Union president to take part in major labor negotiations

Published Sept. 30, 2010
By Rick Stuart
Local 916 Second Vice President

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- James Schmidt, president of American Federation of Government Employees Local 916, will be part of the team negotiating, the 2010 Master Labor Agreement with Air Force Materiel Command.

The negotiations will be being lead by Council 214 president, Scott Blanch, and held at Kirkland AFB, N.M., starting Nov. 1.

Mr. Schmidt will have direct input at the bargaining table, which is a valuable asset to the bargaining unit employees here, he said.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Local 916's bargaining unit employees," Mr. Schmidt said. "While this is very likely to be a long, tedious process, I am ready and welcome the challenge."

Union officials say that having a voice at the negotiating table at a time when the government is considering furloughs and downsizing in the civilian work force is beneficial for Team Tinker. Mr. Schmidt will deliver progress reports to the staff at the union hall on a regular basis, which will be passed on to the membership in weekly reports.