US Pilots Labor Discussion

[USA320Pilot]

deleted

 

[fifidriver]

I thought the request from Judge Silver was to provide Law that said either use of the Nic was required..or not?
'
Good omen (and I guess we will see tomorrow) if the West is (again) going after USAPA instead of providing strong case law.

It's like Christmas Eve for me.

RR

I predict another lump of coal.

 

[Res Judicata]

Compass Correction Coalition Update (Letter from Eric Jordan): February 20, 2012

Letter from Eric Jordan

(Former USAPA PHL Domicile Representative)

Fellow Pilots,

Many of you have contacted me to find out why I resigned as the USAPA Philadelphia Vice Chairman. Here is the truth.

I ran for a seat on the BPR because I truly believed I could make a difference and facilitate what I thought was our shared goal of an industry standard contact based on date of hire. The USAPA constitution established the BPR to be run as a democracy by representative pilots elected from each crew base…one man (or woman), one vote. This system of self-government only functions effectively absent an opposing force of fear and intimidation operating from within or without. Sadly, fear and intimidation, lies and distortions run rampant within the walls of USAPA.

When I dared to have an opinion, voice an opinion or vote my conscience on any subject, no matter how mundane, I was ridiculed, isolated and chastised severely if it differed from the desire of our president. Even personal threats are commonplace. Case in point, as I walked to my gate one Sunday morning, I was accompanied by a pilot who “explained” to me that if guys cause trouble for Mike Cleary and don’t vote or agree with what he wants, “My guys are going to start making calls.” I asked what kind of calls and he replied, “calling wives, because a lot of guys have skeletons in their closets.” I asked him if he realized his actions had the potential of destroying families; his simple answer was “yes.”

In my case, the exclusion began even before I took office. I found out about our first base meeting along with the rest of the PHL pilot group through a Communications’ update. When I asked why I was not included in the planning or even informed, I was told, “You can’t make them all Eric.”

Throughout my eight months on the BPR, every stance I took was in thoughtful response to the expressed desires of the Philadelphia pilots who elected me. I was the only PHL rep to be elected by a majority rather than through default or run-off ballot. I consistently sought to do what was best for our entire PHL pilot group. However, any dissenting vote or opinion I had, no matter how mundane the subject, was twisted into something sinister and “Nic-loving” or I was labeled “in bed with the West.” Szpyrka and Gillies silenced me by putting out Philadelphia Updates (and joint Charlotte Updates) without my input or signature. The Communications committee refused me, a duly elected BPR member, an equal voice.

Board meeting behavior is beyond deplorable. I have served on several boards in my life, and have conducted both check airman meetings and chief pilot meetings. I have never been exposed to the immature conduct that occurs during a BPR meeting. Name-calling and snide remarks by certain reps are commonplace. It is expected that some discussions before a vote may get rather heated, but once a vote is called, you take the vote and move on. At a BPR meeting, even if the subject is for a routine business decision, if the vote does not go the direction the Charlotte representatives, and Szpyrka and Gillies want, the subject is revisited and revisited and revisited.

I have example after example of the “thug” mentality that prevails in our organization. Attack and deflect. Dare to disagree and you are falsely accused and your character, your intelligence and even your faith are maligned. One of their favorite tools is to label any dissenter “a friend of the West and therefore in favor of the NIC and against date of hire.” One of their favorite vehicles to distribute these lies is Bill Glynn’s website. It was confirmed to me, by Gillies himself, that they forward things to Glynn for publication that Cleary cannot put out through regular communication.

If you are satisfied with the way our last three years have played out with Mike Cleary and company, by all means vote for his group. If we were an NFL team, I think you have to agree; these last three seasons have been less than stellar. They have been nothing short of shameful and totally unacceptable. It is time to change the coaching staff.

The Officer elections are just days away from completion. Please vote today and take back our union.

I constantly receive phone calls and emails asking which candidates to vote for. I will not tell you “who” to vote for, but I will tell you whom I voted for:

Gary Hummel

Steve Bradford

Joe Stein

Rob Streble


Thank you for electing me as your Philadelphia Vice Chairman. I assure you, my DDR, Jamie Weidner, is doing an outstanding job and representing you extremely well. He is a man of integrity and is brilliant in business.

Eric Jorda

Dear Eric Jordan:

Go &%$# YOURSELF!!! Thank you so much for being an integral player in bringing us all the Union that has cost over one BILLION dollars. Also, Glad to hear you've figured out what we out West have always known, that your Leaders of your fake union belong in a penitentiary for their most offensively illegal behavior. Being you wanted this, again, please...go *&^% yourself.

Never forget that THIS is the Union that our hero Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger thought enough of to fly to PHX and under OATH testify to some very "convenient" Parable of his own creation. This of course in SUPPORT of The "union" that extorts, black mails, threatens, and abuses it's own members....even it's founders.

Can you imagine what this union is like for West pilots if this is how a founder gets treated? Thank God for Federal Courts.

Unfortunately Eric you still don't understand your situation. A vote for Hummel is a vote to continue right along the Cleary Path. Eric Jordan was too G.D. stupid to see it coming the first time, why the hell would anybody be so stupid as to believe he now knows what the hell he's talking about.

Thanks Eric. Choke on LOA93....forever.

Love,
The West.

 

[fodase]

What a crock. I watched it again just to give you the benefit of the doubt. Most of the 5 minutes of my life that I won't get back was spent laying blame and insulting east pilots. Saying the union has been run by a group from a narrow band of the seniority list? These two are junior no matter what you look at. Only to represent previously furloughed pilots? Really?

But there was a minute talking about what they would do. Poll the pilots and restaff the NAC. Good idea, and Hummel put the same thing out several weeks ago.

So that minute or so of "laying our a plan" is supposed to be the best for my family? Man, I hate to see it if you had it out for us. Sarcasm on.

This is who you voted for:

One more time! I founded this union with a small group of volunteers. DATE OF HIRE is a cornerstone of our Union. Gary Hummel and Steve Bradford unequivocally support Date of Hire.

What part of this don’t you understand?

You think this plan will move us forward? Doh at all costs, what in your estimation will they do if the DJ goes against usapa? I can guarantee you they will try a different run around the Nic. and seeham will be leading the charge. The result of a win by these bozo's will be another 3 years of nothing for either side.

 

[Reed Richards]

Dear Eric Jordan:

Go &%$# YOURSELF!!! Thank you so much for being an integral player in bringing us all the Union that has cost over one BILLION dollars. Also, Glad to hear you've figured out what we out West have always known, that your Leaders of your fake union belong in a penitentiary for their most offensively illegal behavior. Being you wanted this, again, please...go *&^% yourself.

Never forget that THIS is the Union that our hero Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger thought enough of to fly to PHX and under OATH testify to some very "convenient" Parable of his own creation. This of course in SUPPORT of The "union" that extorts, black mails, threatens, and abuses it's own members....even it's founders.

Can you imagine what this union is like for West pilots if this is how a founder gets treated? Thank God for Federal Courts.

Unfortunately Eric you still don't understand your situation. A vote for Hummel is a vote to continue right along the Cleary Path. Eric Jordan was too G.D. stupid to see it coming the first time, why the hell would anybody be so stupid as to believe he now knows what the hell he's talking about.

Thanks Eric. Choke on LOA93....forever.

Love,
The West.

Settle down Res. I too would be that upset, having just read the West brief. Yikes!

Better get yourself composed before any crewbase visits, no flop sweat allowed.

RR

 

[USA320Pilot]

Compass Correction Coalition Update (Letter from Eric Jordan): February 20, 2012

Letter from Eric Jordan

(Former USAPA PHL Domicile Representative)

Fellow Pilots,

Many of you have contacted me to find out why I resigned as the USAPA Philadelphia Vice Chairman. Here is the truth.

I ran for a seat on the BPR because I truly believed I could make a difference and facilitate what I thought was our shared goal of an industry standard contact based on date of hire. The USAPA constitution established the BPR to be run as a democracy by representative pilots elected from each crew base…one man (or woman), one vote. This system of self-government only functions effectively absent an opposing force of fear and intimidation operating from within or without. Sadly, fear and intimidation, lies and distortions run rampant within the walls of USAPA.

When I dared to have an opinion, voice an opinion or vote my conscience on any subject, no matter how mundane, I was ridiculed, isolated and chastised severely if it differed from the desire of our president. Even personal threats are commonplace. Case in point, as I walked to my gate one Sunday morning, I was accompanied by a pilot who “explained” to me that if guys cause trouble for Mike Cleary and don’t vote or agree with what he wants, “My guys are going to start making calls.” I asked what kind of calls and he replied, “calling wives, because a lot of guys have skeletons in their closets.” I asked him if he realized his actions had the potential of destroying families; his simple answer was “yes.”

In my case, the exclusion began even before I took office. I found out about our first base meeting along with the rest of the PHL pilot group through a Communications’ update. When I asked why I was not included in the planning or even informed, I was told, “You can’t make them all Eric.”

Throughout my eight months on the BPR, every stance I took was in thoughtful response to the expressed desires of the Philadelphia pilots who elected me. I was the only PHL rep to be elected by a majority rather than through default or run-off ballot. I consistently sought to do what was best for our entire PHL pilot group. However, any dissenting vote or opinion I had, no matter how mundane the subject, was twisted into something sinister and “Nic-loving” or I was labeled “in bed with the West.” Szpyrka and Gillies silenced me by putting out Philadelphia Updates (and joint Charlotte Updates) without my input or signature. The Communications committee refused me, a duly elected BPR member, an equal voice.

Board meeting behavior is beyond deplorable. I have served on several boards in my life, and have conducted both check airman meetings and chief pilot meetings. I have never been exposed to the immature conduct that occurs during a BPR meeting. Name-calling and snide remarks by certain reps are commonplace. It is expected that some discussions before a vote may get rather heated, but once a vote is called, you take the vote and move on. At a BPR meeting, even if the subject is for a routine business decision, if the vote does not go the direction the Charlotte representatives, and Szpyrka and Gillies want, the subject is revisited and revisited and revisited.

I have example after example of the “thug” mentality that prevails in our organization. Attack and deflect. Dare to disagree and you are falsely accused and your character, your intelligence and even your faith are maligned. One of their favorite tools is to label any dissenter “a friend of the West and therefore in favor of the NIC and against date of hire.” One of their favorite vehicles to distribute these lies is Bill Glynn’s website. It was confirmed to me, by Gillies himself, that they forward things to Glynn for publication that Cleary cannot put out through regular communication.

If you are satisfied with the way our last three years have played out with Mike Cleary and company, by all means vote for his group. If we were an NFL team, I think you have to agree; these last three seasons have been less than stellar. They have been nothing short of shameful and totally unacceptable. It is time to change the coaching staff.

The Officer elections are just days away from completion. Please vote today and take back our union.

I constantly receive phone calls and emails asking which candidates to vote for. I will not tell you “who” to vote for, but I will tell you whom I voted for:

Gary Hummel

Steve Bradford

Joe Stein

Rob Streble


Thank you for electing me as your Philadelphia Vice Chairman. I assure you, my DDR, Jamie Weidner, is doing an outstanding job and representing you extremely well. He is a man of integrity and is brilliant in business.

Eric Jordan

I would like to hear from the East USAPA supporters how they feel about Eric's comments. I have sustained and continue to sustain the abuse from the UELs Eric describes. I would like to hear from USAPA's supporters on the benefits of this union. Bring back ALPA.

 

[Metroyet]

I would like to hear from the East USAPA supporters how they feel about Eric's comments. I have sustained and continue to sustain the abuse from the UELs Eric describes. I would like to hear from USAPA's supporters on the benefits of this union. Bring back ALPA.

One problem: ALPA doesn't want you back.

 

[crazystnic]

I would like to hear from the East USAPA supporters how they feel about Eric's comments. I have sustained and continue to sustain the abuse from the UELs Eric describes. I would like to hear from USAPA's supporters on the benefits of this union. Bring back ALPA.

One man's opinion... same can be said about some on the other side... we don't want to hear about your poor life... move on it's a union... grow a spine...... remember this is war.

 

[crazystnic]

Dear Eric Jordan:

Go &%$# YOURSELF!!! Thank you so much for being an integral player in bringing us all the Union that has cost over one BILLION dollars. Also, Glad to hear you've figured out what we out West have always known, that your Leaders of your fake union belong in a penitentiary for their most offensively illegal behavior. Being you wanted this, again, please...go *&^% yourself.

Never forget that THIS is the Union that our hero Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger thought enough of to fly to PHX and under OATH testify to some very "convenient" Parable of his own creation. This of course in SUPPORT of The "union" that extorts, black mails, threatens, and abuses it's own members....even it's founders.

Can you imagine what this union is like for West pilots if this is how a founder gets treated? Thank God for Federal Courts.

Unfortunately Eric you still don't understand your situation. A vote for Hummel is a vote to continue right along the Cleary Path. Eric Jordan was too G.D. stupid to see it coming the first time, why the hell would anybody be so stupid as to believe he now knows what the hell he's talking about.

Thanks Eric. Choke on LOA93....forever.

Love,
The West.

Do you east guys now get it? War remember... No compromise.. you should remember that the west wants to take your senority...Your weekends off. Your upgrades... 20 years here but they want you to be a new hire bidding PBS new hire blocks.

 

[prechilill]

...... remember this is war.

Which Ferguson is about to stop...
And this will be to your benefit, more so than others in this pilot group. Too bad you will never understand this, let alone appreciate it.

 

[Metroyet]

Do you east guys now get it? War remember... No compromise.. you should remember that the west wants to take your senority...Your weekends off. Your upgrades... 20 years here but they want you to be a new hire bidding PBS new hire blocks.

That's not quite the message I'm reading. I'm reading some very disturbing things regarding the Legality of some behaviors within USAPA. No real big revelations there. I think we all know to what level the East led union is willing to stoop to accomplish their illegal, unethical goals. Which is to say there IS no bottom limit to which they'll go. If you consider yourself to be in a War, stop crying about your casualties. Casualties like your paycheck, work rules, future and family security. Some of you are truly beyond repair. However, I think you are now in the minority and this election is going to bring about a Sea Change within this thoroughly destroyed organization. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see some investigations undertaken by certain government authorities in the not too distant future. Authorities in both the Law enforcement and Labor arenas. Intervention is long past due and prison time doesn't seem unreasonable to me given the level of depravity that seems to endlessly boil out of the latest regime.

And the calls for Jihad just keep coming. How many people are listening? That's the question we'll all know the answer to shortly. IMO, not nearly enough.

 

[Metroyet]

Do You Want a Leader, or a Politician?

Dear US Airways Pilots,



The difference between a Leader and a Politician is that a Leader will tell you what he thinks you need to hear while a Politician will tell you what he thinks you want to hear. It appears there are plenty of Politicians participating in this election, but very few Leaders.



From the beginning of this campaign, Jeff Koontz and I have made it clear: If elected, we will work to bring an end to the seniority litigation and include the Nicolau Award in Section 22 of a joint contract in order to negotiate an industry-leading contract for this pilot group. We must move on, get the company back to the negotiating table, and finish negotiations for a joint contract.



Many have said that taking this platform was “political suicide.” Well, we are not politicians. Instead, we are proven leaders and we will tell you what you need to hear. During this campaign, most of the other candidates have been engaged in an “I’m more DOH than you” contest, thinking that it was what the voters want to hear.



It is our view that the US Airways pilots are tired of politicians, and ready for real leadership. We have been receiving feedback from East pilots who, although not necessarily happy with the Nicolau, recognize the truth that the only way to negotiate a new contract is by accepting the Nicolau Award. Many have either already voted, or have pledged to vote for Ferguson, Koontz and Holmes.



Few things are more entertaining during an election than watching a Politician change his tune after realizing that his original approach isn’t working. At the beginning of the campaign, most chose to attack each other, exchanging accusations of misbehavior or incompetence while in office and emphasizing the fact that they were going to continue to fight for Date-of-Hire. Publish a few of emails to that effect, cut and paste the job description of the specific Officer position right from the USAPA Constitution, and then add in a few buzz words such as “together,” or, “new approach,” or, “taking it to the company!” From there it had to seem that the election was pretty much “in the bag.”



Imagine their surprise to discover that this pilot group is tired of waiting, tired of watching the continuous union drama and infighting, tired of working under the worst contracts in the industry, tired of falling ever further behind our peers, and tired of a union that spends over 40% of its annual dues on lawyer fees but has yet to create a proper Merger or Strike fund.



What does a politician do when he has to change course? He does what the guy ahead of him in the polls does. We have written blogs about how to address the concerns of our “Third-Listers,” how a future merger might turn out, and a large number of other topics central to the concerns of all US Airways pilots. Many of these topics have been about subjects which far too many US Airways pilots have sought to ignore over the last few years. They are not easy, and they certainly are not what we think people want to hear, but it is what we believe they need to hear whether they find it pleasant or not. Contrast this with our competitors and see how most have simply been telling the pilots what the conventional wisdom would dictate they want to hear.



When a Leader tells you what he thinks needs to be done, he does so because he believes it to be true. When a Politician tells you what he thinks you want to hear in order earn your vote, he tends to make mistakes because what he says and what he really thinks may be two very different things. The majority of the candidates in this election are no exception.



Several candidates have stated that, if elected, they would “listen to the pilots and abide by all applicable laws and the USAPA Constitution and Bylaws.” Is this something that needs mentioning? How does a statement like this help a voter decide? Are there candidates promising to “ignore pilots and violate laws” in order to get elected? Leader or Politician?



We have one Presidential candidate who has preached about unity and “moving forward” while touting his organizational capabilities, yet he doesn’t seem to know (or won’t acknowledge) that he has three competitors, rather than two for USAPA President as was stated in his first campaign email. Leader or Politician?



There is one candidate in particular who tries to explain the fairness of Date-of-Hire by pointing out that our compensation is based on that metric, oblivious to the fact that our pay rates are based on many factors, including length of service, but not date-of-hire. Leader or Politician?



Another candidate decided to address the merger concerns by stating that “overall health of the carrier and financial matters; US Airways financial health is sound.” This precisely echoes George Nicolau’s statements in the Arbitration Award, only he was referring to the solid health of America West. Apparently he wants you to forget how, for the last five years, this particular “Founding Father” has relentlessly proclaimed that “Date-of-Hire is the Gold Standard” and that the overall health of a merging carrier is nothing more than “a snapshot” which should not be considered when merging seniority lists. Leader or Politician?



Some candidates have pledged that they “will not show up unprepared for Negotiations.” We are not aware of any candidates vowing to show up late or unprepared. We ponder the sudden need to state the obvious. Leader or Politician?



By now it should be clear that most of the candidates are Politicians. Not only this, the majority represent Politicians who have held some sort of office or committee chairmanship ever since they helped found USAPA. Some of them are directly responsible for the dysfunction, inefficiency, and turmoil that has characterized this union for the last four years.



The actions of these politicians have cost us dearly. It has been over 1600 days since the East Joint Negotiating Committee was ordered to cease its participation in the joint negotiations by the AAA MEC in August of 2007. The quantifiable financial losses to the pilot group, as of February 18, 2012 have been listed below. Please bear in mind these losses are conservative in their estimation. The real harm is much higher because this chart does not account for items such as increased vacation, higher retirement contributions, or the time value of money, etc.

Mounting Losses for US Airways Pilots

If elected, we will begin to initiate sweeping changes immediately. We will work to accomplish the goals laid out by Eric nearly two years ago during his EVP Campaign (see Campaign Consistency, Eric Ferguson EVP Campaign Message 19MAY10). You may notice that several other candidates mention similar goals in this election even though some have been in a position to have already been taking steps toward these goals for some time now, yet haven’t bothered. These goals (as quoted verbatim from that 2010 campaign message) include:



1. Work to gradually reduce membership dues obligation to 1%

2. Eliminate the LOA 95 special compensation for USAPA volunteers

3. Create a “satellite” USAPA office near company headquarters in PHX

4. Staff a full-time Grievance Committee for the PHX domicile for the administration of “Contract 2004” while under separate contracts

5. Bolster the resources of the NAC to included another pilot currently working under Contract 2004

6. Hire a professional stenographer to create actual transcripts of all negotiating sessions

7. Ensure that committees are properly “balanced” to reflect views from all geographies and seniority ranges

8. Work Together!

Regarding item five (5), above, please note that in light of the total absence of a West negotiator on the NAC, we will need to add more than one. In fact, it is our plan to staff the NAC with an equal number of pilots working under each existing contract to ensure that only the best, most advantageous sections from either contract are used as the baseline and we will have the NAC work to improve those sections from there.



Regarding item seven (7), above, it is our intent to appoint a proportional number of volunteers and committee chairs from both contracts throughout the overall committee structure. We will begin accepting resumes from volunteers and suggestions from the BPR the moment the outcome of the election is known. We will begin screening candidates and will be ready to move ahead with BPR interviews and new committee appointments soon after taking office. No matter your background or previous union history, we welcome your interest in serving your fellow pilots of USAPA.



While the list above is not inclusive, please imagine where the pilots of US Airways would be today had there been an opportunity to accomplish our longstanding goals. Remember, this list dates back nearly two years and is not a recent contrivance aimed at convincing you we have a plan. We have always had a plan to improve USAPA and very soon we believe our pilots will give us the opportunity to make positive changes happen.



The choice is clear: We can no longer afford to have this union run by Politicians for another three years. Instead, the pilots of US Airways need LEADERS and we need them now.



If you agree with the above, then your support is required now. In order to break the cycle of failure, we need to prevail in this election with a commanding lead in the first round. This is required so as to send a clear message to the BPR, and management, that you are no longer satisfied with the status quo. Do not wait for others to decide your fate.



Now is the time to vote for Ferguson, Koontz and Holmes and choose PROVEN Leaders over Politicians.



Thank you for your support!



Eric Ferguson

Jeff Koontz

Ken Holmes

 

[Phoenix]

I would like to hear from the East USAPA supporters how they feel about Eric's comments. I have sustained and continue to sustain the abuse from the UELs Eric describes. I would like to hear from USAPA's supporters on the benefits of this union. Bring back ALPA.

Bring back ALPA?

Chip you are not near as sligh at instigating division, dischord, and disunity as E.F. and Uhaul but it's good to know what you are interested in.

 

[Phoenix]

Dear Eric Jordan:

Go &%$# YOURSELF!!! Thank you so much for being an integral player in bringing us all the Union that has cost over one BILLION dollars. Also, Glad to hear you've figured out what we out West have always known, that your Leaders of your fake union belong in a penitentiary for their most offensively illegal behavior. Being you wanted this, again, please...go *&^% yourself.

Never forget that THIS is the Union that our hero Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger thought enough of to fly to PHX and under OATH testify to some very "convenient" Parable of his own creation. This of course in SUPPORT of The "union" that extorts, black mails, threatens, and abuses it's own members....even it's founders.

Can you imagine what this union is like for West pilots if this is how a founder gets treated? Thank God for Federal Courts.

Unfortunately Eric you still don't understand your situation. A vote for Hummel is a vote to continue right along the Cleary Path. Eric Jordan was too G.D. stupid to see it coming the first time, why the hell would anybody be so stupid as to believe he now knows what the hell he's talking about.

Thanks Eric. Choke on LOA93....forever.

Love,
The West.

I think I'll vote for a West candidate. They are all so reasonable, polite, and so many of them have a servants heart. They would be great leaders.. to somewhere.

 

[nevergiveup]

I would like to hear from the East USAPA supporters how they feel about Eric's comments. I have sustained and continue to sustain the abuse from the UELs Eric describes. I would like to hear from USAPA's supporters on the benefits of this union. Bring back ALPA.

ALPA destroyed this profession.