"PHL is about to elect our first two representatives to the APA Board. I believe that both Paul DiOrio and Paul Music have proven that they have the leadership qualities, can cooperate and work together as a team and have an understanding of the issues that the pilots require.
They repeatedly demonstrated that they have the ability to work through the intricacies of this merger. They refused to compromise so as to get this superior Protocol Agreement when it looked as if that would be impossible and others were thinking of caving in. They did this by showing great foresight and helped plan the strategy of filing a pre-emptive Federal Law Suit, forcing the other parties to come to the table and sign off on a Protocol that would protect our seniority. By insisting on McCaskill-Bond and by insisting we have the protections that were lacking in the MOU, they made sure those protections are clear and have precise language in this Protocol.
In addition, they have a very good working relationship with our Negotiating Committee. The Negotiating Committee knows it can call either of them on any issue and get the support they need to pursue important items we need addressed in the on-going negotiations with the APA and the company.
As USAPA Reps, they were in on all of the important meetings with the APA and have developed a good working relationship with them. They know who is strong and who is weak. Who to trust and whom not to trust. Who is looking out for all of the pilots and who is looking out for their own agenda. Having this insight is incalculable.
As paramount as all this is, they have also developed a very good working relationship with the new PHL Chief Pilot. This important aspect goes a long way when a pilot has a problem and his Chief Pilot and Union Reps can help sort it out.
We have entered another phase in the merger and we still have many outstanding issues that will need to be resolved, as well as seniority and a joint contract. Having two men with the knowledge and experience and ability to work as a team along with the other east reps will be instrumental in our ability to be heard and our needs met.
Both Pauls were selected by the APA as designated Reps because they have developed a solid reputation, earned their respect and have a good working relationship with the other APA board members. No small feat, as some on the other side would like to have us in a minor role in these negotiations.
In my opinion, changing Reps at this time would require a period of time to bring anyone new up to speed and could jeopardize the progress they have already made.
Please vote for Paul DiOrio and Paul Music."
Give me a break. What makes you think you could have gotten an interview ...........?
