Update for March 2, 2008
Captain Prater, you’re lined up for the closed runway!
Fellow Philadelphia Pilots,
Desperation is an emotional trait which is manifested from fear. Acts of desperation are more often than not reckless in nature. Once again, our pilot group is being subjected to another round of these desperate, reckless actions which are being perpetrated by the same “Cast of Characters.†This “Cast of Characters,†many in longtime union leadership positions, are the same characters who have brought us the lengthy list of concessionary LOA’s over the past several years, while selling the elixir as, “It’s our only choice.†In actuality, it was the only choice because our leadership would never consider the alternative – fighting for our pilot’s welfare. There is absolutely no need for this type of behavior within the decision making process.
False claims, accusations, revisionist writing, arrogance, and fear-mongering are again rearing their ugly heads. These desperate acts do not bode well for our Association. Do not stoop to the level of the individuals who have a history of displaying these types of behavior. There is no changing a mind closed due to fear. Actions which promote political agendas are not, by nature, good for the welfare of the entire group. Protecting the power and benefits of a leadership position at all costs will never well serve any pilot group.
Our dissenting opinions at the MEC table and to our National Association have been the equivalent of saying: “Captain, you are lined up for a closed runway!†We in PHL have tried for years to raise the awareness of both the membership and the leadership. Unfortunately, there has been no corrective action to our warnings. It is entirely possible that this may be a case of subtle incapacitation, or worse yet arrogance, by our leadership. Our efforts have been, and will continue to be, for the pilots we represent – first and foremost.
We know that you, the pilots of Philadelphia, will remain steadfast in your convictions and principles. Educate yourself by acquiring all of the facts. Think long term. Stay on task and message. The issues and decisions that need to be made have been clearly defined. Reject the political grandstanding you will certainly witness in the days and weeks ahead.
Ensuring no witnesses to the upcoming scenario
The timing of the emergency trusteeship is blatantly transparent. This week’s 1st Quarter MEC Meeting is the most important of our two year cycle. MEC Officer Elections, along with the selection of Committee Chairmen, will set the course and tone for the next two years of representation. Eliminating the PHL reps’ dissenting opinions will certainly assure the status quo. While some may believe this beneficial to the Association, your PHL reps believe just the opposite. The negative profound implication of subverting the democratic process will certainly produce detrimental consequences for our Association. This becomes merely gerrymandering an election.
Another important issue we face at this week’s MEC meeting is that of the China Flying. The company has requested relief from the 16-hour duty day limit in the scheduling section of our contract. The Company’s proposal includes tentacles which have the tremendous potential to spread throughout both West and East operations and set precedents which may be extremely difficult to un-do. The implications of this “quick-fix†change in language are very broad to all of our current and future international flying. In our view, the scope of the relief should be very, very narrow, and we MUST receive major returns.
This is Negotiating 101. Unfortunately, we seem to have collectively forgotten this basic principle over the last few concessionary years.
Finally, the Blue Ribbon/GDR/Steering Group stands ready to re-engage at a moments notice. This was clearly demonstrated by the fact that ONLY they, and not the entire MEC, were briefed on the China Proposal.
This group has morphed into a Shadow Joint MEC/NC with no oversight.
While you may hear a lot of rhetoric about separate operations and separate MEC’s within ALPA, nothing could be further from the truth. The template for the combination has already been set. While your PHL reps believe there may be an opportunity to attain durable solutions to mutual problems, it must not be done under false pretenses. We have developed a set of engagement criteria that if agreed upon, have the potential to produce a durable solution. But it must be done with the concurrence of ALL US Airways pilot’s direct representatives.
Your PHL reps will be at the 1st Quarter MEC meeting in CLT tomorrow morning prepared to continue to advocate on your behalf.
You elected us only – only you should remove us.
Line of Communications Will Remain Open
We have amassed over 1000 of your e-mail contacts over the past three years. We thank you for your continuing support. Many of these communications are extremely moving, and they provide us with the determination to continue our quest to ensure pilot representation first and foremost.
If you have not communicated with one of us directly we ask that you now send us a short e-mail so we can capture your address for future communication.
Do not allow distractions while performing your duties. Keeping focused on your priorities while at work are the mark of the true professionals that you all are.
We are proud to represent the Pilots from US Airways’ Council 41. Thank you again for bestowing upon us this great privilege and honor.
We only hope we have upheld these responsibilities to your satisfaction.
Fraternally,
