This is the USAPA phone update for Monday, April 21st, 2008
As the dust settles following USAPA's historic win on the 17th, we wanted to give you a quick overview of events. We realize you've all been anxious for news and we apologize for the delay in this update.
On the 17th, many of the Board of Pilot Reps, along with USAPA Officers and a few volunteers gathered in CLT awaiting the news of the election. President Stephen Bradford was in attendance at the NMB when the tally was publicized, along with representatives of both ALPA and the Company. President Bradford called the results in to the Board, 2723 votes for USAPA, and 2254 for ALPA, with a voting turnout of almost 95% of eligible voters. Following the announcement, President Bradford immediately caught a flight down to join the meeting.
Immediately following the announcement, the requisite Press Releases were sent and we went back to work ensuring that Day One structure was in place for the pilots. The most important item was the Critical Incident line which had been up-and-running but was tested one more time.
Plans and agenda items were finalized for a BPR meeting the following day, which took us into the evening. The group broke for dinner, and to take a break before business resumed the following morning.
Details of the meeting on the 18th will follow, but as an overview Steve Bradford led a discussion of Membership vs. Representation, followed by Discussion of Waypoints Electronics bid for services, Consideration of Parkview Office lease and furnishings. It was agreed to accept the bids (with a modification to the Waypoint bid for services deemed as unnecessary at this time).
The Board then discussed the distribution of USAPA Safety Cards, with Accident Contact Numbers. The cards were to have been distributed on the 18th, but were delayed due to a delivery issue. We anticipate having them in 1-2 days; they are also downloadable on the USAPA website.
Safety Committee Co-Chairman Tom Kubik gives a brief overview of current ASAP issues and the Safety Hot line. As expected, USAPA is being given the chance to simply extend the current ASAP agreement by a resolution and signature. The Board is reviewing the current MOA for submission, in the meantime all pilots are reminded that the BEST, undiluted protections they can obtain after an incident is by filling out a NASA report.
Membership Services Chairman Steve Szpyrka then took the floor, to lead a Discussion of Committee Staffing. Steve also noted that our contract Hot Line is up and running, that number is 877-678-7272 x723
It was decided by the Board that Aeromedical Services will be provided by USAPA though Monday 3 Jun 08. The Board fully understands we are in a transitional period and would not want any pilot to go without coverage during said period. AFTER JUNE 3, 2008 any pilot who is not a member of USAPA will be required to arrange direct billing for these services. Inclusion simply requires that the pilot be dues current and submit a USAPA Membership Form prior to the close of business Monday June 3, 2008.
The Board then discussed the removal of all election related materials from property, along with the creation of a new lanyard.
VP Mike Cleary gave a briefing on Pilot discipline issues, followed by the President reminding the Board of the importance of Dues Checkoff and Membership forms.
Over the weekend, we cleaned up the web site, removing virtually all pre-election and/or now irrelevant material. The plan for the site will be involve two stages. First, a professional complete redesign will be started. While that is being accomplished, the current site will be updated with the basic information necessary to serve the pilot group and keep them informed. The "Members Only" section will first be passworded primarily to keep the general public out; when we move to the new site usernames and passwords will be mailed out to all members.
Regarding insurance transfer, we have been advised by our insurance providers that they will have dedicated portals available tonight for the purpose of transferring your ALPA insurance over to USAPA. The overview of the process is essentially that the pilot will go to the web site, download the required forms, fill them out, include proof of ALPA insurance (invoice, certificate of insurance, etc), and fax or mail. Recall that coverage is guaranteed.
The Staffing page on the web site has been updated with contact information for all Officer, Reps and many committee members. We encourage you to contact your Reps, say hello and let them know your thoughts.
We are looking for 3 West volunteers for the following positions - Grievance Liaison, Safety Liaison, and Contract Support Liaison. Applicants should have current or recent experience in the relevant areas. Please check the USAPA members only section on the web site for contact information for each position.
In closing, our office will be up-and-running with staff as-of tomorrow the 22nd; thank you for your patience as we work many hours behind the scenes to put the final pieces in place.
