This Terry Stadler with the MEC Hotline
for Friday, April 25th, 2003. Tonight’s topics include:
1. Recent Captain Vacancy bid:
Earlier this month, the MEC was made aware of the company�s intention to cancel the most recent Captain Vacancy bid. Numerous pilots were affected by the proposed cancellation. Talks were initiated with company personnel about this “cancellation” of the equipment bid. The MEC did not concur with this action, as there is no provision to cancel a bid in the contract. In my discussion with company personnel, as well as Senior Management, they were told that they could accomplish the same thing by postponing or delaying, rather then canceling the training.
The VP of Flight Operations indicated that while clearly there was a difference of opinion with the MEC as to the company�s� right to cancel a bid, they agreed internally to handle this situation in accordance with the MEC�s wishes. As a result, I received a letter of understanding regarding vacancy bid 2002-12, which postpones the training for this bid and protects pilot pay for those individuals that were not trained in seniority order. Additionally, all pilots covered under this bid who were not trained, have a right of first refusal to the captains position, when such openings occur over the next 3 years.
It is my belief that this message from the VP of Flight Operations will at least for the moment preserve the integrity of the contract in regards to equipment bids, while at the same time protecting the pay of pilots that were trained out of order.
2. Act Now Section 19�s:
I spoke with our CEO and our Vice President of Flight Operations this week concerning the recent termination of one of our fellow pilots who was involved with the “Act Now” website. After reviewing the circumstances surrounding the termination, The MEC and I have decided to mount a strong defense with management due to our opinion that termination was unjustified. Our contract administrator has filed all the necessary paperwork in accordance with our contract and we will have more information available as the process continues. I will tell you that your MEC is frustrated over this issue and the impact it has had on the attempt to rebuild trust between senior management and ourselves.
I am not satisfied that the company�s findings are complete or correct. Therefore, the Association will vigorously and aggressively defend this case. Additionally, for those pilot�s that received an “Act Now” letter of warning, required appeal notices have already been sent to the VP of Flight Operations. You will be hearing more on this in the coming weeks.
3. Mesa RJ-900�s:
Mesa will commence service this Sunday using their RJ-900 aircraft. All of us need to realize that under the current Mesa contract ALPA pilots will be doing all the flying as an ALPA carrier. We have filed an MEC group grievance concerning subcontracted revenue flying and we have been in close contact with the AFA regarding the status of their grievance on the same issue. Your MEC is watching the outcome of the AFA grievance prior to taking our grievance to arbitration. We are also dismayed that America West has chosen to introduce RJ-900 service at this time, and without notifying the MEC in advance. Despite the obvious issue of scope with the RJ-900�s, please remember to remain professional as we work forward with this subject.
That�s it for tonight!
Fly safe and have a good weekend!
- Recent Captain Vacancy bid
- Act Now Section 19�s
- Mesa RJ-900�s
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pilots
Only |
|
|
MEMBER
LOGON |
|
|
|
|
|
Public
Links |
|