January 13, 2011 marks the 1,000th day of USAPA. (That's 33 months or almost 3 years) And how much better off we all are. -Sarcasm caution-
Interestingly enough, the mythical "impasse" that USAPA said it would break only lasted 235 days.
Pop Quiz: How many of these promises have been kept:
Update, April 16, 2008.
How can USAPA negotiate a much needed improved contract sooner than ALPA?
Simply stated USAPA removes the seniority integration impediment to the process of negotiating the much needed pay raise and contractual quality of life improvements, and USAPA does it on two important related fronts.
First – By replacing the two deadlocked MECs with one BPR (Board of Pilot Reps), the leadership impediment is dissolved.
* Second – By replacing an East/West dual pilot ratification process, doomed to failure on one side or the other, with a single combined East/West pilot group ratification process.
After the NMB election, when USAPA inherits the current contracts and the right to negotiate with the company on behalf of the US Airways pilots, USAPA will have a team of professional negotiators in place who will have a pilot negotiating advisory committee available to assist them.
We only ask that you look at what ALPA does, not what they say. ALPA has had 31 months to achieve contract improvements, yet has not even managed pay parity.
USAPA NEWS FOR CHANGE
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
You will see a joint agreement, with better economics,
sooner under USAPA than under ALPA
Inside ALPA, the only issue preventing a ratifiable joint contract is the existence of two MECs, and therefore mandatory dual-ratification. This is the “stalemate” you’ve heard about, a stalemate that’s been going on now for 2 ½ years.
USAPA will remove this impediment and will promptly enter into negotiations with management for a quality contract. The Award, rendered moot as a result of ALPA’s decertification, plays no roll.
Management has stated it is “willing to commit significant financial resources and time” towards a pilot contract, but it must be jointly for the East and West.
Under USAPA, contract negotiations will begin in short order. Under ALPA, given the ALPA stalemate, a ratifiable contract could take years, if it happens at all.
Under USAPA, a contract tentative agreement will go out to both the East and West pilots for a majority vote with a good chance of success if it is a quality contract – money in our pockets.
Press Release 09/11/07
USAPA is the new union designed to represent the interests of US Airways Pilots and no other. This new union has been designed “from the pilot up,” to deliver competent, accountable, responsive and efficient representation for the US Airways pilots.
Update 02/04/2008
The Difference Between USAPA and ALPA
At USAPA, the interests of the pilots are what matters. Here, ALPA National makes it absolutely clear, the “interests of the pilots” and the “interests of the Association” are not synonymous.
So disconnected are both the sender and recipients of the letter in question that they are happy to utilize pilots’ resources against the pilots, yet display concern when the pilots might utilize their own resources for their own betterment and to make their will known. Succinctly, the resources discussed belong to the pilots; there is no confusion about this within USAPA.
Mr. Cleary’s message when appointed interim EVP, April 14, 2008:
“The first steps in the process will be to create an environment encouraging open and vigorous debate on the significant issues before us. It also my great hope that we will leave behind the personalizing and vilification of individuals that has been emblematic of many of our failures in the past. I commit to all US Airways Pilots, east and west, that I will use all of my resources to cause the debate to focus on the issues, not the people. I expect and will work diligently to pursue the pilots’ issues with vigor and conviction including a more business-like attitude than we have witnessed in the past”.
Mr. Cleary’s message when he resigned as ALPA Grievance Committee Vice-Chair, March 10, 2008:,
In his resignation letter to the MEC Chairman, Captain Cleary stated (in part), "For every minute that those of us who are mindful remain in ALPA office after such a record serves only to sanction this corrupt process and horrific mugging of the US Airways pilots’ rights to representation. I am embarrassed by our National Officers and the Executive Council. No organization that would stoop to such a level can be trusted. ALPA, in its desperation to hang on to the US Airways pilots’ dues revenue, has committed the final atrocity for me. I can no longer, in good conscience, support such an organization."
President’s Message, March 21, 2008:
The reason I bring this issue up is that USAPA has attracted pilots from all corners, regardless of their stand on particular issues or whether or not they served in ALPA and whether they were 'Republican' or 'Democrat.' USAPA is a movement among the US Airways pilots that rises well above the politics and will certainly bode well for the US Airways pilots in the future. It is imperative that USAPA incorporates the diversity, for when diverse groups come together for a common goal, positive results are produced.
USAPA Website FAQs:
What do you propose for the new union?
We have created a union, a pilot's union, that is run by the line pilot. Top priority is the line pilot at US Airways, not a National agenda. USAPA’s Constitution provides for a participatory democracy, which is run by the line pilots.
What can USAPA do for a West pilot that's better?
More democratic, Direct election of officers, More control over financial matters, and pilot ratification of all contracts and side letters is required; more thorough and timely communication, Constitution with a pilot Bill of Rights, No more gravy train for Reps;........ As soon as possible, web cams and conference calls for virtual attendance and later viewing.... And most importantly, an independent, carrier-specific union with only the interests of US Airways pilots in mind..