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The IBT-AD has advised the Atlas/Polar flight crewmembers that they will be given the
option to form a new Local Union under the IBT-AD and to elect their own Local Union officers. In
order to ensure proper representation of the crewmembers pending the decision to form a new Local,
however, the IBT-AD has also determined that Teamsters Local 1224 will be assigned interim
representation responsibilities during the transition phase
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In light of the strained relationships between the Atlas and Polar units over the last
several years and the difficult relationships between the two units and the Company, we recommend
that the IBT-AD and Local 1224 maintain both the Atlas and Polar MECs in an advisory capacity
during the transition phase. Local 1224 would benefit greatly from the experience of the Advisory
MECs, and the Local’s ability to represent the crewmembers during the transition phase would be
bolstered by access to the MECs’ institutional knowledge. Local 1224 and the IBT-AD, of course,
would ensure that the two Advisory MECs work cooperatively and constructively in the interests of the
unit as a whole. The MECs would not have any formal authority to represent employees and would
defer to you and Local 1224 leadership on how best to effectuate a transition. That said, we
recommend that a representative from the Atlas/Polar unit be appointed as a “trustee” or ”chairman”
charged with helping steer the two Advisory MECs and being a point of contact with Local 1224
leadership.
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Finally, consideration must be given to the post-transition phase of the IBT-AD's
representation of the Atlas/Polar crewmembers through IBT Local 1224.. [b]We understand that after a
transition phase of eighteen to 36 months, the crewmembers will be given a choice: to (1) remain as
members of IBT Local 1224; or (2) form their own IBT-chartered Local Union and elect their own
Local Union officials.[b] If the crewmembers decide to take the latter course of action and decide to form
their own IBT Local Union, then the IBT-AD and Local 1224 should, prior to the transition phase,
work with the IBT General President and General Executive Board and their representations to secure a
new Local Union charter for them.
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In any event, regardless of whether the crewmembers ultimately decide to form their
own IBT Local Union, upon becoming Teamsters, [b]they will be afforded the opportunity to vote for
their own leadership to represent them on the Atlas/Polar property, consistent with IBT Local 1224’s
By-Laws.[b] And, of course, while they are members of Teamsters Local 1224, they will be afforded the
opportunity to fully participate in all of the affairs of that Local, consistent with the IBT Constitution
and Local 1224 By-Laws.