This is Eric Edwards with the MEC Hotline
on Thursday, February 6th. Tonight’s topics:
1. Language Writing/TA Update
2. Scheduling Message/Mandatory Assignment
3. Family Assistance Fund Refunds
4. Making Use of ALPA Resources
5. Security Update
6. A Second Reminder
Language Writing/TA Update
As explained in previous hotlines, both
ALPA and America West management have been going through each section
line by line while closing down open issues when possible. Last week I
explained the scheduling and work rule sections (4, 12, 24, 25) had open
items that were being narrowed and a final master list would be brought
back to the MEC for review and discussion. This list would contain contractual
language that was unresolved and the MEC would meet with senior management
to “break the log jam” and conclude the TA language. This list
has been completed, and in the interest of not confusing fact with fiction,
I am directing everyone to the MEC web site to review this Contract 2000
Final Open Items List. ALPA staff will complete the Scope and Compensation
sections while our MEC will address the work rule sections. Retirement
is still subject to discussion per the mediator’s proposal. The MEC web
site address is www.awalpa.org. You will need to log in with your member
number and password to view the list.
Scheduling Message/Mandatory Assignment
Staffing was short last weekend and the
MEC representatives as well as the Scheduling Committee received a number
of pilot inquiries concerning phone messages about “mandatory assignment.”
To review, there is no such thing as a mandatory assignment and while
ALPA has requested in the past that this practice cease, it seems to re-occur
periodically. There is such a thing as junior assignment and it can only
be done in accordance with section 25.P of the contract. Junior assignment
requires real time phone contact so phone messages do not qualify. Crew
schedulers must identify themselves upon initial contact. Whether you
are fighting a cold, having a glass of wine at dinner, or any other myriad
of reasons, you are not required to explain to crew schedulers your circumstances.
If you cannot complete an assignment, simply let them know that “you
are not legal at this point in time per FARs.” It is not necessary
to argue, point-counterpoint, or attempt to outwit a scheduler as all
conversations are taped and subject to review. Keep the conversations
short and professional and contact your MEC representatives or Scheduling
Committee for assistance if needed.
Family Assistance Fund Refunds
With all furloughed pilots having been
recalled, our Family Assistance Fund is no longer needed to reimburse
these pilots for their COBRA expenses. As the resolution creating the
Fund stipulated, any money remaining after all pilots were recalled would
be refunded to those members who made assessment payments on a pro-rata
basis. Secretary-Treasurer Ted Phipps has authorized the distribution
of refund checks that should arrive in your home mailbox by the end of
February. Refunds should be approximately $144 for captains and $96 for
first officers.
Making use of ALPA Resources (CIRP,
CASC)
If you are involved in any type of incident
where you feel safety has been compromised, please call your ALPA reps
in a timely manner. Doing so may be more important than you think at the
time. A situation that does not involve an accident or an obvious FAR
violation may still merit union involvement. Volunteers from the Central
Air Safety Committee, Critical Incident Response Program, and other committees
are available to you when you need them; you should not hesitate to make
use of these resources. These volunteers can only help, however, if they
know something has happened. You can call any status representative and
he/she will contact the appropriate committee volunteers.
Security Update
Security Committee Chairman Captain Barry
Kendrick is in Herndon this week attending the National Security Committee
meeting. Some highlights that Barry has reported to me:
* Security Threat – ALPA continues to seek
further guidance from the TSA and FAA on the recent FAR 61.14 rule concerning
certificate revocation to any pilot holding a certificate that is considered
a “security threat.” ALPA President Duane Woerth told the National
Security Committee that ALPA will continue to press the government to
address this issue. Today, ALPA National Security Chairman Captain Steve
Luckey was summoned by government officials for FAR 61.14 discussions
followed by TSA discussions concerning the FFDO program. Any questions
or concerns can be directed to Barry at [email protected].
* Federal Flight Deck Officer Program – This is still being worked on
by the TSA and ALPA is offering its services and input. The implementation
of this program will take time, and we ask pilots to remain patient as
details become available. According to Barry, it is unlikely that the
program will be operational on Feb. 25 as previously planned.
* Jumpseat Access – Duane Woerth indicated that positive news should be
forthcoming on this issue and he will provide it to members when available.
* Small Pox – There is an increasing movement to make small pox vaccines
available to our crews.
* TWIC Card – The TSA continues to work on this issue to provide crewmembers
with IDs that will allow access to the SIDA and possibly allow for Alternative
Access. This program has been funded in the current TSA budget and is
being developed for implementation.
A Second Reminder
Captain Kendrick will have an updated security
committee report sent by e-mail before the next hotline. As stated last
week, all pilots must redouble their vigilance on security matters. Conduct
thorough crew briefings, and report any suspicious activity or behavior
immediately to SOC, flight operations management, and ALPA. All crews
must be on watch for any threats to their flights in light of escalating
tensions in the Middle East.
That’s all for tonight; the next regular
hotline update is scheduled for Thursday, February 13. Thanks for listening.
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