Oct. 14, 1999
Ed Sherman Victory
This case began over
two years ago. At issue was whether the company should continue providing long-term
disability benefits to pilots who have reached the age of 60, but have not yet reached
normal Social Security retirement age. In this particular case, the company violated
section 27.b.2.c. by terminating long term disability benefits after Captain Sherman and
other pilots reached their 60th birthdays. In his award, Mr. Sinicroppi stated
“from the time the collective bargaining agreement has been in effect, all pilots
eligible for long term disability benefits at age 60 shall receive those disability
benefits based upon the requirements of the collective bargaining agreement and based upon
their own occupation standard.”
In other words, any
pilot who has had his or her long term disability benefits terminated at the age of 60,
should receive back pay and begin to receive those benefits until they reach normal Social
Security retirement age.
This grievance victory
sends a clear message to the company, and we can only hope that it will abide by the
arbitrator’s decision in a timely manner. Failure to do so will result in our taking
legal action in federal court to enforce the arbitrator’s award.
Don Steinman Update
We are very glad to
report that Don and Ruth are doing well and recovering. Don is in Good Samaritan Hospital
here in Phoenix. Ruth has been released from the hospital and is recuperating at home.
Much thanks has to go to AWA Chairman and CEO Bill Franke, Vice President Steve Johnson,
and Chief Pilot J.R. Baker for their work and efforts in getting Don and Ruth back to the
U.S. for their medical treatment and recovery.
On behalf of this
entire pilot group, we thank Mr. Franke, Mr. Johnson, and Capt. Baker for their efforts,
which were above and beyond the call of duty. We also wish Don and Ruth a speedy recovery.
A320 Captain
Vacation Cancellations
Family Awareness
Event
PBS Classes
Pilots who have not yet
signed up for the class, should sign up as soon as possible. All pilots must complete the
class by December 2.
Flight Pay Loss
Campaign
Many pilots have told
us that they are too busy to do much for ALPA. Although I understand that statement, I
don’t necessarily agree with it. I have discovered that most people will do what they
want to do, and will make whatever efforts are necessary to get the job done. It is a
matter of priorities, not time or money. However, at least by donating to the Flight Pay
Loss fund, you can show your support for your fellow pilots and the efforts of the few
that carry the load.
If you have not yet
donated to the fund, all we ask is for a donation of one hour of flight time per year.
Just one hour. That’s all. The forms are available in the PHX crew lounge, or you can
call the MEC office. Contract 2000 negotiations are just seven months away, and your
support is, and will be, needed to make our efforts on YOUR behalf as successful as
possible.
Retirement Dinner
Reservations are
required. If you would like to attend, please call Sandi Siniaho at the MEC office
immediately.
LEC Meeting
That’s it for
tonight. The next hotline update will be on Thursday, October 21. Thanks for listening,
and remember to wear your ALPA pin.
- Ed Sherman Victory
- Don Steinman Update
- A320 Captain Vacation Cancellations
- Family Awareness Event
- PBS Classes
- Flight Pay Loss Campaign
- Retirement Dinner
- LEC Meeting
| MEC Hotline | ||
| This is MEC Vice Chairman Bill Archer with the MEC Hotline update for Thursday, October 14. Tonight’s topics are:
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