USAPA, President’s Message
April 02, 2008
Effort and Motivation
Fellow Pilots,
As we are now midway through the NMB voting period, I would like to take some time and share some thoughts with you. I am sure that many of our pilots have already voted, but I am equally confident that some pilots remain undecided. As we come down the home stretch in this union representational election, I think an accounting of the election campaign is in order.
When viewing the overall election campaign, it brings to mind one of the guiding principals of why USAPA is here in the first place: Single Carrier Representation vs. Multi Carrier Representation.
ALPA has put forward a tremendous effort in order to retain the representational rights of the US Airways pilots. We have seen an expensive array of countless documents, pamphlets, emails, web casts and videos all supporting ALPA’s position in this election. The glaring question is where was this effort when we spearheaded bankruptcy post 9/11? Where was this effort when we spearheaded pension terminations?
Do I blame ALPA for the predicaments that the US Airways pilots had found themselves in – of course not. But it is clear to only the casual observer that ALPA’s efforts to assist the US Airways pilots during our most difficult hours, doesn’t come even close to ALPA’s effort in this election. Imagine what might have happened if ALPA expended the effort and resources towards the US Airways pilots in their time of need, as they are doing today.
This brings the question of motivation to the forefront and highlights the all important issue of Single Carrier Representation vs. Multi Carrier Representation. Unions are a democracy as they should be, and ALPA is no exception. In addition to ALPA’s lack of effort towards the US Airways pilots noted above, there are other glaring examples where the US Airways pilot’s careers were sacrificed under the banner of multi-carrier representation. In 1991, ALPA’s Constitution allowed a special interest group to change what had been decades of merger policy to protect themselves against the likes of TWA, Pan AM and oh yes, US Airways. Later in that decade, United finished the job solely to protect themselves from the US Airways pilots.
Expanding on multi carrier representation, all that happens inside a union today happens using inside advisor's such as financial and legal. Without going into specific issues such as ALPA’s financial team not being able to verify US Airways management’s numbers during the pension termination process, all ALPA’s advisor's and attorneys are paid for by ALPA National in Washington, and also report directly to their supervisors in Washington. Yes, that means US Airways ALPA pilot’s full time attorneys and staff in Pittsburgh report directly to ALPA National in Washington. Has this provided the representation that the US Airways pilots needed in the past? More importantly, is this the type of representation we need in the future?
ALPA was founded during the times of a regulated industry with very limited competition, which allowed for great co-operation. Now, in a highly competitive environment, the conflicting interests of very large to very small carriers and the ever increasing influence of regional carriers, leaves the organization paralyzed. The most likely remedy would be Constitutional changes de-centralizing the organization, permitting such things as carrier specific advisor's and legal staff, being paid by and reporting solely to their specific MEC. With approximately 400 ALPA staff employees, with a large percentage earning over 150 thousand a year, the non-pilot management of ALPA simply will do all it can to avoid such changes, as necessary changes will affect ALPA dues distribution and ALPA staff jobs.
On another issue, there is an overwhelming amount of election rhetoric being put forward. Much of ALPA’s communications is designed to cast doubt and create fear of making a change. Let me bullet point a few election issues:
· We have clearly stated our position on seniority issues, including durability, next merger and our vulnerability in the future under the ALPA banner. We have also stated our position concerning ALPA’s crafty worded position on indefinite separate operations vs. permanent separate operations.
· We have clearly stated our position on contract issues and the impediments that ALPA brings to the process. A ‘cost neutral’ contract are words only uttered by CEO Doug Parker and ALPA supporters, used only for campaign rhetoric. We are confident the US Airways pilots know what they’re worth.
· USAPA’s Safety Committee is staffed with US Airways pilots who have years of professional safety experience, and who understand all the resources available to them. There is also a Safety/Incident /Accident - Emergency Notification System in place starting on Day one.
· USAPA has an Aeromedical Plan administered by Harvey Watt and Company. With 57 years of experience in this field, Harvey Watt and Company has offered premium insurance services long before ALPA.
· On other insurance issues, for those holding ALPA Life, AD&D or LOL insurance, you are guaranteed issue into USAPA's products, no physical, no underwriting, no exceptions. Additionally, a change in unions has no effect on your LTD benefits.
As you can imagine, a bullet point list can be endless. Let me close by stating, as I have in the past, the talent and energy inside the US Airways pilot group never ceases to amaze me. USAPA has a better way: US Airways pilots determining their own needs. I am confident that the US Airways pilots are fully competent to guide themselves into the future, and that together, we will join the other successful independent labor unions in the piloting profession.
Fraternally,
Interim USAPA President
