Statement by American Airlines Mechanics Union on MD-80 Groundings

I have spent 22 years as a mechanic and quality assurance inspector at American Airlines and I want to say unequivocally that our MD-80s are safe. This is more a compliance issue than a safety question.

Let’s be clear -- once the wiring harness was re-routed and then covered by a protective sleeve, the chances of any safety of flight issues were minimized. This particular engineering change order first came to light almost four years ago. Since then there have been approximately ten revisions! Since the Airworthiness Directive was issued there have been at least four revisions. Hundreds of highly trained FAA award-winning technicians, the best in the business, with decades of experience, didn’t simply get it wrong. These changes have been a moving target.

Our members have been working around the clock to get these planes up in the air as soon as possible. We take our jobs and our responsibilities seriously. Our goal is to take planes that are safe and bring them into precise compliance.

Dennis Burchette is an International Vice President of the Transport Workers Union of America and responsible for the 22 TWU local unions on the American property. He is also a licensed aircraft mechanic and a former quality assurance inspector at American’s Tulsa overhaul facility.

The Transport Workers Union of America represents 200,000 retired and active members primarily in transportation, including 26,000 ground workers at American Airlines. The union is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.