PHX Domicile Update and Meeting Notice
I attended the BPR meeting this week in CLT. Attending as DDRs were Pat O'Neil and David Button. I would like to take the opportunity to thank these guys for their assistance this week. I would also like to thank the Phoenix based pilots who took the time to attend the meeting. Perhaps one day we can persuade the BPR to have a meeting in Phoenix since it is our largest domicile, and home to US Airways.
The membership ratification vote on the MOU which had been scheduled to begin on September 21 has been postponed. Given the turmoil and confusion since the Company is not able to further discuss modifications to the MOU during the “Non-Disclosure” (NDA) period, the focus of the PHX reps turned to education on the MOU, rather than the vote itself. Accordingly, we are pleased to learn that the NAC will be attending our upcoming domicile meeting in PHX. Our meeting is scheduled for September 25, 9AM to 5PM, in the conference room above gate B21 at the airport. Some of the USAPA Officers will be present, as well as the entire NAC and Professional Negotiator Roland Wilder. Your PHX Reps anticipate that some modifications to the MOU will be negotiated once the Company is able to address them after the NDA period ends, and we do expect the final product will be similar in nature to the current MOU (hopefully with a few positive additions). Hence, the NAC presentation will front-load much of the education which will need to happen sooner, rather than later, in the event that a merger between US Airways and AA becomes imminent. Also, not only will the MOU be discussed, but also the “Term Sheet” US Airways management entered into with the APA, as well as the merger process itself. You will have direct access to Mr. Wilder and the NAC members to have your questions answered.
Please understand that it is the desire of your PHX Reps to bring the best possible MOU to you for ratification. The decision will ultimately be up to you- the line pilot, and it is our goal to enable a vote as soon as plausible. From our time spent at various USAPA BPR meetings, it is clear there is a common perspective shared throughout the system regarding the possible risks, and rewards, of a possible merger with AA. An opportunity to educate, discuss and evaluate this fast moving situation is necessary so all of us can make an educated decision on the MOU. That process has now begun, so please be sure to pay attention to the dates for the other domicile meetings because if you are in DCA, PHL or CLT on one of those dates, we strongly encourage you to take the opportunity to speak with the NAC and Mr. Wilder whenever you have the opportunity.
The seniority dispute remains in the courts, and the next prospective merger is in the hands of others. Both of these will have lasting effects on every US Airways pilot, regardless of domicile, and both of those issues are currently out of our hands. What we do have control over is the outcome of a future vote on the MOU – it’s our choice to decide whether or not we, as US Airways pilots, want to be spectators, or active participants in the likely merger with AMR. We hope to be able to choose soon.
Thanks for reading, and please appreciate that your Phoenix Representatives take the responsibility we have to you VERY seriously, especially regarding the MOU/Term Sheet/Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is our wish to bring to you the best possible agreement to vote on, and prior to any vote, we feel it our responsibility to afford you the best education possible on these topics. Please help us accomplish this by attending our next Domicile Meeting.