Russell Dittmer
Transport Workers Union of America Air Transport Division, Local 563
Abstract
Currently, in the eyes of the National Mediation Board (NMB), federally licensed aircraft mechanics are not considered a unique craft or class with a unique skill set and unique responsibilities. Instead, they are lumped by the NMB into a large grouping of seemingly unrelated workers called the Mechanic and Related craft or class. In contrast, however, pilots are in the unique craft or class of Pilots, flight attendants are in the unique craft or class of Flight Attendants, flight dispatchers are in the craft or class of Flight Dispatchers, and locomotive engineers are in the craft or class of Engineers. It appears to be an anomaly that the licensed aircraft mechanics has historically not been afforded the same unique bargaining status that these other unique groups of workers within the air and rail industries have been afforded.
