A highly-skilled group of technicians known as Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) Specialists met recently at the William W. Winpisinger Education & Technology Center to prepare for upcoming contract negotiations with employer Lockheed Martin.
The committee, representing Specialists at six Lockheed Martin locations, spent most of their week at the Harbor reviewing contract proposals and suggestions provided by fellow AFSS members in a recent bargaining survey. The committee also took part in a simulated bargaining session where the committee tested their skills against seasoned negotiator.
“This training was an eye opening experience,” said Milt Torres from Miami, FL. “I got a whole new perspective on bargaining that our members never see. I’m more enlightened about how difficult the process is and I understand how important it is to be prepared.”
The committee worked late into each evening with legal, financial and communications advisors to develop a strategic plan that will help them stay focused on the issues through negotiations and ratification.
“This is one of the most unified bargaining committees I’ve worked with in a very long time,” said Frank Carelli, IAM Director of Government Employees Department. “They thoroughly understand the issues and are prepared to do whatever it takes to get them resolved.”
The committee included John Schamel from Raleigh, NC, Renee Manon and ADBR Rick Ryan from Princeton, MN, Justin Southward, Marl Kostka and BR Rick Compher from Ashburn, VA, Milt Torres and BR Javier Almazan from Miami, FL, Paul Shepherd and GLR Bud Michel from Prescott, AZ and Ron Mercer, David Villa and BR David Faith from Fort Worth, TX.
