Callsign,
Apparently the East MEC does not agree with your theory nor does the Rice Committee.
Furthermore, the East MEC will file the dispute resolution language drafted by the ALPA National Representation Department seeking to ensure that separate operations be maintained between the two ALPA parties.
I find it interesting that ALPA National is drafting the resolution against the AWA MEC. How about you?
Furthermore, let's not forget WHEREAS the Executive Council has established a committee called the “Rice Committee†chaired by First Vice President Paul Rice and including Executive Board member David Webb and Executive council member Ray Miller to work both with the US Airways MEC/JNC and the America West MEC/JNC to assist in finding practical solutions that promote mutual career protections and mutual success, with improved pay, benefits, work rules and job security for both US Airways and America West pilots, and
WHEREAS the US Airways MEC has discussed the Collective Bargaining Agreement options brought forward by the Rice Committee for consideration by the MECs,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the US Airways MEC endorses the concept of equivalent contracts (separate contracts of comparable value for US Airways and America West pilots), with separate operations, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such separate operations are to be permanent in nature and include preemptive contract language to assure their continued application during any future merger involving both the US Airways and America West pilots, and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the US Airways MEC authorizes the US Airways members of the NC to pursue an equivalent contract utilizing all necessary ALPA resources, including the assistance of the Rice Committee.
Callsign, the US Airways ALPA NC is not permited to negotiate any contract except "separate contracts of comparable value for US Airways and America West pilots, with separate operations", period.
Finally, if the West pilots want a pay raise then I believe they should get one and the East pilots should support that effort. Since the East NC/JNC is only permitted to negotiate a separate contract with separate operations then why does the AWA MEC not seek to open up Section 6 negotiations?
An AWA effort to begin Section 6 negoiations would permit the AWA pilots to obtain a pay raise and not feel as if they are being held hostage. Furthermore, the West pilots would keep all of their pre-merger career expectations. Does that not make sense?
Regards,
USA320Pilot