MEC President Sucks

[Quarterback]

His lack of concern for F/A issues and his appalling communication skills are just two examples of why flight attendants are fed up with him. :down:

 

[SegmentKing]

.... and the AFA majority voted him in, I assume ? ...

any chance to bring Teddy back? *grin*

 

[USAirBoyA330]

The MECP is voted in by all the LECP's. The rank and file only vote at the LEC level. I believe Mike Flores is in negotiations with the company in PHX all week.

 

[PITbull]

The LECs are not impressed with Mike. However, because of the PHL LEC rollcall vote, he will stay in until there is a ratified WEST/EAST agreement. PHL and DCA protect his azzzz. And PHL has the rollcall numbers at the moment.

There will have to be a new election for MEC Officers when there is a ratified EAST/WEST agreement. PHX LEC Gary Richardson, will be in the mix as a voting member, having 7 voting members in total, instead of 6.

I can bet, knowing Mike's arrogance and sneaky covert nature, he will throw his name for International office as there will be an election in October for a new term of International officers. Pat needs to go. Her time has come and gone, but hopefully, there will be a candidate like United MEC President Greg Davidavich (excellent spokesperson for United)and would be absolutely a great rep for all of the airlines under AFA-CWA, or Diane Tucker who helped write the Consitution and Bylaws, to beat her. And Hopefully, the BOD would never give Mike F. consideration. Mike's the kind of guy who is a "know-it-all". If you say to him "did you know this or that", he will pretend like he knew all along and make you discuss it so he can extract all the info out of you make it his idea or argument.

Next election in PHL for LECs, they should vote out Laura Albert and stick her back on the line. I suspect the members will being that PIT will be in the mix and they are not fans of Laura's. She didn't work well under Luther Zigen, and she surely is self serving and pro management in her own administration. Unless she works really hard from now until elections in 2007, she'll be toast.

I think Andy Perkins in PHL would be a good candidate, or Celine Deluca whose coming from PIT to represent PHL.
Just my opinion. You need true activism and a big vote turnout. Being PHL is the biggest base, there was only approx. 600 who voted in the last election, and approx 280 for Laura, winning her the election. That's pretty sad for a huge base.

 

[Career Reserve]

I believe Mike Flores is in negotiations with the company in PHX all week.

Does that mean he can't delegate to the VP?
Does that mean everything comes to a halt because he is in PHX?
Sure hope not.
That would a travesty of justice for the rank and file.

 

[USAirBoyA330]

So we go back to the Mollie days of a recall every 3 months!? Oh what fun...just like an Easter Egg hunt 🙄
What rises to the level of recall? It seems like something that should be taken VERY VERY seriously and used with caution. Gross misconduct would rise to that but just because someone disagrees with your view or you don't like them? I'm not buying that bag of crap. The LECP's should choose carefully who they pick because the recall of an officer is not meant to be used as a popularity weapon. I have seen more than 7 MECP's come and go and it seems everyone bitches about them. Why don't the ones that #### constantly ever run?

 

[flyguy121]

His lack of concern for F/A issues and his appalling communication skills are just two examples of why flight attendants are fed up with him. :down:

As far as I'm concerned, the jury is out on Mike Flores. What I DO take issue with however, is that if Mike currently has too much responsibility, why isn't he getting some assistance from his MEC VP, Buddy Brandon? Because he's USELESS! Is it not the VP's responsibility to step in and take charge if the MEC President cannot be reached/contacted due to other obligations?

I have an e-mail in to Mike Flores and am awaiting a response, I suppose it will be telling if I do receive one:

Hello Mike,

I am a Furloughed flight attendant that has been closely following the recent announcement and am waiting for more information. The company issued a press release stating it was recalling 400 flight attendants for the summer over a month ago now. Many people (myself included), have been waiting patiently for a letter to arrive, an E-Line, just SOMETHING to keep us informed and let us know what is going on. After nearly a 5-year involuntary separation from the company there are quite a few of us who are eager to return, but let's be honest, we've been through a lot in the last 5 years and need to plan accordingly with our other life issues so that we can return with as much ease as possible. I'm sure you wouldn't disagree that with all we've been through, we should at the very least be given an adequate amount of preparation time to change our lives in such dramatic fashion yet again.

I understand that the "East" side has been dismantled and that many have moved out to Tempe leaving only Thelma Summers to handle the recent displacements as well as the Recalls, but what is taking so long? The displaced folks had to wait an entire week to find out where they were going??!! Now that those #'s have FINALLY been released, what is the holdup on the Recall notices? I have an awful feeling that there is something "fishy" going on, and I speak for many when I say that at the very least, we should be given some information as to where the recalls stand, perhaps some tentative dates, just something to at least make us feel as though we are not just some inconvenient afterthought as we have felt since 9/11.

I understand there is much on your plate so to speak and that you are currently negotiating with the company on the merged contract. However, if you are overloaded with responsibility, could someone else at AFA at least step up and throw us a bone?

On a side note, I have heard that you also have had recent personal tragedy, and would like to express my condolences to you and your family.

Please respond when you have some time. It would honestly and sincerely mean a great deal.

Thank-you.

-#### (Furloughed Flight Attendant)

 

[PITbull]

They only negotiate for 3 days at a time. He has a computer and a cell phone.

Two weeks with no MEC E-line even to state "stand by", has a rating of "poor". B)

So we go back to the Mollie days of a recall every 3 months!? Oh what fun...just like an Easter Egg hunt 🙄
What rises to the level of recall? It seems like something that should be taken VERY VERY seriously and used with caution. Gross misconduct would rise to that but just because someone disagrees with your view or you don't like them? I'm not buying that bag of crap. The LECP's should choose carefully who they pick because the recall of an officer is not meant to be used as a popularity weapon. I have seen more than 7 MECP's come and go and it seems everyone bitches about them. Why don't the ones that #### constantly ever run?

Yes. The MECP is a "hot seat", specifically while under 2 BK and 3 concessions in 3 years. Since 1996, there has been only 5 MECPs.

Perry Hayes -1996-1999 (Didn't win reelection)
Lynn Lynoski- 1999-2001 (Didn't win reelection)
Karen Lascoli-2002-2002 (Resigned)
Perry Hayes - 2002-2004 (Didn't win reelection)
Teddy Xidas - 2005-2005 (Resigned and off on VFLR)
Mike F. - Current

Previous to that was Carol Austin, Dee Maki, and Judy Schmidt, who was MECP for approx. 20 years, and the best MECP in our history. She gave us the contract protections we HAD for 30 years.

BTW, the MEC-VP Buddy B. is the BEST, professional, articulate, mythodical represntative, and should be President. Buddy cannot just take over or "fill-in" without delegation from the MECP. Mike just wants complete and total power. He doesn't communicate with his Officers or many of the LECs members regularly. He only communicates with his cronnies that keep him in office. And IMO, he doesn't fight management hard enough, and no follow-through, for the members to make some improvements. There are many issues arising and management is not taking the union seriously and that is because he acts like their mouth piece. Ater all, U is not in bk, sits with $2.5 billion in cash, and has aleady rewarded and awarded the senior execs.

These LECs and Officers find out information once it hits the MEC E-line, and that is when Mike decides to get around to it.

 

[SUNBAKED]

What are the issues?

Pay? EAST/WEST?
Sen #?
Jumpseat prvilages?
Vacation?

Do we have any issues? :unsure:

 

[PITbull]

Do the f/as have any issues???? What are you? A comedian?

 

[BajaBabe]

I believe that as long as Mike is the MEC President there will always be some who are always nipping at his heels. What a great distraction as we are in the midst of trying to piece together the best of both contracts. If you think the company does not enjoy and thrive on this type of behavior, guess again. I do not know what Mike is capable of bringing to us but I do know that you have to bring your heart to the Negotating Table and Mike need to given that opportunity.
If it is true that when he is gone everything comes to a stop then Fair Warning, business at the MEC has been shameful for so long. As far as who will be a good candidate to run Philadelphia let the Members take back their destiny. I will never regret the 36 years of Union Work that I have done. Do I have times that I would want to take back a reaction. Of course I do. Let's not allow ourselves judged by the comments of a few if this is indeed a New Day.

 

[PITbull]

I believe that as long as Mike is the MEC President there will always be some who are always nipping at his heels. What a great distraction as we are in the midst of trying to piece together the best of both contracts. If you think the company does not enjoy and thrive on this type of behavior, guess again. I do not know what Mike is capable of bringing to us but I do know that you have to bring your heart to the Negotating Table and Mike need to given that opportunity.
If it is true that when he is gone everything comes to a stop then Fair Warning, business at the MEC has been shameful for so long. As far as who will be a good candidate to run Philadelphia let the Members take back their destiny. I will never regret the 36 years of Union Work that I have done. Do I have times that I would want to take back a reaction. Of course I do. Let's not allow ourselves judged by the comments of a few if this is indeed a New Day.

Fair warning?

Yea, I guess because you are not the MECP, huh? A good leader does not dodge the bullet, takes responsibility,knows to delegate responsibility...Mike only thinks he has leadership qualities. He's only a legend in his mind and LECP of PHL.



Below is a great leader...PIT Pres. does his own leg work, independent of the MECP (which this information should come from.

Dear Members of Local 40,

I have some displacement information for you.

Here is the breakdown of the 80 active displacements.

CLT 11
DCA 8
LGA 6
PHL 55
BOS 0

total 80


There is a displacement information packet that has been sent out with a Q&A
section and a priority return form. The priority return form to return to
PIT, when openings become available must be returned thirty days of your
displacement. This information has been mailed and you should be receiving
your packet in the next few days, probably by Saturday or Monday.

We have been making every effort to have trip pairings and blocks for all
the domiciles available in the crew lounge for the June bid month. We have
also put in a request for the secondary lines when they become available.
The pairings and lines of flying should be in the crew lounge by April 17th.
The very latest by April 18th. The bids open on April 17th and close on
April 23rd @ 18:00. I have been told there will be an attempt to put these
sheets directly in your crew mail box. The pairings and blocks can also be
found on "The HUB". Once you have this information you will be confronted
with a new set of challenges such as bidding, sapping, augmentation
(secondary lineholder)and ETB. I was hoping to have a qualified instructor
in the crew lounge during the bidding process but I don't think that is
going to happen (although still hopeful). I was told those flight attendants
needing help to call supervisor Wendy Oldiges @412-472-1421. Our Candi
Covelli said she would be willing to answer any questions @412-491-2098. I
requested SAP and ETB manuals be provided. If you need a manual you will
have to see Shannon in the crew services room. I would like to recommend
you read section 9.E. of our current agreement to understand the trip
improving process and the restrictions associated with it. I know this may
seem like a lot of information but I am sure you will be comfortable with
this information in a short amount of time. If you have any questions
please call the office @412-245-1214.

In unity,

Mark

 

[BajaBabe]

Once again if this information which by the way was put out by do I dare mention her position LEC of Philadelphia. This same information is on the Phl website. Its Easter lets just hope thet somehow whatever you believe or don't believe in that we will honor a rabbit on Easter Sunday.Oh Happy Day!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Quarterback]

uote name='USAirBoyA330' date='Apr 13 2006, 09:39 AM' post='371770']
The MECP is voted in by all the LECP's. The rank and file only vote at the LEC level. I believe Mike Flores is in negotiations with the company in PHX all week.
[/quote]
Ok so let me get this straight....because the MEC President is in PHX no one else can take charge...OH THAT'S RIGHT NO ONE ELSE CAN BE IN CHARGE BUT HIM. There is no excuse to the fact that the VP cannot put out elines. What is he getting paid for. If the office cannot operate without the President in the office maybe there should be professional negotiators out in PHX instead of someone who is obviously a control freak. (And it is obvious that he is also a backstabber...as the saying goes what goes round comes round)

 

[N903AW]

I have always believed that the Union, at both local and national levels, is only as strong as one's MEC.

A strong MEC President who communicates effectively, and fights for the cause will always garner unity among the membership. Vice-versa, a weak President who does not keep in touch with the members will always create dissention in the ranks.

Although we (West) have been organized for a relatively short time compared to our East counterparts, I have always had respect for our AFA MEC Officers and MEC Committee Chairpersons. For the most part, I have been satisfied with their communication channels to the membership and for always taking on the most challenging of tasks if our workforce is being affected by decisons or policy changes by the Company.

Would the East even remotely consider any of the West MEC Officers for candidacy when our two airlines are merged under one certificate and one AFA contract? I can think of a few that I would like to see on a ballot based on my past (and present) experiences with them as our leaders.

Regardless of who is at the reigns, would it not be more effective for those MEC Officers to take office (and residence) in Phoenix as this would be where the majority of interaction with Corporate would be conducted?

I would be far more comfortable with an MEC Leader that could meet and work with the Company on a moments notice than wait for them to come cross-country to get the ball rolling.