PilotAction US Airways & American Airlines Trial & Other News Update

[robbedagain]

I dont give a flip that DL broke the mold by getting their pilots to agree prior to their 08 acquisition of nwa. And good ole uncle donkey parker wants a seamless merger..... uhhh they best better get new deals w the iam now or it wont be a rosy merger that donkey Parker envisions

 

[USA320Pilot]

 
[SIZE=10pt]PilotAction Merger News for US Airways & American Airlines: December 9, 2013[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Video: American Airlines Group NASDAQ Opening[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]See Story: http://startelegram.typepad.com/sky_talk/[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]Video: American CEO Doug Parker in his own words[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]See Story: http://startelegram.typepad.com/sky_talk/[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]Parker’s thoughts on Eagle, the livery, and former CEO Tom Horton[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]See Story: http://startelegram.typepad.com/sky_talk/[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]Goodbye, AMR and US Airways Group, hello American Airlines Group and its new management team[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]See Story: http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2013/12/goodbye-amr-hello-american-airlines-group-and-its-new-management-team.html/[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]At the American Airlines Launch Party[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]See Story: http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2013/12/at-the-american-airlines-nasdaq-launch-party.html/[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]Former American Airlines boss Bob Crandall shows up to support merger[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]See Story: http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2013/12/former-american-airlines-boss-bob-crandall-shows-up-to-support-merger.html/[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]Analysts give thumbs-up to American Airlines Group on launch day[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]See Story: http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2013/12/analysts-give-thumbs-up-for-american-airlines-group-on-launch-day.html/[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]US Airways begins its fade into history[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]See Story: http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/markets/2013/12/09/airline-merger-american-us-airways/3916539/[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]American Airlines CEO Interview[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]See Story: http://www.bloomberg.com/video/american-airlines-group-takes-flight-ya4UOp9CTl6R3tWoBF6q4g.html[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]American to seek more corporate customers after merger[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]New York was a prime example of an area where American could make corporate customer inroads and compete better with rivals such as Delta Air Lin[/SIZE]es
 
[SIZE=10pt]See Story: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-rt-us-americanair-merger-20131209,0,4620966.story[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]US Airways, Valley’s own airline, begins to fade away[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]See Story: http://www.azcentral.com/travel/articles/20131208us-airways-phoenix-losing-airline.html?nclick_check=1[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]Ready for Takeoff: American Airlines Shares Surge in Post-Merger Trading[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]See Story: http://blogs.barrons.com/stockstowatchtoday/2013/12/09/ready-for-takeoff-american-airlines-shares-surge-in-post-merger-trading/?mod=BOLBlog[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]The New American Airlines Merger FAQs: December 9, 2013[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Q: So we’ve legally closed our merger. What exactly does that mean?[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]To get a little legalistic, it’s an exchange of documents between both airlines, acknowledging that all legal requirements and conditions to consummate the merger have been met. But most importantly, it’s the day that means we are American Airlines Group Inc. – one company, running two separate airlines. It’s also the day we began the trading common and preferred stock of the new company on the NASDAQ. [/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Q: Now that the merger has closed, does it mean that American has emerged from bankruptcy?[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Yes. American’s Plan of Reorganization is now effective, so we are no longer in restructuring. There are still outstanding items that will require the judge’s review from time to time, and the Court maintains jurisdiction over some matters, but, yes, we emerged from bankruptcy when we closed the merger on Dec. 9.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Q: Does that mean we’re all employees of American Airlines now?[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]We’re all part of the new American family, but to be clear, American Airlines Group Inc. is a parent holding company and we’re still operating two separate airlines. Employees at each airline will continue to be employed by their legacy carrier for a period of time. [/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Q: When do American and US Airways start trading stock as AAL?[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]All public trading of stocks for both AMR and US Airways Group ended as they were previously listed – AAMRQ and LCC – when the markets closed on Friday, Dec. 6. The merger closed the morning of onday, [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt]Dec. 9, and the new company’s common (symbol: AAL) and preferred stock (symbol: AALCP) began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market the same day.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Q: Does merger close mean American and US Airways are one airline?[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Not yet. We’re one company, but still very much running two separate airlines, until we become a unified airline with a Single Operating Certificate (SOC). Legally closing our merger is only the start of a long journey toward integrating work groups’ seniority lists, IT infrastructures, operational and policy plans and more. We’ve laid a lot of the groundwork and now it’s time to start building our future airline together.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Q: What is a Single Operating Certificate?[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]In short, a Single Operating Certificate is a regulatory approval from the FAA that we need in order for us to operate as one airline, not just one holding company. SOC results in one flight and one maintenance certificate from the FAA recognizing common training, operational and maintenance processes for our combined airlines. Gaining a SOC is one of the items required for our pilots to be able to fly any metal and for mechanics to repair any aircraft. We’ve laid a lot of the groundwork for our integration, but the close of the merger is just the start of our journey. Still ahead: seniority integration for workgroups, bringing together our IT systems, and developing the many operational and policy plans that are critical to [/SIZE]
[SIZE=10pt]a smooth integration. We’re expecting it to take as long as 18 to 24 months to obtain the SOC.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Q: What is a Single Operating Certificate?[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]In short, a Single Operating Certificate is a regulatory approval from the FAA that we need in order for us to operate as one airline, not just one holding company. SOC results in one flight and one maintenance certificate from the FAA recognizing common training, operational and maintenance processes for our combined airlines. Gaining a SOC is one of the items required for our pilots to be able to fly any metal and for mechanics to repair any aircraft.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]We’ve laid a lot of the groundwork for our integration, but the close of the merger is just the start of our journey. Still ahead: seniority integration for workgroups, bringing together our IT systems, and developing the many operational and policy plans that are critical to a smooth integration. We’re expecting it to take as long as 18 to 24 months to obtain the SOC.[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]APA-USAPA Joint President’s Message (The Road Ahead – Together): December 9, 2013[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]The powerful trend of airline industry consolidation has brought our pilot groups together through an unusual and historic process that will be studied for years to come. Rather than fight it, APA and USAPA recognized and embraced this trend. After many years of unfruitful talks at our respective negotiating tables, we've leveraged consolidation to our collective advantage. Today, we find ourselves in a remarkably strong position, with an even more promising future.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]During the past 18 months, USAPA and APA have developed a collegial working relationship on many fronts, which will be instrumental to our collective success going forward. Our negotiating committees worked well together during the critical memorandum of understanding negotiations. Our cooperation was pivotal to bringing a deal together with a reluctant and unwilling AMR management team in the room. AMR's strategy at the time was to demonstrate that our pilot groups could not work together and that no deal would be achievable. We proved them wrong.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]A healthy, functional labor-management dynamic must be embedded in the heart and soul of the new American Airlines. Our management team has promised a new corporate culture — we’re going to hold them to that promise. We will begin joint collective bargaining agreement (JCBA) talks soon and expect to achieve mutually beneficial results. A smooth transition from two airlines into one will depend on it.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Cooperative work between our two unions has been underway for some time. Committee members and national officers have addressed each other’s boards. APA officials participated in USAPA road shows. [/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Our DCA reps have conducted joint domicile meetings. Our training committees have established an outstanding level of cooperation and data-sharing that will benefit us all. The USAPA Retirement and Insurance Committee and the APA Pension Committee have already made substantial progress toward a pilot-only 401(k) plan, which we hope to implement in 2014. The APA Negotiating Committee and the USAPA Negotiating Advisory Committee have worked tirelessly together on the PBS memorandum of understanding, which is nearing completion. Those two committees have also worked closely in developing JCBA goals, which are being used as a starting point for our respective boards. Our boards have already conducted a joint get-acquainted meeting and are planning another to review JCBA goals and strategies after the first of the year.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Across the spectrum, our teams have worked together productively. While there will be no shortage of challenges to navigate — including an eventual seniority integration — we must respect each other’s ways of doing things as we re-examine each company’s approach to training, scheduling, bidding and other facets of our work life. Our shared goal is to ensure that we all enjoy careers commensurate with our status as pilots for a premier global carrier. We are committed to serving the best interests of the pilots we represent with the appreciation that in the not-too-distant future, there will be one pilot group: the pilots who fly for the new American Airlines.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Most of us have been down the merger road before, and there’s one thing we can probably agree on: [/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Moving forward, unity will be imperative. While we’re not quite there yet, we should now consider ourselves one pilot group. As equals, an outreached hand and a smile will go a long way toward fostering the courtesy and respect we’ll need as we look to an exciting shared future.[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]USAPA NAC Update; December 9, 2013[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]The NAC participated in a series of meetings last week with Management to discuss implementation issues and a follow-on pilot only retirement plan.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Implementation Meeting[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]With the POR occurring today, we were focused on the items that will affect our pilots at the POR. While we were in agreement with Management on many aspects of the contract that will take effect at the POR, we were disappointed that Management plans to delay some compensation-related items until after the POR. Paragraph 3 of the MOU states: “Beginning on the effective date of the POR (the “Effective Date”), pilots employed by US Airways shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of the MTA that are generally applicable to pilots employed by New American Airlines.” In our view, this means we are to be paid the same as pilots at American for performing the same work. This should include pay rates and all other aspects of compensation like premium pay, sequence protection, training pay and pay and credit for deadhead. The Company’s view is that these items fall under paragraph 4 of the MOU that allows these contract provisions to be implemented “at the earliest practical time.” We disagreed because the compensation parity requirement in Section 3 is expressly excluded by the MOU from the implementation language of Section 4.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]The Company states staffing concerns as the reason for the delay of deadhead credit. We understand that concern; however, there are ways to address the staffing shortage other than by denying US Airways pilots credit for work performed. While Management acknowledged the disagreement over the points we raised, it committed to advise us when it plans to implement the compensation-linked contract provisions in dispute. The BPR has been briefed on these developments and will be deciding on a course of action to address them.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Other implementation-related items are:[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Dec. 15th paycheck will contain the new rates.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]DC contributions will be prorated for the applicable days at 10% prior to the POR and 14% on and after the POR.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Deadhead for East pilots will be paid at 100% but the credit portion of DH will remain as it is today[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]The Distance Learning module that opened this week will be paid at 50% pay and based on the pay rates that go into effect in January 2014 since the due date for the DLT is in 2014.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]International override will be $6.00 per hour for Captains and based on a longevity scale for first officers at the POR.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]International override will only be paid for applicable flights. Pilots will no longer receive international override for DH, sick, vacation and reserve guarantee. It will be prorated for those reserve pilots holding an international bid position for the month of December.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Company paid parking will take effect at the POR but we are awaiting information as to how pilots will either obtain a parking pass or be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]We do not anticipate any change to the jumpseat policy and procedures at the POR.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Per diem rates for trips flown on or after the POR will be $1.80 domestic and $2.00 International. The current rates will apply for trips flown prior to the POR. Beginning in January 2014, per diem will increase to $2.10 domestic and $2.40 International.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]We also had an extensive discussion on benefit-related questions dealing with the transition, and the R&I Committee will be developing a set of Q&A's to better help our pilots through the benefit transition process.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Retro Pay[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]We have explored many different avenues in an attempt to get the retro pay to you sooner – even if it was a partial payment, but the Company has stated they are unable to pay it any sooner than the previously announced Dec. 30th paycheck.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Due to difference in payroll systems, East pilots will receive 3 checks (Normal paycheck, Retro pay, and the $40 million disbursement) and West pilots will receive 2 checks (Normal paycheck and a combined Retro and $40 million disbursement). If you want to make any changes to your 401(K) election for these checks, please refer to the instruction sheets that were provided in a recent R&I Committee update. You can also view them at the following links:  [/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]East Pilots Instructions for Special Election Window [/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]West Pilots Instructions for Special Election Window [/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Retro Pay Reports[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]We have received the updated retro reports for West pilots (through November 14) and those are posted on the USAPA Web site. We expect to receive the revised East reports shortly and will post them upon receipt. Please direct any questions you have regarding these reports to: [email protected].[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]West Pilot Pay Transition[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]We have completed discussions on the transition of West pilots to the East pay system.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Along with the Company, we will be sending out detailed instructions on how this process will unfold. We were successful in making some changes to the program that will allow a pilot to opt out of the program to avoid the subsequent deductions, and for those who do not opt out, we have expanded the payback period to 12 months.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Pilot Only Retirement Plan[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]During the retirement plan meeting we were joined by members of the USAPA R&I Committee, APA Negotiating Committee, APA Pension Committee and our advisors. The purpose of this meeting was to establish a framework for the follow-on plan. USAPA and APA had presented an outline to the Company a few months ago and this served as the starting point for negotiations. The goal of the Associations is to develop a plan that affords our pilots maximum flexibility, input into fund choices and ease of use, along with having some oversight of the plan. Both sides left the meeting with a better understanding of each side's concerns and the USAPA and APA Retirement and Pension committees will be meeting next week to continue work on this essential project.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]$40 Million Distribution[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]The comment period for those having questions about the disbursement of the $40 million has been completed. It resulted in the addition of some pilots who were omitted in the original database. [/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]Additionally, the BPR had some discussions that clarified the status of some pilots and the distribution list was finalized. Due to the addition of these pilots, the amount for a full share will now be $8622.12. As we have stated earlier, these checks will be distributed on Dec. 30.[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]We will be providing more details on POR changes as events unfold and expect to receive detailed information on payroll issues from the Company which we will distribute to you.[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]APFA Flight Attendants[/SIZE] [SIZE=10pt]Welcome New American Airlines[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]APFA President Laura Glading Helps Introduce Newly Merged Airline[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]FORT WORTH, TEXAS (December 9, 2013)[/SIZE] [SIZE=10pt]– [/SIZE]Hundreds of members of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, the union proudly representing the Flight Attendants of American Airlines, were on hand this morning to introduce the new American to the flying public.
 
“Christmas has come early for the APFA,” said union president Laura Glading. “It’s been a long, tough slog, but today our hard work has paid off. The Flight Attendants of the new American are looking forward to building the world’s greatest airline.”
 
In a ceremony at American’s headquarters near DFW, Flight Attendants joined other frontline employees for a special ceremony commemorating the merger with US Airways and the first day of trading for the new American Airlines Group Inc. (ticker symbol AAL) on the NASDAQ. The new American, the world’s largest airline, will offer consumers a third network carrier option to compete with United and Delta.
 
APFA members are also looking forward to receiving their allocation of the new American’s equity. The anticipated value of their share is by far the highest in Flight Attendant history.
 
As a member of the unsecured creditors’ committee during American’s bankruptcy, APFA led the charge in pushing for the merger. After reaching a conditional labor agreement with US Airways, APFA focused on explaining the benefits of the merger plan to the other various creditors and convincing them to support it as well. When the Justice Department challenged the merger with an eleventh-hour antitrust suit, APFA took to Capitol Hill to generate support for the deal.
 
As part of the labor agreement with US Airways, APFA prescribed a clear and direct path to an industry-leading contract. The agreement will soon bring American and US Airways Flight Attendants together at the bargaining table to unite the groups under a joint collective bargaining agreement that reflects the size and competitiveness of the new American. Most importantly, the agreement will allow the new American’s Flight Attendants to avoid the challenges and pitfalls that beset work groups during previous airline mergers.

 

[USA320Pilot]

 
[SIZE=10pt]PilotAction News For American Airlines #2: December 9, 2013[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]American Airlines CEO: ‘Not Intimidated’ By Merger[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]See Video: http://www.bloomberg.com/video/american-airlines-ceo-not-intimidated-by-merger-raC43Ov1R5SrNll1xV~i4Q.html[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]Why Did American Airlines Group Choose the NASDAQ?[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]See Video: http://www.bloomberg.com/video/why-did-american-airlines-group-choose-nasdaq-5CpIJJSUS96we~SVYD2q9A.html?cmpid=yhoo[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]New American Airlines Debuts With a Solid Gain[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]See Story: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/new-american-airlines-debuts-with-a-solid-gain-2013-12-09?siteid=yhoof2[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]We Are the New American (Day 1 Employee Video): December 9, 2013[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]See Video: https://wings.usairways.com/uswings/news/american_merger/employee_video[/SIZE]
 
 
[SIZE=10pt]Ringing The Bell For The New American Airlines[/SIZE]
 
[SIZE=10pt]See Video: https://wings.usairways.com/uswings/news/american_merger/ringing_bell_hdq[/SIZE]

 

[nycbusdriver]

 
 
[SIZE=10pt]"One of the advantages we have in this merger, compared with other mergers historically, is that our labor deals are largely done," Scott Kirby, the new airline's president, recently told reporters. Some rival carriers that have merged in past years still are grappling with labor unrest.[/SIZE]
 
 

 
Scooter, you are crazy if you think you are not going to grapple with labor unrest.  It's still percolating throughout the "New" American.  
 
You think your labor deals are "largely done," but that also means you have to honor those labor deals (which would be very uncharactistic of the Tempe Team.)   You and Doogie are already trying to wiggle out of the MOU agreement to immediately pay the pilots the same way the AA pilots are paid.  Do you think that is not going to cause "labor unrest"?
 
"Meet the new boss; same as the old boss."

 

[IADair]

Well, so did anyone win yet (outside of the great Doug Parker).  One thing for sure Mr Parker is one of the best CEO's the airlines have ever had.  He just let you guys fight it out, at the same time keeping pilot wages so low.  You do know that Mr Parker had this merger in mind years ago, that is why he got rid of the LGA slots.  He kjnew that american was going to have to declare bankruptcy
 
Funny that the Captain yellownecker eastie beasties pickleballers thought they could some how get rid of Parker by wearing yellow lanyards.
 
So did anyone win yet?   The courts dont really care, no judge wants to set a precedent without clear defined boundries of legal right and wrong.
 
Merry Christmas, time to get over it dont you think?

 

[autofixer]

Well, so did anyone win yet (outside of the great Doug Parker).  One thing for sure Mr Parker is one of the best CEO's the airlines have ever had.  He just let you guys fight it out, at the same time keeping pilot wages so low.  You do know that Mr Parker had this merger in mind years ago, that is why he got rid of the LGA slots.  He kjnew that american was going to have to declare bankruptcy
 
Funny that the Captain yellownecker eastie beasties pickleballers thought they could some how get rid of Parker by wearing yellow lanyards.
 
So did anyone win yet?   The courts dont really care, no judge wants to set a precedent without clear defined boundries of legal right and wrong.
 
Merry Christmas, time to get over it dont you think?

Incoherent.

 

[robbedagain]

Usa320: labor deals are largely done? The iam def will disagree with you on that it took 8 plus yrs before the us fas got a deal then they just recently settled a flap with the aa fas for representation you pilots had a brawl btwn the west and the east so no the labor deals are largely not done