Vote results were almost 2 to 1 NO!
Results
No: 64%
Yes: 35%
Here's what our MEC had to say:
MEC Update
LOA #9 Ratification Vote
August 2, 2006
Fellow PSA Pilots,
As I am sure you are well aware of now, the ratification vote on LOA #9-CRJ900 Regional Jet Aircraft was soundly defeated by this pilot group.
The official results are as follows:
• There were 399 eligible voters
• There were 330 total votes cast representing 82.71% of eligible voters
• There were 118 votes cast in favor of ratification representing 35.76% of total votes cast, and
• There were 212 votes cast against ratification representing 64.24% of total votes cast
I am very pleased with the high degree of turnout for voting on this initiative. It is refreshing to see such a deep engagement of the breadth of this pilot group through this vote. I would like to thank everyone that played a part by voting. This high degree of participation sends a clear message to all levels of management that we have an intelligent, interested, and active pilot group that cares deeply about their fellow pilots, the future of this company, and the future of our industry. I am proud to be serving as a representative of this fine group of pilots.
The nearly 2 to 1 vote against this initiative also sends a clear message that this pilot group will not accept any further backwards movement in our contractual relationship with management for the fielding of these aircraft here at PSA. This pilot group has faced a number of unique and difficult challenges over the past several years. Those challenges have required some significant sacrifices from this pilot group to ensure the long term viability of this company. Through our efforts, both monetarily and operationally, we have contributed greatly to the return to profitability of both PSA Airlines and US Airways Group. Your vote on this initiative indicates that it is time for management to recognize the contributions this pilot group has made to help our company survive and prosper and to provide an adequate level of compensation to operate this class of aircraft at PSA Airlines and within the Express fleet. The current era of concessionary bargaining is over. Thank you for being responsible stewards of our profession!
While we faced this most recent challenge, we were supported by other groups and individuals that deserve our thanks.
The Piedmont MEC and pilot group aided our cause by steadfastly refusing to engage in discussions with their management over these same aircraft. The Piedmont MEC and pilot group, by refusing to enter into a bidding process that could have undermined our position on this proposal, have demonstrated an enormous amount of restraint, cooperation, and understanding of the issues that we collectively face in the Express realm.
The America West MEC has supported our group through their interaction with the highest levels of US Airways Group management and with ALPA, and the US Airways MEC has also provided assistance to our efforts by maintaining a position supporting improved compensation for the operation of this class of aircraft within US Airways Group.
Additionally, Captain Duane Woerth, our Association President, as well as a host of other fine individuals at ALPA, have provided a significant level of political and administrative support for our efforts concerning this initiative.
I thank all of these people, both individually and collectively, for their assistance through this process and for their continued support as we move forward from where we are today.
I have made the defeat of this initiative known to PSA President Keith Houk. I was very clear to denote that despite the pilot group’s rejection of this LOA, our pilots and our MEC gladly welcome and support the placement of these aircraft at PSA and that we wish to continue the process of dialogue and engagement toward that end. Mr. Houk indicated his willingness to participate but again expressed his concerns that he was unsure of what position US Airways Group management would take in light of this news. He pledged to inform me of the US Airways Group position as well as any other pertinent news as soon as it becomes available.
Regardless of what the future holds for this pilot group and our company, your MEC will continue to support and defend the interests of this pilot group and our profession. As we stride into the future, I will notify you of any additional developments as they occur.
In closing, I thank all of you again for your interest, your participation, and your solidarity.
Fraternally,
Mark Stanley
MEC Chairman
