January 21, 1999
MEC
HOTLINE
ALPA, Intl
Committees
AWA and United Merger Talks
As a result of the recent announcements by United Airlines that they are in merger talks
with America West, the MEC office has been inundated with calls from the media and pilots
wanting information.
As of yet, management has not communicated with the MEC on
the details of those talks, or if any decisions are pending. We are trying to get as much
information as we can, and we have placed calls to the MEC representatives of both United
Airlines and Continental Airlines, our code-share partner, in an effort to open up the
lines of communication. However, no definitive or substantive information has been
exchanged between either group.
We would like to remind pilots that Chairman Bill Franke
did inform the pilot group at the December Local Council meeting that he is continually in
talks with investment bankers and other airline executives who are interested in some sort
of deal with America West. And, he further stated that if the right deal comes along, his
fiduciary responsibility would require him to give it serious consideration. Whether
United Airline’s interest in America West is that deal, remains to be seen.
The MEC is keeping a close eye on the situation. As more
information becomes available, we will pass it on to the pilot group via this hotline and
also the web site at www.awalpa.org.
Accurate Information
We would like to stress that several new rumors are now going around concerning America
West, and that any information not received from this hotline, or directly
from America West, should NOT be considered accurate. Your only sources for
accurate information will either be this hotline, or a statement directly from Mr. William
Franke.
Merger Committee goes to Washington, D.C.
In the meantime, registered letters to merger fund
delinquents were mailed last Friday; and surprisingly, people are paying up. It seems
these latest talks with United have reminded these pilots that a strong merger fund will
be the key to ensuring that this pilot group is well-represented and prepared, should a
merger ever take place.
Bid 150
The poor quality of trip pairings in Bid 150 has gone well beyond frustrating. Many
pairings represent a serious safety concern because of the amount of sleep loss caused by
circadian flip-flops. Pilots are reminded that they cannot refuse an assignment based on
its potential for fatigue. However, if you feel you are not able to perform
your flight duties safely as a result of fatigue, DO NOT FLY.
Every effort allowed under our current contract is being
made in an attempt to resolve these “Black Flag” pairings. The MEC will support
and defend any pilot who removes him or herself from the trip due to legitimate fatigue,
and suffers either discipline or a financial penalty.
Vacation Cancellations
The MEC has looked into the issue of vacations being cancelled for 1999, and has found
that the company has not violated the contract. So far, the company has complied with
section 7.C.2, and therefore, the issue cannot be grieved.
Chief Pilot
Retirement Dinner
401(k) Administrative Fee
That concludes this week’s Hotline update. Fly safe; fly
your contract; and wear your pins and ribbons. The next scheduled hotline update will be
on Thursday, January 28; however, updates will be made as new information concerning the
merger talks comes in. Thanks for listening.
- AWA and United Merger Talks
- Accurate Information
- Merger Committee goes to Washington
- Bid 150
- Vacation Cancellations
- Chief Pilot
- Retirement Dinner
- 401(k) Assessment Fee
| This is Communications Committee Chairman David Weeks with the MEC hotline for Thursday, January 21, 1999. Tonight’s topics are:
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