Dec. 2, 1999
Arbitration Updates
We’ve had two arbitrations in the recent past – the Eaton and Sinicroppi ones. I want to
bring you up to date on where we are right now. First , I’ve asked our Contract
Administrator Andrew Shostack to give me a statement as to exactly where we are. He says:
America West has
returned to Arbitrator Eaton a signed version of the clarification award issues last
month. This clarification award explained the arbitrator’s earlier award by stating that
the “meet-and-agree” provisions to any changes in insurance for disabled pilots
means exactly that – meet and agree. The company’s argument that
“meet-and-agree” meant meet with ALPA, then implement, was incorrect.
Secondly, the
arbitrator held that disabled pilots would continue to receive health benefits at the
active employee rate for the entire period of disability or until retirement, and not
until expiration of the three year medical leave of absence as the company proposed. I
hope that’s clear to you.
The following statement
is once again from Andrew on our second arbitration victory, known as the “Ed Sherman
case.” He said this case involves the length of disability coverage. The
administrator issued a letter last week rejecting the company’s second request for an
executive session, and indicated that he considered the matter closed. A letter was sent
to senior management indicating that they must comply with the award immediately, or the
matter will be turned over to our legal department who will enforce the award in federal
court.
In other words folks,
it says this: We won the cases. They’re going to pay. And if they don’t, we’re going to
sue, and we’re going to win. This is going to happen very soon. I do intend to be in
touch with all of those pilots who are retired on disability who are affected by this. I
know we’ve been in touch with you by letter, but I want you to know that we do care very
much about your future and welfare.
Flower Fund
Captain Dale
Brakhop
He had successful double bypass surgery on Wednesday of this week, and is
recuperating now at Desert Samaritan. He’ll be in the ICU for a couple several days, so
right now, there’s no visitors are allowed. Our sympathies go out to Dale and his family.
We are thinking about you, and we’ll be back in touch where you’re out of the ICU.
Local Council
Meeting
I just want to give you a heads up for planning purposes. January 11 is our next
Local Council meeting, 6pm at the Doubletree. Please put that on your calendar.
New Reserve
Rest Rules
These rules go into effect December 11. They’re a result of the ruling by the FAA
that long-standing reserve rest rules would now be enforced. There’s been some controversy
back and forth about whether those would actually go into effect or not. At our airline,
they will go into effect. America West will send you a memo on this very soon. The fact
is, our contract as it exists, was already very close to being in compliance with the
reserve rest rules, a few minor changes were necessary. Our Scheduling and Safety
committees consulted with the company to help ensure the new rules remain within the
contract and they do. When you get that memo, read if very carefully. The effect will
primarily be on the B and C-reserves. There’s a couple hours of changes on your
availability period.
Pilots for Kids
I just want to remind you of what I said last week regarding Pilots-For-Kids. Key
facts: the leader is Captain Win Copeland. The dates for the visits are Dec. 7 and
Dec 8. Win’s box is 854. His phone number is 623-492-9912. Donations are appreciated.
Those of you who are available on Dec. 7 and 8, if you show up in your uniform at the
respective hospitals, you’ll make a kid’s day. Please call Win and volunteer to help.
Walking the
Walk
There’s an old expression, “talking the talk, walking the walk.” It
means you know what to say and you know what to do. I’m happy to say that more and more of
our pilots know what to say. They agree that we support the MEC and that we adhere to the
contract. They speak clearly for unity and mutual support. They expect to see the contract
forcefully defended and upheld. That’s good. They know that to bring about a new and
better contract, we must act in concert, as one, like a battalion or a football team or a
firehouse. Our surveys indicate that, on the basis of what you say, you think we’re right
on track and you’re behind us virtually unanimously.
What some of us still
have to learn is how to put those words into action. In order to “walk the
walk,” you have to say no when the contract says no or is silent. Most of you know
this; but some of you are still learning. When you see somebody clearly acting outside the
contract, you have to speak up. A tactful reminder is a good start. “Why do you have
39 hours in your bank?” “What happened to your ALPA pin?” Sometimes you
hear people make snide remarks about your elected officials. “Did you vote?”
“Did you run for office?” “What are you willing to do to change the things
you don’t like?” Sometimes you get an opportunity to make a few bucks extra for
breaking the contract. Right now, it’s airbus pilots who are in demand. Boeing pilots kind
of suck wind. Later on, it’ll be the other way around. If you’re flying an airbus, ask
yourself, “Is it in my long term best interest to break the contract in order to make
a few extra bucks?” And if it’s somebody else who’s doing it, ask him why he’s not
concerned about your long-term best interests.
It never hurts to ask.
You might find there’s a lot of people who agree with you.
That’s it for
tonight. The next hotline update will be on Thursday, December 9. We appreciate your
listening, and we’ll talk to you next week.
- Arbitration Updates
- Flower Fund
- Captain Dale Brakhop
- Local Council Meeting
- New Reserve Rest Rules
- Pilots for Kids
- Walking the Walk
| MEC Hotline | ||
| This is MEC Chairman Roger Cox with the MEC Hotline update for Thursday, December 2. Tonight’s topics are:
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