Washington D.C., February 5, 2004 - The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today announced it will petition the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals for an en banc rehearing in the case involving US Airways' subcontracting of heavy maintenance on its Airbus aircraft.
“This issue is too important to allow a split decision by a 3-judge panel be the final word,” said IAM International President R. Thomas Buffenbarger.
The request, if granted, would give all 13 judges on the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals the opportunity to reconsider the outsourcing issue decided by a 2-1 margin on Feb. 3, 2004. A majority of the full court must agree to rehear the case. The IAM will file its petition next week.
“The Machinists Union will take all legal steps to protect the interests and jobs of our membership,” said General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr.
The District Court’s October 21, 2003 injunction prohibiting US Airways from subcontracting Airbus maintenance will remain in force pending a determination by the Appeals Court on the IAM’s petition. The District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania has taken no action to lift the injunction.
“David Siegel is trying to steal from our members the work he couldn’t attain in negotiations,” said IAM District 141-M President Scotty Ford. “He has put the integrity of the entire airline into question.”
IAM District 141-M represents 5,000 Mechanic & Related employees at US Airways. IAM District 141 represents the airline’s 4,450 Fleet Service Employees. More information about the Machinists Union can be found on our web site at www.goiam.org.
