After a short winter snooze, U-Turn is back. No rumor. Connect the dots and you’ll see. West FOs: you need to chock this one before the wheels get rolling. Once this gets started, you won’t be able to stop it.
By resolution, the East will only meet with the steering committee if there are negotiations to dilute the Nic. From their January 4 Code-a-phone: As a result of recent discussions between both the AAA three man Panel and the AWA Steering Committee, the US Airways Panel has decided to reengage in the process to seek a consensual, comprehensive package that includes both satisfactorily addressing the problems created by the Nicolau Award as well as our JNC counterproposal to Management.
Our MEC is telling us that there will be no negotiations on the Nic. This one’s over two months old, so maybe times have changed. From our LC62, November 10, 2007 email to all LC62 pilots: Please do not misconstrue our desire to openly communicate and our attempt to restart the JNC process as a will to change the Nicolau list…….Some (both east and west) may claim that this is our intention, but know that their sole objective is to disrupt the process and create hysteria on both sides…….Again, there are no secret fence / contract negotiations taking place.
Here’s what ALPA National put out. From the great leader himself: January 11, 2008 I believe we all appreciate that, in order to satisfy the requirements for membership ratification, the proposed joint contract must address the concerns of both pilot groups.
The Association commits to fully supporting these efforts with all the resources, both technical and financial, that are necessary for the steering committee members to oversee the development of a comprehensive contract proposal for the joint negotiations that addresses the issues of both pilot groups, including seniority implementation issues, pay, work rules, benefits, and job security. Captain John H. Prater, President
December 14, 2007 The seniority list – and how it will be implemented – is one of the pieces the company and both MECs need to begin negotiating in the process of attaining a collective bargaining agreement. Captain John H. Prater, President
You will have to decide who is telling the truth. Which road is the West steering committee traveling? Keep in mind that one of the members on our committee is former MEC Chairman Don Steinman, who authorized the secret “Operation O-K Corral” pre-nup with the UAL MC back in 1999. Another member is CJ Szmal, who participated in the “O-K Corral.” He wanted DOH for our CAs in return for getting credit for his furlough and “DASH-8” turbo-prop time. Anyone smell MDA?
The East will not accept a contract without changes to the Nic. The West will not approve changes to the Nic. Or will we? The Wilson polls show that we would accept changes to the Nic.
This is one scenario that is floating around: we leave the West Captains alone and fence the F/O’s for 6-8 years (up from 3-5 years, due to age 65). Our Captains are already Captains and the East just wants all the new Captain positions. This way we give the East the Job Protection and Longevity they are looking for. They will vote for the Contract and move beyond the stand off, thereby saving ALPA in the process. Even at $150/hour for the 737s, it will be hard for the East not to pass that contract by a close margin. The compromise will only have about 850 west FOs mad and 4300 others semi-happy.
If you like this plan, call your Reps and give them the green light. If you think this plan sucks now is the time to stop the train. Once it starts rolling there will be no stopping it. With the USAPA vote approaching, we won’t be able to stop it. ALPA can’t allow it to stop, not with $10 Mil in annual dues at stake.
That myth that one side can veto the other? Don’t count on it. It might happen the first round, but according to PHX FO Rep Jon Garcia, expect a simple majority vote the second time. If you don’t think that can happen, demand that your Reps have Prater put it in writing. They won’t and he won’t.
Dave Blomgren, for The Mighty U-Turn. Your beacon of truth in these dark days…..
For your reading pleasure, from those in power…..