US Airways ALPA MEC CODE-A-PHONE UPDATE - June 4, 2007
This is Arnie Gentile with a US Airways MEC update for Monday, June 4th, with five new items.
Item 1. As stated in ALPA International’s Executive Council resolution of May 24, the President will employ all the resources of the Association and that the Council is acutely aware of the negative consequences that may result if the MECs fail to come together to explore consensual approaches that promote career protection and mutual success, and achieve an acceptable single collective bargaining agreement that improves pay, benefits, work rules and job security for both pilot groups.
A meeting has been called by ALPA President, Captain John Prater, that will be held on Wednesday, June 6 at ALPA's Massachusetts Ave. , Washington, DC office. The invitation is posted under What's New. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the AAA/AWA merger and will represent the first step in the process of fulfilling the EC resolution.
The meeting attendees are scheduled to be ALPA President, Captain John Prater, ALPA's Executive Administrator Randy Helling, ALPA's outside counsel Mike Abram of Cohen, Weiss and Simon, US Airways MEC Chairman Jack Stephan, Vice Chairman Kim Snider, Secretary-Treasurer Mike D'Angelo. The America West MEC Officers in attendance will be America West MEC Chairman John McIlvenna, Vice Chairman Mitch Vasin, and Secretary-Treasurer Peter Blandino.
Item 2. Pilot-to-pilot volunteers have been reporting that some pilots are unsure about the MEC's stance on the three-pronged approach. No matter what happens with the Nicolau award, the merger process or any associated fallout, be it clear, the stark reality is we are still dealing with management on a daily basis, paying for this merger under LOA 93, and receiving different pay and working conditions than others doing the same work.
Management recently proposed their first comprehensive economic proposal on May 8th and 9th. It contained less-than-industry average pay scales and no movement what so ever on our defined contribution plan benefit—which is also far less than the industry average. In the Health and Welfare section of the contract, management has proposed nothing short of major concessions—including pilots paying significantly more for their health care insurance and receiving considerably less in the way of benefits in all areas. Obviously, this is completely unacceptable.
That is why the three-pronged approach is more important than ever. Management needs to know as we have always said, we will not stop till we have a fair contract with improvements in pay, benefits, work rules, and qualify of life. Each and every pilot should redouble their efforts and understand that 100% participation is our most effective tool in any circumstance moving forward.
Item 3. As a reminder, America West pilots now have access to the Jumpseat IVR Reservation System. By the same token, US Airway pilots can now also use the system to list for the jumpseat on west metal flights. All mainline pilots (both east and west) have equal priority (A 1) on all mainline flights.
Speaking of jumpseats, this presents the perfect opportunity to thank all our pilots for acting professionally when dealing with America West Pilots and personnel. Our issue is with Arbitrator Nicolau and his award and is being addressed by your MEC with your full support.
Item 4. MEC Chairman Jack Stephan has called a special MEC conference call meeting for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 5th, at the request of the PHL, PIT, and LGA Captain and First Officer representatives.
The agenda for the meeting is to provide direction to the MEC Officers, Merger Committee and Counsel with regard on how to proceed with:
A) In meetings with ALPA National Officers, ALPA Attorneys, and the AWA MEC Officers.
B) With future negotiations involving solutions to the seniority integration between AWA and AAA.
Item 5. The Safety Committee has posted a new update under What's New with two topics. The first is on International flying such as when an IRO is required, for example: When the flight plan for a crossing exceeds 8 hours of block time, an IRO is required. The second item concerns Dulles runway issues. All pilots are asked to read this update.
W.A.R. Item 604
US Airways Distance Learning Training 2007:
FUEL: Regardless of the savings, passenger comfort is important. Use the APU when necessary to keep the passengers comfortable."
Please remember we still have 1,469 pilots on furlough, 276 pilots have been recalled and on May 14th, the most junior seniority number was 4,437 with a seniority date of October 25, 1999.
As always, look out for each other, keep your families first, fly safe and thanks for listening.
This is Arnie Gentile with a US Airways MEC update for Monday, June 4th, with five new items.
Item 1. As stated in ALPA International’s Executive Council resolution of May 24, the President will employ all the resources of the Association and that the Council is acutely aware of the negative consequences that may result if the MECs fail to come together to explore consensual approaches that promote career protection and mutual success, and achieve an acceptable single collective bargaining agreement that improves pay, benefits, work rules and job security for both pilot groups.
A meeting has been called by ALPA President, Captain John Prater, that will be held on Wednesday, June 6 at ALPA's Massachusetts Ave. , Washington, DC office. The invitation is posted under What's New. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the AAA/AWA merger and will represent the first step in the process of fulfilling the EC resolution.
The meeting attendees are scheduled to be ALPA President, Captain John Prater, ALPA's Executive Administrator Randy Helling, ALPA's outside counsel Mike Abram of Cohen, Weiss and Simon, US Airways MEC Chairman Jack Stephan, Vice Chairman Kim Snider, Secretary-Treasurer Mike D'Angelo. The America West MEC Officers in attendance will be America West MEC Chairman John McIlvenna, Vice Chairman Mitch Vasin, and Secretary-Treasurer Peter Blandino.
Item 2. Pilot-to-pilot volunteers have been reporting that some pilots are unsure about the MEC's stance on the three-pronged approach. No matter what happens with the Nicolau award, the merger process or any associated fallout, be it clear, the stark reality is we are still dealing with management on a daily basis, paying for this merger under LOA 93, and receiving different pay and working conditions than others doing the same work.
Management recently proposed their first comprehensive economic proposal on May 8th and 9th. It contained less-than-industry average pay scales and no movement what so ever on our defined contribution plan benefit—which is also far less than the industry average. In the Health and Welfare section of the contract, management has proposed nothing short of major concessions—including pilots paying significantly more for their health care insurance and receiving considerably less in the way of benefits in all areas. Obviously, this is completely unacceptable.
That is why the three-pronged approach is more important than ever. Management needs to know as we have always said, we will not stop till we have a fair contract with improvements in pay, benefits, work rules, and qualify of life. Each and every pilot should redouble their efforts and understand that 100% participation is our most effective tool in any circumstance moving forward.
Item 3. As a reminder, America West pilots now have access to the Jumpseat IVR Reservation System. By the same token, US Airway pilots can now also use the system to list for the jumpseat on west metal flights. All mainline pilots (both east and west) have equal priority (A 1) on all mainline flights.
Speaking of jumpseats, this presents the perfect opportunity to thank all our pilots for acting professionally when dealing with America West Pilots and personnel. Our issue is with Arbitrator Nicolau and his award and is being addressed by your MEC with your full support.
Item 4. MEC Chairman Jack Stephan has called a special MEC conference call meeting for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 5th, at the request of the PHL, PIT, and LGA Captain and First Officer representatives.
The agenda for the meeting is to provide direction to the MEC Officers, Merger Committee and Counsel with regard on how to proceed with:
A) In meetings with ALPA National Officers, ALPA Attorneys, and the AWA MEC Officers.
B) With future negotiations involving solutions to the seniority integration between AWA and AAA.
Item 5. The Safety Committee has posted a new update under What's New with two topics. The first is on International flying such as when an IRO is required, for example: When the flight plan for a crossing exceeds 8 hours of block time, an IRO is required. The second item concerns Dulles runway issues. All pilots are asked to read this update.
W.A.R. Item 604
US Airways Distance Learning Training 2007:
FUEL: Regardless of the savings, passenger comfort is important. Use the APU when necessary to keep the passengers comfortable."
Please remember we still have 1,469 pilots on furlough, 276 pilots have been recalled and on May 14th, the most junior seniority number was 4,437 with a seniority date of October 25, 1999.
As always, look out for each other, keep your families first, fly safe and thanks for listening.
