parcel Service and others. The Teamsters also represent airline workers at dozens of other carriers.

AMFA says it’s “committed to political action that will enhance our mechanic's profession.” How?

The Teamsters Union has the most powerful union presence in Washington and in most state capitals. What does AMFA offer? A link to the FAA’s Civil Aviation web page.

AMFA claims they are independent. Here’s the truth: A group called the McCormick Advisory Group based in Laconia, New Hampshire is “consulting” AMFA. MAG charges them a hefty fee to do it. MAG is paid $40,000 per month to do administrative work for AMFA and the NWA mechanics. They must see another golden opportunity to get more money from SWA mechanic to “run” their association.

Additionally, AMFA is represented by Sheham, Sheham, a management law firm. This firm has represented airline management in litigation against union locals. Do you really want management law firms representing your interests?

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is committed to defending the rights and privileges of Southwest aircraft mechanics, GSE mechanics and appearance technicians.

DON’T FALL FOR THE AMFA SCAM!
DON’T RISK YOUR UNION!

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