March 26, 1998
ALPA, Intl
Committees
Professional Standards Issue
The MEC and the professional standards committee are extremely disappointed over
management’s decision to discipline, rather than allow the professional standards
committee to counsel, a recently separated crew. This decision was made despite repeated
attempts by both the MEC and professional standards committee to convince management to
follow existing protocol.
Crew separation problems have existed on this property for
years, and are not uncommon in the airline industry. The pilots at America West have
always had the professional standards committee as a resource to assist them with crew
conflicts. And in fact, during the summer of 1995, verbal and written agreements were
reached with the VP of Flight Operations, the Chief Pilot’s office and Crew Resources on
how to best handle a potential crew separation. Since 1995 there have been several
successful resolutions to this problem, with no interference by management. The process
has worked well, and the trust and confidence attained between the pilots, fleet managers,
and professional standards were strengthened and valued by all.
This decision by management to intervene and pursue Section
19 disciplinary action severs this trusted relationship. This action indicates a new
direction in management leadership that is pro discipline, rather than pro safety and
professionalism.
It is with this new direction in mind, that the MEC
encourages all pilots to consider the following: 1) If you are involved in a crew
conflict, call professional standards immediately. Don’t allow the conflict to escalate
beyond your ability to resolve the situation. 2) Review Section 25, I. (1), (a) & (b)
and Section LOA 13, I. (1), (a) & (b) in order to understand your contractual rights
regarding crew conflicts. 3) Prior to each bid, protect yourself from possible discipline
by using your contractual right to avoid a possible crew conflict.
Fraudulent Bidding
One of our pilots saw fit last week to submit fraudulent bids for a number of his fellow
pilots in Equipment Bid 99-03. Clearly, this act created havoc for Bid Administration, and
for those pilots who were the chosen victims. But as importantly, the resulting adjustment
of the bid during the protest period will undoubtedly cost several pilots the positions
they thought they’d earned in the initial award. These pilots, and indeed all concerned,
were innocent victims of a malicious action by a thoughtless individual.
The MEC does not condone such behavior. Remember, a pilot
whose actions circumvent or interfere with our contract, or whose actions are contrary to
the best interests of ALPA or its members, may be disciplined, fined or expelled from the
Association.
Unrecorded Telephone Lines in Scheduling
Per LOA-13 section B, all telephone conversations between Crew Scheduling and Pilots
involving scheduling matters shall be recorded. It has come to the MEC’s attention that at
least one phone line, the line to scheduling in our dispatch area, is not recorded. This
problem has been grieved, and America West has promised to rectify this problem in the
near future. However, pilots should be aware that no record is being made of their
conversations on this line. If the conversation is of a sensitive nature, pilots should
insist on transferring to a recorded line.
Capt. Ed Sherman Letter Writing Campaign
The MEC and this pilot group remain outraged over the company’s shoddy treatment of Capt.
Ed Sherman, a long-time and loyal employee of this airline. As many of you know, Capt.
Sherman’s long-term disability benefits were discontinued on account of his turning age
60, a clear violation of the contract. The MEC encourages all pilots to write a letter to
Mr. Richard Goodmanson, America West President & CEO, asking him what the company
plans to do about this issue. The address is on the back of your ID badge. Show your
solidarity and write a letter on behalf of your fellow pilot. On a related note: check
your mailboxes soon for another issue of Just the Facts. More information on Capt.
Sherman’s grievance will be discussed.
Strike Preparedness Committee
Your strike preparedness committee is now being formed. This committee, working in
conjunction with your MEC and the negotiating committee, will be a key component in
demonstrating this pilot group’s resolve to obtain a vastly improved Contract 2000. The
strike preparedness committee is currently recruiting up to 12 sub-committee chairs.
Please review the information posted on the ALPA bulletin boards in Phoenix and Las Vegas
to get involved. Contract 2000. It’s our future. Now, it’s our turn.
Updated KIT System Messages
The central air safety committee updates its hotline message on this KIT system every
Thursday. Please refer to their message for more detailed information. Also note that a
new message from ALPA National President Captain Randy Babbitt has been posted to the
system.
Local Council Meeting Reminder
Lastly, this is a reminder to all pilots there is a local council meeting on April 16 from
6 to 9 p.m. at the Ramada Inn in Tempe (I-10 & Broadway exit). Please mark your
calendars and plan to attend.
That’s it for tonight. The next scheduled hotline is
Thursday, April 2. Thanks for listening.
- Professional Standards Issue
- Fraudulent Bidding
- Unrecorded Telephone Lines in Scheduling
- Ed Sherman Letter Writing Campaign
- Strike Preparedness Committee
- Updated KIT system messages
- Local Council Meeting Reminder
| MEC Hotline | ||
| This is Regena Frieden with the America West MEC hotline update for Thursday, March 26. Tonight’s items for discussion include: |