nycbusdriver said:
I think that, as a profession, airline pilots are victims of a very convoluted system of seniority and, as a byproduct, we are afflicted by arbitrators who are too lazy or too clueless to really understand the details.
You pointed out a very appropriate description of Nicolau. He isn't senile. He's lazy.
Yes the following quote contained was not been;
"In recognition of their efforts it was not been an easy task, I
could not conclude this Opinion without thanking Captain Brucia and
Captain Gillen for their immeasurable guidance and assistance."
George Nicolau
"Us Airways, America West Seniority Dispute rough draft timeline
2005-2006 US Airways, United in merger talks
2005 Us Airways, America West merge
May 2007 Arbitrator George Nicolau’ pilot seniority award was issued. The award was written with the assistance of two
"ALPA pilot neutrals",
Steve Gillen United Airlines Pilot and
Jim Brucia former Continental pilot now United Airlines Pilot.
2007 Us Airways pilots ask ALPA to review the award. ALPA president John Prater, former Continental pilot now United Airlines pilot, assigns ALPA vice president Paul Rice, United pilot, to review the award.
December 2007, Paul Rice, United pilot, delivers seniority list to Us Airways.
2007 A group of Us Airways pilots start a drive to start their own in house pilot union.
March 2008 ALPA puts the Us Airways ALPA Mec in trusteeship.
April 2008 In a National Mediation Board sanctioned election, Us Airways pilots oust ALPA and vote in USAPA as their official pilot representative.
May 2008 United calls off merger talk with Us Airways.
June 24, 2008 United Airlines starts furloughing pilots that will eventually lead to 1450 pilots at United on the street. Had a merger occurred using the Nicolau award derived with the assistance of United pilot neutrals, Us Airways pilots would have suffered the brunt of the furloughs and few United pilots would have been affected.
2008 America West pilots sue for DFR against USAPA.
2009 2010 US Airways and United restart merger talks.
April 2010 United Us Airways end merger talks.
June 2010 The 9th circuit court rules in USAPA’s favor."
Clax