The Phoenix reps were finally able to get their update published. Our reps don't need JR's help re-writing their updates. I don't think they care if the politburo agrees with them or not.
Phoenix Domicile Update
March 30, 2014
PHX Domicile Update
The First Quarter Regular BPR Meeting is currently in recess. This was a unanimous decision by the BPR, and we plan to reconvene on or before April 22. We have some things we would like you to know which you probably didn't learn by reading the USAPA Communications Committee “BPR Updates”:
During a briefing by the USAPA Government Affairs Committee Vice Chairman, Pete Machtel, someone made a joke in reference to Pete’s “Patriotic Tie,” by asking if it was one of those “fancy $675.00 ties.” Not surprisingly, the majority of the BPR laughed at the comment. However, following Pete’s presentation, PHX Vice Chairman Simmons asked who made the comment about the tie. Gary Hummel responded that he did. David proceeded to advise the BPR & Gary Hummel that PHX believed his commentary was in VERY poor taste and warned the USAPA faithful to prepare themselves to engage in the same kind of fund raising in the VERY NEAR future. While Gary Hummel apologized for the tasteless comment, it is our opinion that Dave's message was actually a minor revelation to certain officers and members of the BPR. John and Eric would like to commend David for quickly and appropriately addressing this perceived insult.
On a separate note, Pete's briefing was informative and he did a fine job in the absence of GA Committee Chairman, Randy Dopp, who was absent due to the passing of his mother. Our condolences go out to Randy and his family for their loss. This serves as a solemn reminder of the many things in life far more important than our incessant union infighting. Hopefully that will not last forever.
Lastly, Phoenix did complain that this important committee has never had an active West member. In response to this, President Hummel solicited our input as to possible West candidates. A couple of names were provided and we hope to see the President act quickly to appoint one of them.
Apparently there has been some recent intermingling of Check Airmen usage in the simulator, East and West. We generally view this as a long overdue and positive development. We were not surprised to learn that the other 3 bases are vehemently opposed to such action (never mind that the AWA/US Airways merger consummated 7.5 years ago). In fact, the East BPR Members consider this an egregious violation of the MOU. We disagree, but as we prepared this message offering our alternative view, the other three bases (PHL, CLT, DCA) considered publishing an update on why this practice is such a travesty. We were prepared to ask that you ALL conduct yourselves in the same professional manner that you have ALWAYS done for the past 30 years and even encourage your interaction with these “East Check Airman” of the New American. However, before we had a chance, the ever-appeasing Management of this Company already capitulated to these East demands and assured USAPA that the practice will cease immediately. You know what they say, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” We are a bit stunned to see our new Management Team acquiesce so quickly. Could there be a lesson there for the former AWA pilots to learn from this? These people are our co-workers in a venture to promote safe & uneventful commercial flying. That is all.
West Negotiating Advisory Committee member, Capt. Ken Holmes announced that he will be voluntarily returning to line flying on May 01, 2014. This is not a resignation from the NAC, and USAPA will “buy” his trips on an as needed basis. This will allow Ken to pick up trips as he sees fit (like the rest of us can). Making any more than line average is not possible under full-time union employment for West pilots. This decision is a monetarily good thing for Ken Holmes and a solid fiduciary practice for USAPA. We would like to encourage other USAPA committee members to follow suit.
We will reconvene the BPR Meeting in April sometime to address the budget and finish a few resolutions. We do not think a few weeks will cause any harm to these pending resolutions, even if they are from the Phoenix domicile. Given the dwindling time left to finish these items last Friday, we thought it better to bring them to the floor when we have more time to address them properly when we reconvene.
We want to thank those that continue to participate in the elections. Exercising your vote is VERY important. Please continue to help us finish this race and stay engaged. It shouldn’t be much longer until we are represented by the Allied Pilots Association.
Finally, a note of special thanks to Roger Velez. Roger has truly “fought the good fight” as a Phoenix representative. His voice and counsel have been instrumental in making sure we are heard. If you run into Roger, PLEASE be sure to thank him for his service.
Warmest Regards,
John, Eric & Dave
