US Pilots Labor Discussion

[fodase]

I don't believe the question of what would happen if a third party merger is even before her rending that whole action obsolete ?

There are 3 questions before her, two immediately make the nic. the only list, the third will make the west sue after a contract, all 3 apply to any further merger.

Won't the fact that the AOL leadership participating in closed session meetings, the resultant process and actively shaping the outcome render them unable to then sue?

Think about it, the west reps "couldn't' make it, so the leonidas guys went in their place. You think their there to negotiate the Nic. or ensure it is the list?

 

[mrbreeze]

1) USAirways - Shuttle

2) USAirways - America West

3) Delta - Northwest

4) Frontier - Republic

Please, try not to make yourself look stupid.....you continue to praise this line of thought like it is the new world order, however, it is not a proven experiment yet.

You make yourself look bad with this post. Obviously, the Shuttle and the DL/NW SLI's are up and running, but Frontier is not going to happen.....therefore, USAir/AWA is the last one to be unproven, the others are settled.

Please....please, stop trying to sell eveyrone this line of crap! It just doesn't hold water!

breeze

 

[traderjake]

Please, try not to make yourself look stupid

USAirways - America West was the 2nd, not the 4th arbitration as you claimed.

 

[BoeingBoy]

Please, try not to make yourself look stupid.....you continue to praise this line of thought like it is the new world order, however, it is not a proven experiment yet.

You must really be desperate. All trader has said is that the last 4 pilot arbitration's didn't result in a DOH award, yet you keep saying it isn't true. So tell everyone which of the last four pilot integration arbitration's ended with a DOH award. Not which one's you consider to be unsuccessful, not which ones you consider to still be an experiment. Only which ones that the arbitrator(s) presented a DOH award.

If anything you're looking stupid by attempting to use an argument to "prove" trader wrong that has nothing to do with trader's statement.

Jim

 

[fodase]

You must really be desparate. All trader has said is that the last 4 pilot arbitration's didn't use DOH, yet you keep saying it isn't true. So tell everyone which of the last four pilot integration arbitration's ended with a DOH award...

If anything you're looking stupid by attempting to use an argument that has nothing to do with trader's statement.

Jim

Trump/Usair? lol

 

[Phoenix]

Ode to Invertebrates: "the AMR merger may be in jeopardy" (The sky is falling!/etc) "......could prevent the company from being able to close deals that are required to keep the proposed mergers momentum going forward."

"....could prevent the company from being able to close deals..." If even the least bit true; that would be great!! No = utterly fantastic!!!!, as actual, tangible leverage is needed for such thoughts to have even the slightest validity!

Oh Wait!...Leverage would be a "bad" thing to have, wouldn't it?

Sigh!....Care to further ponder your latest FUD?

PS: From another thread you posted to: "Doug acknowledged that there may be areas that may not satisfy both parties and it is up to APA and USAPA to form a TA which would be acceptable to both sides." How is THAT the least bit unreasonable?....No matter = "Run!...The Sky is Falling!"

"...it is up to APA and USAPA to form a TA which would be acceptable to both sides."

Is chip trying to portray a marshmallow as an iron spike? The APA has a distinct qualifier when they speak of their pilots... "all" ... Except they kinda leave out words that would mean more than the "all active". The poison is not the words that are added to the mix as much as which words are left out. Interesting times no doubt.

 

[Pi brat]

USAPA President's Message: May 1, 2012



USA320Pilot comments: After reading Gary Hummel's message I once again felt the same type of indignant, self-righteous attitude within the union's leaders that has failed the pilots in the past. It appears to me the attitude that exists within the union's leadership could prevent the company from being able to close deals that are required to keep the proposed mergers momentum going forward. Will USAPA over reach and not be able to work with APA or US Airways?

For the first time I believe the AMR merger may be in jeopardy and once again a solid future for all of US Airways' stakeholders spoiled by the UELs. I hope I'm wrong.

Of course you do. What would you like Hummel to say? "Hey Doug. You and APA just go ahead and do whatever you want, we don't care!"

According to a friend that was at both days the meetings with the APA and management were cordial and productive. We NEED to be involved in the process. Of the three pilot groups, the west pilots are the only ones that have experience with PBS and since there have been west appointments to committees I'm hoping that USAPA sees the value in west members on the NAC.

 

[EastCheats]

You must really be desperate. All trader has said is that the last 4 pilot arbitration's didn't result in a DOH award, yet you keep saying it isn't true. So tell everyone which of the last four pilot integration arbitration's ended with a DOH award. Not which one's you consider to be unsuccessful, not which ones you consider to still be an experiment. Only which ones that the arbitrator(s) presented a DOH award.

If anything you're looking stupid by attempting to use an argument to "prove" trader wrong that has nothing to do with trader's statement.

Jim

You are dealing with Capt Dewover. He lacks the basic understanding how arbitrations work. Mainly, the "binding" part.

 

[USA320Pilot]

USAPA President's Message: May 1, 2012

Fellow Pilots,

Today your Board of Pilot Representatives and Officers met in Open Session with a US Airways' management team including CEO Doug Parker; Senior Vice President, Flight Operations/Inflight Ed Bular; Vice President Flight Operations Lyle Hogg; Executive Vice President, Corporate & Government Affairs Steven Johnson and Managing Director of Labor Relations Cindi Simone.

Doug Parker provided the Board, Officers and a large gallery of pilots in attendance, with a PowerPoint presentation focusing on the synergies of a merged US Airways and American Airlines, followed by a question and answer period.

The BPR and Officers then met privately with Management for more in-depth questions, and President Hummel, with unanimous consent from the BPR conveyed a message to Management on behalf of the Board consisting of the following:

• The BPR is interested in a cooperative effort between Management and USAPA in order to facilitate a potential merger

• Our support is contingent on there being benefits to our pilots and the BPR is prepared to defend those interests in the event they are not addressed

• We are disappointed with the process to date, specifically by our lack of involvement, but recognize Management has the ability to affect an immediate remedy by agreeing to a negotiating process with the combined APA and USAPA negotiating teams, pursuing a combined and comprehensive contract for both pilots groups simultaneously.

We trust you find this message to Management a responsible step with respect to protecting the interests of our pilots. It is our intent to keep you informed to the best of our abilities as we proceed with both optimism and caution in our efforts to best represent you.

In unity,

President Gary Hummel

USA320Pilot comments: After reading Gary Hummel's message I once again felt the same type of indignant, self-righteous attitude within the union's leaders that has failed the pilots in the past. It appears to me the attitude that exists within the union's leadership could prevent the company from being able to close deals that are required to keep the proposed mergers momentum going forward. Will USAPA over reach and not be able to work with APA or US Airways?

For the first time I believe the AMR merger may be in jeopardy and once again a solid future for all of US Airways' stakeholders spoiled by the UELs. I hope I'm wrong.

It has come to my attention that yesterday's closed session meeting between USAPA and senior management did not go well. Apparently my worst fears may be coming to fruition with USAPA using the failed UEL strategy of the past.

USAPA's closed meeting session with US Airways' executive suite was not well received!

I do believe Roland Wilder, Pat Szyminski, Seth Rosen, Dave Bates, and APA will help provide logic versus emotion based decisions. However, I'm very leery of Spyrzka, Gillies, McKee, Ingam, Crimi, Pauley, DiOrio, and Colello's ability to close a deal and make logical decisions.

If the past equals the future than I believe we all should be concerned.

Finally, yesterday did not start the process with a bang.

 

[flyingskier]

It has come to my attention that yesterday's closed session meeting between USAPA and senior management did not go well. Apparently my worst fears may be coming to fruition with USAPA using the failed UEL strategy of the past.

USAPA's closed meeting session with US Airways' executive suite was not well received!

I do believe Roland Wilder, Pat Szyminski, Seth Rosen, Dave Bates, and APA will help provide logic versus emotion based decisions. However, I'm very leery of Spyrzka, Gillies, McKee, Ingam, Crimi, Pauley, DiOrio, and Colello's ability to close a deal and make logical decisions.

If the past equals the future than I believe we all should be concerned.

Finally, yesterday did not start the process with a bang.

History has shown that the OPPOSITE of what Chip predicts actually happens.

Skier

 

[USA320Pilot]

Grievance Committee Update: May 2, 2012

100 in 60

Your Grievance Committee is well aware of the numerous outstanding grievances which have accumulated over the past several years and remain unresolved. President Hummel has tasked this committee to resolve 100 of those outstanding grievances in the next 60 days. Your Grievance Committee will make all efforts to meet and exceed that goal.

We have already held discussions with and received a commitment from the Company to begin the process of resolving grievances. In the next few days we will be exploring with Company representatives on how we can cooperatively achieve our goal. The committee is also investigating initiatives that will not only address the significant back-log of grievances, but will prevent such a back-log from reoccurring.

Reinstatement of both pilots disciplined for not completing their distance learning

We are very happy to announce the return of CLT pilot Jay Morgan and PHL pilot Steve Thompson to the line. The new USAPA Officers, along with the Grievance Committee and USAPA attorneys, worked cooperatively with the Company to bring these two pilots back with full back-pay. Steve and Jay would like to thank their fellow pilots who have supported them during this ordeal.

TA-10 Remedy

Your Grievance Committee has received several questions and concerns regarding the proposed distributions of money from the Transition Agreement (TA) 10 Arbitration Award. This TA dispute originated when the Company incorrectly calculated the minimum block hours flown per month and subsequently averaged that over a rolling 12-month period, vs. measuring on a monthly basis. The Union's position prevailed in Arbitration: The average (block hours flown) was to be calculated on a monthly basis and not averaged over a 12-month period.

We have asked the Company to hold the distribution of the monetary award until the Union is positive the proposed individual distributions are in compliance with the Arbitrator's aim of making aggrieved pilots whole. Although the violation of minimum block hours was a straight forward claim, crafting a remedy that comports with the specific language from the Arbitrator has proven to be difficult. It took two years and several Executive Sessions with Arbitrator Bloch to even reach a remedy. While the distribution of the Award is complex, our primary responsibility is to assure that the monetary remedy is in compliance with the TA-10 Award.

We will keep you apprised of the progress of this reevaluation in future updates.

3% on May 1 of the succeeding status quo period

The language above comes from the 2002 Restructuring Agreement. This issue was raised during the LOA 93 pay restoration Arbitration but was not ruled upon as part of the Arbitrator's draft decision. The Company and the Union have subsequently provided to the Arbitrator a 10-page briefing (both available here and on the USAPA Web site) covering the issue of the 3% raise due each May 1, beyond the amendable date of our Collective Bargaining Agreement. These briefs were sent to the Arbitrator on April 9 and we are anticipating a draft decision from Arbitrator Kasher at any time.

Fraternally,

Captain Dave Ciabattoni First Officer Jeff Koontz


Business Intelligence Committee Update: May 2, 2012

Pilots,

Less than two weeks ago, our new USAPA Officers took the helm of our collective ship. Within two days of taking office, they received the news of a potential merger between US Airways and American Airlines. Surprising to many, the announcement was made that our Management had crafted agreements with the three major labor unions at American. Needless to say, we have a lot of work to do.

As events unfold, your Business Intelligence Committee (BIC) will update the Membership, Board of Pilot Representatives (BPR), and Officers on the most current data and facts affecting our industry. We will also, in collaboration with our Union leadership, clearly define and project our current global strategy, industry standing and career expectations.

We feel it is imperative to define some of the terminology that you will be seeing during this critical period:

Industry Average = The averages of certain figures in a selected industry.

1. General: Number or quantity that is in-between (intermediate to) several quantities and numbers. See also: mean.
Our task is to keep the members of USAPA up to date on the industry facts as reported in relation to our "peer group."
The BIC has chosen to use the "peer group" data as defined in the SEC filings of US Airways Management for measuring our performance (example).
8-K

Current report filing

Filed on 01/21/2011

Filed Period 01/19/2011

For determining the cash awards for the 2011-2013 performance cycle, the Committee adopted a peer group consisting of the following eight companies: AirTran Holdings, Inc., Alaska Air Group, Inc., AMR Corporation (the parent company of American Airlines), Delta Air Lines, Inc., Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (the parent company of Hawaiian Airlines), JetBlue Airways Corporation, Southwest Airlines Co. and United Continental Holdings, Inc. (the parent company of United Air Lines and Continental Airlines).

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/about...ecfilings.html

BIC Data reported will be gathered form public sources (example links):

Security Exchange Commission (SEC)

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/da...2888-index.htm

Department of Transportation (DOT)

http://www.bts.gov/programs/airline_...html/2010.html

Financial Databases

http://web.mit.edu/airlinedata/www/default.html

Peer Group Web sites and publications

https://public.alliedpilots.org/apa/...ng-begins.aspx

Industry recognized publications and Web sites.

http://www.airlines.org/Pages/U.S.-Airline-Mergers-and-Acquisitions.aspx

The BIC will report the data as published in a format useable by the USAPA team.

The BIC will provide analysis and recommendations on pertinent subject matter as needed and as directed by the USAPA members and leadership.

The data presented is solely intended to inform the USAPA membership, and to provide the USAPA leadership with time critical and pertinent information, thereby allowing them to make an educated informed decision. The best possible outcome for the US Airways pilot group is our mandate.

Industry Standard = Generally accepted requirements followed by the members of an industry.

Your BPR directs the appropriate committees as to the membership's desires and metrics required to determine and define our collective "Industry Standard."

Your Negotiating Advisory Committee has defined "Industry Standard" as it applies to our efforts to obtain an "Industry Standard" Contract.

During negotiations you have heard references to an ‘Industry Standard’ contract and the 'Kirby' proposal.

USAPA has always defined 'Industry Standard' as any recently negotiated, non 9/11, non-bankruptcy era contract. Of course we are only referring to contracts negotiated at major carriers. As of today these airlines include Southwest, Delta, JetBlue and Alaska, however we continue to update the standard as new contracts are negotiated.

http://usairlinepilots.org/index.php...ileid=5&F=3065

The Kirby proposal is the Company comprehensive proposal that has remained unchanged since May 2007.

The BIC supports the NAC, BPR, and membership with the collection and distribution of "Industry Average" data as defined in this document in an effort to set bench marks in determining our "Industry Standard."

The Business Intelligence Committee will offer informed analysis and opinions of the related data as required and/or directed by USAPA.

It is the membership's decisions and requirements via the BPR that determine and define "industry standard" and that will ultimately define the direction of your union.

As an example of our ongoing research, we have gathered a history of merger and acquisition transactions by both US Airways and American Airlines. This brief history for your review is available here.

Please contact us with any concerns, questions, suggestions or requests.


BPR Special Meeting Recap - Day 2: May 2, 2012

The US Airline Pilots Board of Pilot Representatives reconvened on May 1 at approximately 9:05 a.m. The meeting started after roll was taken and all BPR members were present with the exceptions of Eric Ferguson, DDR for John Scherff; George Maliga, DDR for Roger Velez; and Jamie Wiedner, DDR for Eric Jordan.

President Hummel introduced and welcomed the new USAPA Office Staff: Receptionist Darrell Ingram, Bookkeeper Cindy Akers and Paralegal Chris Cook.

The meeting continued with the remaining interview for Professional Negotiator. Roland Wilder presented his extensive background to the BPR and then answered questions until approximately 9:50.

At 10:00, the Board reconvened for a presentation from the US Airways' management team, including CEO Doug Parker; Senior Vice President, Flight Operations/Inflight Ed Bular; Vice President Flight Operations Lyle Hogg; Executive Vice President, Corporate & Government Affairs Steven Johnson; and Managing Director of Labor Relations Cindi Simone. Mr. Parker spoke for 45 minutes from a PowerPoint slide presentation, which had been adapted from the presentations he has been giving to investors and creditors on the synergies of a merged American Airlines with US Airways. He answered questions from the Board, Officers, and some of the over 50 pilots in the audience. The question and answer period ended with the Board going into closed Executive Session at approximately 11:40 for discussions with US Airways management.

At approximately 12:25, the Board returned to Open Session and recessed for lunch.

At approximately 1:10, the Board reconvened and approved the following New Members unanimously.

Eric Anderson
Charles Boswell IV
Peter Gauthier
Joshua Gunderson
Glenn Haefner
Glen Hager
Justin Jackson
Melisa Klink
Ryan Liguori
Brian Newhart
Steven Pray
Erik Rogers
James Rowand
Robert Vendley
Roddy Wood

Next, Government Affairs Committee (GAC) Chairman Randy Dopp briefed the Board on two recent submissions to the Department of Labor on the Family Medical Leave Act and First Officer Qualifications. The Board also congratulated and affirmed Randy Dopp's appointment as CAPA's GAC Chairman.

Grievance Committee Chairman Dave Ciabattoni then briefed the BPR about the success of working with the US Airways management and the reinstatement of both Distance Learning disciplinary pilots to the line with full pay and no letters in the pilots file. He also briefed the BPR on the current status of pending TA-10 payments (minimum block hours). Finally, Captain Ciabattoni will meet with Managing Director of Flight Ops Beth Holdren to discuss Captain Hummel's initiative to clear at least 100 grievances in 60 days.

The following resolution was then offered:

Whereas the USAPA Constitution requires that, "during negotiations having the purpose, intent, or effect of amending, modifying, or extending the basic collective bargaining agreement, at least two (2) USAPA designated negotiators and USAPA's professional negotiator, shall be present at all meetings and gatherings attended by any member of management",

and

Whereas USAPA is presently without a Professional Negotiator, and

Whereas the BPR has received formal presentations by attorneys Roland Wilder and Scott Hegland regarding their backgrounds and experience conducting contract negotiations,

And

Whereas after careful consideration, the BPR has determined that Roland Wilder is the best candidate to fulfill the role as USAPA's Professional Negotiator,

Therefore be it resolved that the BPR directs the President and EVP to negotiate a Retainer Agreement acceptable to both USAPA and Roland Wilder, retaining his services as the USAPA Professional Negotiator, and

Be it further resolved that the President bring the signed retainer agreement to the BPR for approval as soon as practicable

After discussion, and a short break, the following motion was made to substitute the resolution:

Whereas the USAPA Constitution requires that, "during negotiations having the purpose, intent, or effect of amending, modifying, or extending the basic collective bargaining agreement, at least two (2) USAPA designated negotiators and USAPA's professional negotiator, shall be present at all meetings and gatherings attended by any member of management",

Therefore be it resolved that the BPR directs the President and EVP to negotiate a Retainer Agreement with Roland Wilder, retaining his services as the USAPA Lead Professional Negotiator, and to bring the signed retainer agreement to the BPR for approval as soon as practicable.

Both the motion to substitute and the main motion passed unanimously.

The Board considered the following resolution.

Whereas, The Board of Pilot Representatives has contracted with attorney Roland Wilder to be the Lead Professional Negotiator to work with the NAC, and

Whereas, The BPR wants to utilize all potential resources to effect the best interests of the Association to aid the NAC and their Professional Negotiator,

Therefore Be It Resolved, That the BPR directs the President and EVP to enter into negotiations with Scott Hegland and the Teamsters (IBT) to provide negotiating assistance to be available to USAPA under the direction of the Professional Negotiator and the NAC, and

Be It Finally Resolved, that the President report back to the BPR if he and his Officers are able to reach agreement with the Teamsters and to provide us with a final retainer agreement for Board approval if they are successful in this endeavor.

After discussion, the following motion was made to substitute the resolution and passed unanimously.

The main motion then passed unanimously.

Whereas, The Board of Pilot Representatives has contracted with attorney Roland Wilder to be the Lead Professional Negotiator to work with the NAC, and

Whereas, The BPR wants to utilize all potential resources to effect the best interests of the Association to aid the NAC and their Professional Negotiator,

Therefore Be It Resolved, that the BPR directs the President and EVP to enter into negotiations with Scott Hegland and the Teamsters (IBT) to provide negotiating assistance to be available to USAPA under the direction of the Professional Negotiator and the NAC.

As part of the Secretary-Treasurer's report, the Merger Committee's budget was discussed and the BPR subsequently approved an increase of the budget by $700,000 unanimously.

Next, President Hummel brought up the Negotiating Advisory Committee and the possibility of adding Eric Ferguson and Mark Burdick to the Committee. After discussion and a short break, it was decided to continue discussing this issue at the next meeting.

General Counsel Brian O'Dwyer addressed the Board on the following cases and recommended not pursuing any further action:

Dismissal of NY status quo litigation

NC Permanent Injunction

LifeLock Protection- The Company-paid one year coverage is ending. This is a normal time period and complies with state requirements. General Counsel Brian O'Dwyer briefed the BPR regarding the LifeLock protection issue as it related to concerns of identity theft. Mr. O'Dwyer began by reminding the audience that there have been no reports of identity theft or of anyone being harmed by the Company's release of sensitive information. While the Union had engaged in pre-action discovery and the Company had initially imposed discipline on those potentially involved, in both cases no further action was taken, and the Company had rescinded the discipline. Since the Company had complied with its legal obligation, and the Union attorneys had concluded that no successful legal action could be maintained, he reported to the Board that they should consider the matter closed.

Additionally, Mr. O'Dwyer updated the Board on the lawsuit brought by a pilot claiming he was not charged the correct amount. This case is still pending a decision to move to Federal Court, and dismiss.

At approximately 3:45, the Board went into closed Executive Session for discussions with the Negotiating Advisory Committee.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:00 p.m.

 

[BoeingBoy]

History has shown that the OPPOSITE of what Chip predicts actually happens.

While I don't disagree, history has also shown that if there's a way for USAPA to screw something up they will....

Jim

 

[USA320Pilot]

History has shown that the OPPOSITE of what Chip predicts actually happens.

Skier

Wrong.

 

[700UW]

Now that is the funniest post I have ever read on this board.

 

[traderjake]

History has shown that the OPPOSITE of what Chip predicts actually happens.

Are you confusing Chip with luvthe9?