December 17, 1998 Hotline

 
December 17, 1998

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Local Council meeting turnout
Today’s Local Council meeting drew great attendance of about 160 pilots. AWA Chairman
Bill Franke gave a slide presentation detailing the airline’s 1998 operations as well
as goals for 1999. Those goals include growing the airline, primarily through increased
frequency at PHX and LAS, and enhancing the airline’s partnerships with other
carriers to increase our revenue stream.

A question and answer session turned out to be extremely
informative not only for the pilot group but for Mr. Franke as well. Many pilots used the
opportunity to voice their concerns, suggestions, and questions concerning America
West’s operations. Both the pilots in attendance and the MEC are pleased that as a
result of today’s meeting and the feedback it provided, Mr. Franke has agreed to
communicate more frequently and openly with the MEC and the entire pilot group.

We certainly look forward to more open communication with
Mr. Franke, as well as the entire America West management team.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Franke,
as well as Bernard Han, senior vice president of planning, and Lee Steele, vice president
of flight operations, for their participation at today’s meeting. We would also like
to extend the invitation for your participation in future meetings to help continue the
dialogue between America West management and the pilots.

Level 3 security

Pilots are strongly encouraged to review the Flight
Operations Manual as it specifically relates to terrorism and hijackings. Everyone is also
encouraged to be extremely diligent concerning security measures.

Speaking of security, template devices are being installed
in several cities in which our pilots fly. Some of those devices have been reported to
restrict the size of baggage, thus causing security to detain pilots for security checks.
At the direction of Vice President of Flight Operations Lee Steele, members of management
are working to ensure that none of our pilots are restricted when going through security
at airports with the template devices.

If you encounter any problems with security personnel,
please call Air Carrier Security Committee Chairman Barry Kendrick on the KIT System or at
602-315-1136, so that he may address the situation.

AFA

AFA’s negotiations resume in Washington, D.C. on Monday,
December 21. On the same day, we will launch our ALPA solidarity campaign in support of
the flight attendants. Look for more information next week.

New office manager

Holiday office schedule

That concludes this week’s Hotline update. Fly safe; fly
your contract; and wear your ALPA pin. Thanks for listening.

  • Local Council meeting turnout
  • Level 3 security
  • AFA
  • New office manager
  • Christmas office schedule
MEC Hotline
This is Communications Committee
Chairman David Weeks with the MEC Hotline update for Thursday, December 17. Tonight’s
topics are:


Airline personnel around the U.S., as well as the traveling public, are being warned of a
possible terrorist response to the recent air strikes against Iraq. In fact, one specific
threat has been made against an unspecified airline traveling from the East Coast. As a
result, the FAA has issued a Level 3 security alert to all airlines – level 4 is the
maximum.


This month marks the fourth anniversary of America West flight attendants’ contract
negotiations. As AFA’s efforts enter their fifth year, we should remember that our flight
attendants endured a pay cut and pay freeze during bankruptcy in 1991 that has never been
fully restored. America West flight attendants helped save their airline in 1991. America
West management can afford to be fair now.


The MEC would like to welcome Bonnie Blair who has joined our team as MEC office manager.
Bonnie is responsible for the overall administrative operations of the MEC office. The
next time you stop by the office or call in, please issue Bonnie a warm welcome.

The MEC office will be closed for the Christmas holiday on Thursday, December 24 through
Sunday, December 27th. Next week’s hotline will be recorded one day early, on Wednesday,
December 23.