AWA ALPA MEC Communications Committee Update – May 9, 2006
From: MEC Communications Committee
To: All AWA Pilots
Today, more than 100 uniformed pilots from both the east and the west attended the Company’s employee town hall meeting at corporate headquarters. We were a noted presence not only from Doug Parker but also from other employees and the news media. Led by MEC Chairman JR Baker, all pilots in attendance stood in support of our Joint Negotiating Committee’s efforts as they continue negotiations for a single agreement.
In a prepared statement, MEC Chairman Baker clearly stated our views of how we expect the negotiations to be conducted.
The following is the text of that statement:
Mr. Parker:
We share your vision of a great future for the employees of the New US Airways, and we are encouraged when you stated you want this merger to be the model for the industry in terms of labor relations. However, for that vision to be realized we must insist that you recognize the sacrifices made by both pilot groups and that you come to the table with a realistic philosophy, ready to roll your sleeves up and get to work.
From the beginning of our negotiations, the company has stated that without achieving their desired contract through joint agreement, they will impose the East contract on both pilot groups. This concessionary approach to negotiations fails to recognize that our pilots will be moving forward with the airline. Instead, they will be left behind with a contract that was negotiated in the worst of times. We recognize that the company needs productivity but we must share in the rewards of that productivity. As Southwest has successful proven productivity does not equally costly work rules. We must work together to truly merge an operation where all employees benefit and are protected.
Mr. Parker, please do not under estimate the resolve of this pilot group. We will not allow our work rules or financial stability to be reduced. Instead, we expect to move forward and share in the success of this airline. We will not fund this merger through gives backs and we will not ratify a sub -standard contract.
Speaking respectfully, I have a question for you.
Given your earnings announcement indicating that this company is off to a flying start, and is doing better than expected on all fronts, is it reasonable for management to ask us, the pilots of the New Us airways to begin our negations for a joint contract from a concessionary position?
Thank you for listening.
Mr. Parker reiterated the company line that the net cost of the combined agreements must be cost neutral. He also indicated that he believed he had the ability to impose the East work rules on the combined pilot group (a position that the MEC vehemently disagrees with), but that he would prefer to negotiate an agreement that was acceptable to all involved.
This MEC’s message remains unmistakably clear:
We will not subsidize this merger. We expect management to recognize our investments as we move forward to create the new US Airways.
Thank you to all our pilots who have supported our Union by participating in today’s SPC activities.
From: MEC Communications Committee
To: All AWA Pilots
Today, more than 100 uniformed pilots from both the east and the west attended the Company’s employee town hall meeting at corporate headquarters. We were a noted presence not only from Doug Parker but also from other employees and the news media. Led by MEC Chairman JR Baker, all pilots in attendance stood in support of our Joint Negotiating Committee’s efforts as they continue negotiations for a single agreement.
In a prepared statement, MEC Chairman Baker clearly stated our views of how we expect the negotiations to be conducted.
The following is the text of that statement:
Mr. Parker:
We share your vision of a great future for the employees of the New US Airways, and we are encouraged when you stated you want this merger to be the model for the industry in terms of labor relations. However, for that vision to be realized we must insist that you recognize the sacrifices made by both pilot groups and that you come to the table with a realistic philosophy, ready to roll your sleeves up and get to work.
From the beginning of our negotiations, the company has stated that without achieving their desired contract through joint agreement, they will impose the East contract on both pilot groups. This concessionary approach to negotiations fails to recognize that our pilots will be moving forward with the airline. Instead, they will be left behind with a contract that was negotiated in the worst of times. We recognize that the company needs productivity but we must share in the rewards of that productivity. As Southwest has successful proven productivity does not equally costly work rules. We must work together to truly merge an operation where all employees benefit and are protected.
Mr. Parker, please do not under estimate the resolve of this pilot group. We will not allow our work rules or financial stability to be reduced. Instead, we expect to move forward and share in the success of this airline. We will not fund this merger through gives backs and we will not ratify a sub -standard contract.
Speaking respectfully, I have a question for you.
Given your earnings announcement indicating that this company is off to a flying start, and is doing better than expected on all fronts, is it reasonable for management to ask us, the pilots of the New Us airways to begin our negations for a joint contract from a concessionary position?
Thank you for listening.
Mr. Parker reiterated the company line that the net cost of the combined agreements must be cost neutral. He also indicated that he believed he had the ability to impose the East work rules on the combined pilot group (a position that the MEC vehemently disagrees with), but that he would prefer to negotiate an agreement that was acceptable to all involved.
This MEC’s message remains unmistakably clear:
We will not subsidize this merger. We expect management to recognize our investments as we move forward to create the new US Airways.
Thank you to all our pilots who have supported our Union by participating in today’s SPC activities.
