NMB Speaks: We Have an Election! ALPA/USAPA Topic for 2/19-26

[AAA73Pilot]

ALPA national has no official position on the subject of Nicolau. If they have made any statements regarding NIcolau fairness, please post the reference because nobody has seen any releases.

ALPA is not that stupid. The road shows this past fall is a classic example. Prater told the PIT pilots he knew there was a problem the day the list was put out. Last Thursday in CLT again, he made reference to it. All verbal. In front of very few people. Or at least until I left. Don't know if he said the same thing again after that. So does the "problem" = "fairness"? I guess it's up to the individual to interpret.

 

[cactusboy53]

US Airways CEO is upbeat on progress
By Thomas Olson
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, May 18, 2006


America West Holdings would have declared bankruptcy in 2005 if it hadn't merged with US Airways Group last May, said its CEO at US Airways' annual meeting Wednesday.
"What a difference a year makes," upbeat US Airways chief Doug Parker told shareholders in Charlotte, N.C. The meeting -- which lasted less than 30 minutes, including questions from the floor -- was broadcast over the Internet. ......

US Airways still needs to combine labor contracts and operating systems. Talks with pilots have already begun.

"We are interested in moving forward, not backward," Jack Stephan, head of the US Airways unit of the Air Line Pilots Association, told Parker at yesterday's meeting.

"We want (Parker) to run the most efficient operation he can," said J.R. Baker, head of the pilots-union's America West unit, by telephone. "Then, US Airways can take care of its people, as well as the investors."

Oh, look! A straw. I think I will grasp for it!! This statement made by Parker can not be proven, and in fact was disallowed in the arbitration testimony by Aviation Industry experts. Keep grasping......

 

[oldiebutgoody]

US Airways CEO is upbeat on progress
By Thomas Olson
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, May 18, 2006


America West Holdings would have declared bankruptcy in 2005 if it hadn't merged with US Airways Group last May, said its CEO at US Airways' annual meeting Wednesday.
"What a difference a year makes," upbeat US Airways chief Doug Parker told shareholders in Charlotte, N.C. The meeting -- which lasted less than 30 minutes, including questions from the floor -- was broadcast over the Internet. ......

US Airways still needs to combine labor contracts and operating systems. Talks with pilots have already begun.

"We are interested in moving forward, not backward," Jack Stephan, head of the US Airways unit of the Air Line Pilots Association, told Parker at yesterday's meeting.

"We want (Parker) to run the most efficient operation he can," said J.R. Baker, head of the pilots-union's America West unit, by telephone. "Then, US Airways can take care of its people, as well as the investors."

Oh, look! A straw. I think I will grasp for it!! This statement made by Parker can not be proven, and in fact was disallowed in the arbitration testimony by Aviation Industry experts. Keep grasping......

The real question is why was it disallowed? Input from ALPA maybe? Since the seniority of USAirways pilots was the main stumbling block to acceptance by the pilots of the United merger, my money says it was.

MORE reasons to BOOT ALPA!!! You guys keep making the case for change! GOOD JOB!!

 

[sharktooth]

As BoeingBoy pointed out, there was no "outrage" at Nicolau when the Shuttle pilots did not get DOH.

Perhaps BB is a little forgetful.

The contentious issue was whether the Shuttle pilots would get DOH, either at the start of the Shuttle, or, as many of the Shuttle pilots wanted, when they were hired at EAL. With several hundred former EAL pilots flying, a EAL DOH for the Shuttle dudes only would have been unacceptable, what would one then do with the real-EAL pilots who went from the picket lines to the US pilot list?

Nicholau took a different tack. Many did not protest as there were only about 75 real-Shuttle dudes and ALPA National said that half would retire in five years, making a lawsuit unpalatable.

Just trying to keep the history close to what actually happened.

 

[prechilill]

ALPA is not that stupid. The road shows this past fall is a classic example. Prater told the PIT pilots he knew there was a problem the day the list was put out. Last Thursday in CLT again, he made reference to it. All verbal. In front of very few people. Or at least until I left. Don't know if he said the same thing again after that. So does the "problem" = "fairness"? I guess it's up to the individual to interpret.

It is quite obvious where Prater's loyalty lies and it certainly is not with the West pilots. We figured that out as he abetted your delay tactics at every turn. Once you vote him and ALPA out of the way for us we can make some real progress in implementing the Nicolau award. You probably do not understand what I mean by this but one day you will probably figure it out.

 

[AAA73Pilot]

Once you vote him and ALPA out of the way for us we can make some real progress in implementing the Nicolau award. You probably do not understand what I mean by this but one day you will probably figure it out.

We will always differ on the implementation of the Nicolau award. So that will have to play itself out. Actually I understand what you mean. It is being planned for. So knock your self out.

I am curious though. According to ALPA last week, the TA will go away if USAPA is voted in. Many west posters and "others" say it will remain. Since the NMB has ruled we are one pilot group, what is your position on the TA to merge MECs if USAPA is elected? Not trying to debate this, just looking for opinions.

 

[EastUS]

It is quite obvious where Prater's loyalty lies and it certainly is not with the West pilots. We figured that out as he abetted your delay tactics at every turn.

It sounds like that was your first unhappy experience with Alpo taking care of itself..and not caring the tiniest bit about you, or certainly any actual line pilots, other than as dues paying fools. Some might find that to be kind of a slight wake up call, ..perhaps you don't yet get it. ....

"Once you vote him and ALPA out of the way for us we can make some real progress in implementing the Nicolau award." Are we back to that pathetic BS again? 😉 This is getting seriously pitiful, in that the recent west "arguments" amount to:

1) Alpo..even though it's blessed Nic, and is sworn to defend the award, will somehow "mitigate" it for the benefit of the east. One must assume, having heard zillions of west veriants on "We'll SUE!!" that they would have to bear in mind excessive litigation from your group. Yeah...they'll certainly think long and hard about being wonderfull to the east and "mitigating" ANYTHING...Sure Thing Sis. 😉 We all know out east just how much they care about us....The ALpo attitude's only a shock to you guys

2) When Alpo's out..you'll magically force the Nic list into being, presumably through sheer force of will, and a vast treasure chest of west donations for the legal expenses....so it's far "better" for the east to just give up now...as has been your hope, and sage advice, ever since last may.

3) Can you, or anyone possibly say 1 and 2 above with a straight face?....😉

 

[AAA73Pilot]

The real question is why was it disallowed? Input from ALPA maybe? Since the seniority of USAirways pilots was the main stumbling block to acceptance by the pilots of the United merger, my money says it was.

MORE reasons to BOOT ALPA!!! You guys keep making the case for change! GOOD JOB!!

Back in July or thereabouts, I read a post about the plan to destroy the east seniority was scripted. I agreed with the poster. Not sure if I published that or not, either way, what was not scripted is our reaction and subsequent success in the decert drive. I know this was/is only one small cog in the bigger picture, but like so many have said, and basically I had to agree, that we didn't see a concession we didn't like. I am very proud of this pilot group to finally say enough is enough of ALPA!! At least unity on the east will finally bring about meaningful change.

 

[nostradamus]

america west pilot union denounces reporter, February 21 Statement below;



Biased, Inaccurate Reporting by theStreet.com

We are continually amazed by the outwardly biased and inaccurate reporting by Ted Reed who writes for theStreet.com. While Mr. Reed, a former US Airways employee, has chosen to report on the emotional drama created by some East pilots, he has conveniently avoided telling the public the truth. The Nicolau Award resulted from a process that ended with a decision from a mutually-agreed upon arbitrator after extensive testimony and exhibits. As a result of the seniority award, no pilot—East or West—lost their seat, equipment, domicile or pay. On the contrary, the merger has enabled the new US Airways to upgrade more than 400 East first officers to captain positions (versus only 31 new upgrades for West pilots), offered recalls to all furloughed pilots and increased job security for all pilots at the new US Airways. These are the facts, and we have provided them to countless reporters, including Mr. Reed. Unfortunately, Mr. Reed is unable to get past his own personal bias when reporting on this complex, emotional issue. He has done more harm than good by trying to divide the US Airways pilots during such a critical time in our careers.

There are multiple layers to every story, and while the vast majority of reporters understand this and do their best to represent every side in a neutral manner, Mr. Reed has proven time and again that he has no interest in writing an objective story when it involves seniority issues. We sincerely hope that Mr. Reed recognizes the disservice he is providing his readers by presenting an inaccurate, biased portrayal of the issue. Until Mr. Reed chooses to become an impartial reporter, this MEC has decided that we will no longer be a resource to him for his articles. We also ask pilots not to contact him directly to vent their frustrations; in addition to it being against company policy to speak with the media unless you are a union spokesperson, we believe it to be an exercise in futility.

America West ALPA
Communications Committee Chairman

Click here for Mr Reed's latest article

 

[BoeingBoy]

Seems maybe we've uncovered another ALPA shill?

Hardly - I've often said that ALPA (and every large union) is largely a black hole for money. However, I wouldn't want to be in this industry without union representation. Also, I'm not one to attempt to escape blame for the votes I, or at least the majority of the pilot group I belong to, cast. That's why all the "Voting - what a novel concept" sentiment is so amusing.

It's my guess that the status quo will prevail until a new contract is agreed upon, just as the transition agreement states. The TA was signed by a representative of the pilots, and just because the group providing it may change, the fact that it was agreed to by the lawful representatives at the time will make it binding. I could be wrong, of course, but I'd put money on it. I don't see how a DFR lawsuit could prevail unless the West folks were not allowed to participate in all aspects of this election.

You and I basically agree on that. It was End of Alpa's various theories that would result in a DFR suit as far as I'm concerned - USAPA didn' sign the transition agreement, MEC's won't exist under USAPA so the transition agreement is void, East pilots voting on the West contract and vice versa, etc.

Jim

 

[nostradamus]

Below is the reason the Greeks initiated the young warriors. Check the sign off of each of his posts, I do agree with his rating though.


prechilill
Rating: 0

View Member Profile

post Today, 03:32 PM
Post #245


Group: Registered Member
Posts: 324
Joined: 28-November 02
Member No.: 1,341


USAPA: a professional organization of career first officers.

 

[nostradamus]

Now my curiosity may be confused with flame bating. I am seriously curious on the ufo incident that the America West pilot observed. Any follow up on this.

ATC tape of ufo sighting by America West pilot

 

[lynyrdskynyrd]

It sounds like that was your first unhappy experience with Alpo taking care of itself..and not caring the tiniest bit about you, or certainly any actual line pilots, other than as dues paying fools. Some might find that to be kind of a slight wake up call, ..perhaps you don't yet get it. ....

"Once you vote him and ALPA out of the way for us we can make some real progress in implementing the Nicolau award." Are we back to that pathetic BS again? 😉 This is getting seriously pitiful, in that the recent west "arguments" amount to:

1) Alpo..even though it's blessed Nic, and is sworn to defend the award, will somehow "mitigate" it for the benefit of the east. One must assume, having heard zillions of west veriants on "We'll SUE!!" that they would have to bear in mind excessive litigation from your group. Yeah...they'll certainly think long and hard about being wonderfull to the east and "mitigating" ANYTHING...Sure Thing Sis. 😉 We all know out east just how much they care about us....The ALpo attitude's only a shock to you guys

2) When Alpo's out..you'll magically force the Nic list into being, presumably through sheer force of will, and a vast treasure chest of west donations for the legal expenses....so it's far "better" for the east to just give up now...as has been your hope, and sage advice, ever since last may.

3) Can you, or anyone possibly say 1 and 2 above with a straight face?....😉

What has your overconfidence and your belittling of us out west gotten you so far? Have you learned anything? Do you have a different brain trust this time around?

I may be very, very wrong, but I think you guys will end up being your own worst enemy again. It may make you feel good that you "showed" ALPA, but I think thats about all usapa is gonna get you. Of course in the meantime you will have your cake you can't eat yet.

 

[end_of_alpa]

Hardly - I've often said that ALPA (and every large union) is largely a black hole for money. However, I wouldn't want to be in this industry without union representation. Also, I'm not one to attempt to escape blame for the votes I, or at least the majority of the pilot group I belong to, cast. That's why all the "Voting - what a novel concept" sentiment is so amusing.



You and I basically agree on that. It was End of Alpa's various theories that would result in a DFR suit as far as I'm concerned - USAPA didn' sign the transition agreement, MEC's won't exist under USAPA so the transition agreement is void, East pilots voting on the West contract and vice versa, etc.

Jim

You've got the answers Jim. I'd hire you on as USAPA legal. Thankfully we don't have to negotiate this here. It will be in a courtroom eventually. I'm looking forward to the DFR suit based on MY legal theories. So we'll just have to watch them play out. Won't we?

 

[EyeInTheSky]

america west pilot union denounces reporter, February 21 Statement below;
Until Mr. Reed chooses to become an impartial reporter
America West ALPA
Communications Committee Chairman

Click here for Mr Reed's latest article

Oh THAT'S rich man. You guys question his ethics? Have you HP guys looked in the mirror lately? I wouldn't be surprised if you guys saw fur and fangs. Wolfing-around and stealing seniority has no honor -- just fleas.

Get a grip.

Later,
Eye