ual alpa update June 15, 2011
"""The company announced last Friday that Integration Training Phase 1 is on the United Learning Network (ULN) on Skynet. The company also imposed a July 8 deadline to complete this training.
Let me be clear. ALPA has not endorsed this program or any other training program concerning changes associated with the Single Operating Certificate (SOC). The MEC objects to the concept of training by bulletin and this has been clearly expressed to management.
Under the company’s proposed Integration Training Plan, there was an introductory phase which is now followed by Phases 1 through 4. According to the company, Phases 1 through 4 each last about one hour and will be paid at the rate of one hour for each of these four phases, for a cumulative total of four hours of pay. We believe that this training program and the time allotted are insufficient and inadequate to cover the multitude of changes which we will be responsible for and does not rise to the standard of training that has resulted in United’s unsurpassed safety record.
We have been engaged with the company at various levels with our safety experts, but as the company-imposed deadline approached for rolling out this program, our input and concerns have been pushed aside and the program steamed forward. We strongly believe it is more important to “get it right” rather than potentially compromise safety to meet a deadline.
We will continue to attempt to resolve our differences with the company on this vital safety program. We would ask that since the announced deadline to complete this phase of training is July 8, you allow the MEC and its officers the necessary time to right this ship.
As frustrating as these times are, it is absolutely paramount that we continue to conduct ourselves in the utmost professional manner so as to retain all of our legal rights afforded to us under the Railway Labor Act. Actions to the contrary may be harmful and counterproductive in the end game. If you have questions or require further information, please speak to your Council Officers.
In closing, challenging and difficult times such as these demand the most from us professionally and personally. Our cause is just and righteous, we have only to seek the counsel expressed by the very motto of the Air Line Pilots Association, a union founded 80 years ago by a United pilot, Captain Dave Behncke, when he stated; “Schedule with Safety.” This is not just a motto, but a moral obligation, one that we owe collectively and individually to our fellow crew members, our passengers, our families and ourselves.
Fraternally,
Captain Wendy Morse
Chairman, United Master Executive Council"""
alpa ual cal contract update progress, NADA