Here ya go Sparky:
MEC Chairman’s Message - May 21, 2007
This is MEC Chairman Jack Stephan with a Chairman's message to the pilots for Monday, May 21, 2007.
Today over 400 US Airways Pilots arrived in Herndon, VA, and delivered a message to our National union that if they are serious about “taking back†our union, no US Airways pilot can be left behind. It was truly an honor to witness the solidarity of our pilots, as they greeted the hundreds of pilots arriving by buses from the local DC airports as well as from PHL and CLT. As these pilots got off the buses and checked into the ALPA Herndon Office, they were greeted with applause by the hundreds of US Airways Pilots lining the sidewalks and entranceway into the ALPA Herndon Office. Prior to the presentations, the pilots were led outside where they marched single file, encircling the entire ALPA office building.
At around 1:00pm in a small upstairs conference room that was filled to capacity with 40 US Airways pilots and staff, the AAA Merger Committee initiated their 30 minute presentation to the Executive Council followed by the AWA merger Committee’s presentation. Following these presentations, both committees had a 10 minute opportunity for rebuttal and then the Executive Council members asked questions of the presenters. The presentations, although not recorded were made available to our pilots in two conference rooms via live feed where hundreds of US Airways Pilots were able to witness the presentations.
I had the opportunity to speak with our pilots before and after the presentations. Also, after the presentations, ALPA President, Captain John Prater took the podium where he addressed an angry crowd of US Airways pilots. Their message to Captain Prater was clear, “Fix this now.†And, “You can’t take the union back without us.
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I would like to offer a brief summary of the Merger Committee presentations that were made to the Executive council. Both the AAA and AWA presentations are posted in their entirety in “What’s New.
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The US Airways Merger Committee’s presentation focused on gross windfalls to the America West Pilots at the expense of the US Airways Pilots which is in direct violation of ALPA merger policy. Due to the fact that ALPA merger policy was not complied with, the award should be struck down and invalidated. Some of the inequities presented were:
• Although US Airways supplies 80% of the attrition vacancies, many of our pilots never see the Captain seat or they suffer delays where as AWA pilots leap ahead up to six years.
• Total windfall gain in wide-body Captain years. AWA +2,373 years vs. AAA (-2,373) years.
• Total windfall gain in narrow body Captain years. AWA +2,090 years vs. AAA (-2,090) years.
• AAA Legal Council noted discrepancies in the certified lists that incorrectly placed some of our pilots in a furloughed status as well as highlighted that the arbitrator disregarded key evidence in the case regarding AWA’s certain downsizing and bankruptcy filing absent the merger.
Our presentation also reminded the Executive Council, that they indeed had the duty and obligation to interpret ALPA merger policy.
The AWA Merger Committee presentation basically relied on the premise that the award was “final and binding.†Their Merger Council cited ALPA’s role of neutrality, and that ALPA’s responsibility is to “defend and present†the award.
Towards the end of the day, the MEC convened its special meeting to discuss the events of the day. We then recessed to the call of the Chair in anticipation of the Executive Council’s action later this week. Regardless of their decision, it is important for you to know that your MEC will take whatever action is necessary to protect the careers of the US Airways Pilots.
In the meantime, stay informed and look out for each other. Keep your families first and as always, fly safe and thanks for listening.
Now I didn't hear a single word there about "gambling and losing". Not a single word about not ALPA's fault. The merger policy is what it is. Had Nic stayed within the tenets of that policy there would be pissed off people but certainly not to this extent. If you cannot see what has happened as a windfall for the AWA group based on what was just presented above I don't think you are being realistic.
In any event, the list will not stand. One way or another. On that you can count. That is not meant as a threat. Not meant to piss you off. Not meant as anything other than the truth. And you know what?
My number is WELL north of 100. So I have nothing to #### about. Except that it's not about me. It's about a pilot group that is not going to take any more crap. From ALPA, an arbitrator who doesn't follow policy, or the company. Or a bunch of pilots who think they just won a lottery.
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