80for80
global synchronizer
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2003
- Posts
- 313
Dear James:
I received a copy of your November 20, 2006 press release titled “Delta Connection Pilots Meet to Protect Profession Against Pitfalls of Bidding Wars.” I am both perplexed and disappointed with its contents, particularly given the fact you have repeatedly stated to me your highest priority as MEC Chairman is to advance the cause of Mesa pilots. After reading your comments in the context of this press release I strongly question whose interests were advanced, and at what expense. My concerns are apparently shared by many of our pilots who have emailed me directly regarding this issue. As I have discussed with you, the negotiations with Delta, regarding the affirmation of our current Delta Connection regional jet flying (30 aircraft) as well as opportunities to add incremental growth aircraft, are difficult and extremely competitive. I strongly believe your public support of Comair is misguided and comes at the expense of your fellow employees.
While we have had numerous discussions in which you state your commitment to “doing things differently”, your comments to the public are very much out of the “old school” labor playbook and if I had to guess are not even your own words. Your actions are clearly sending the wrong message to Delta and you are gambling with the careers and job security of the Mesa pilots. I should not have to remind you the Comair pilots strike caused extensive financial harm to both Delta and Comair and contributed to the extensive concessions sought by Comair in its bankruptcy proceeding. I’m sure you can appreciate that Delta likely takes a dim view of your support. And do you really think the Comair MEC Chairman would take a similar stand if the tables were turned?
We are fortunate Mesa is perhaps one of less than a handful of ALPA carriers not forced to seek concessions from its pilots in recent years. As we have discussed and you have agreed, Mesa pilots have experienced the most rapid advancement opportunities, the best job security and most financial reward of any other regional airline represented by ALPA. In addition contrary to your recent public statements, you are well aware of the significant efforts taken by the Company to improve daily operations through the introduction of new technology, new scheduling systems, enhanced communications, the addition of new procedures and personnel. You have been aware of these changes and have expressed to me your support of our efforts. You are also aware Mesa is possibly the only ALPA represented regional airline that can compete competitively with other non ALPA represented carriers.
I would like to get your clarification on one very important point and I think it is imperative you make your position clear with our pilots. Yesterday, Comair announced that it lost twelve CRJ-700 aircraft to a lower cost, non-union carrier. In your press release you stated: “. . . we fully support our fellow Delta Connection pilots. . . this kind of collaboration is key to building a solid cohesive union front.” It appears clear Mesa’s proposal will offer lower costs to Delta than Comair. Certainly our aggressive low cost bid for Delta flying is not in collaboration with Comair. If our current bid to Delta is successful it may result in further reduction in flying at Comair and therefore come at the expense of Comair pilots. Given this potential outcome, is it your preference that we withdraw our bid for this flying?
Most sincerely,
Jonathan G. Ornstein
Chairman & Chief Executive
Mesa Air Group, Inc.
I received a copy of your November 20, 2006 press release titled “Delta Connection Pilots Meet to Protect Profession Against Pitfalls of Bidding Wars.” I am both perplexed and disappointed with its contents, particularly given the fact you have repeatedly stated to me your highest priority as MEC Chairman is to advance the cause of Mesa pilots. After reading your comments in the context of this press release I strongly question whose interests were advanced, and at what expense. My concerns are apparently shared by many of our pilots who have emailed me directly regarding this issue. As I have discussed with you, the negotiations with Delta, regarding the affirmation of our current Delta Connection regional jet flying (30 aircraft) as well as opportunities to add incremental growth aircraft, are difficult and extremely competitive. I strongly believe your public support of Comair is misguided and comes at the expense of your fellow employees.
While we have had numerous discussions in which you state your commitment to “doing things differently”, your comments to the public are very much out of the “old school” labor playbook and if I had to guess are not even your own words. Your actions are clearly sending the wrong message to Delta and you are gambling with the careers and job security of the Mesa pilots. I should not have to remind you the Comair pilots strike caused extensive financial harm to both Delta and Comair and contributed to the extensive concessions sought by Comair in its bankruptcy proceeding. I’m sure you can appreciate that Delta likely takes a dim view of your support. And do you really think the Comair MEC Chairman would take a similar stand if the tables were turned?
We are fortunate Mesa is perhaps one of less than a handful of ALPA carriers not forced to seek concessions from its pilots in recent years. As we have discussed and you have agreed, Mesa pilots have experienced the most rapid advancement opportunities, the best job security and most financial reward of any other regional airline represented by ALPA. In addition contrary to your recent public statements, you are well aware of the significant efforts taken by the Company to improve daily operations through the introduction of new technology, new scheduling systems, enhanced communications, the addition of new procedures and personnel. You have been aware of these changes and have expressed to me your support of our efforts. You are also aware Mesa is possibly the only ALPA represented regional airline that can compete competitively with other non ALPA represented carriers.
I would like to get your clarification on one very important point and I think it is imperative you make your position clear with our pilots. Yesterday, Comair announced that it lost twelve CRJ-700 aircraft to a lower cost, non-union carrier. In your press release you stated: “. . . we fully support our fellow Delta Connection pilots. . . this kind of collaboration is key to building a solid cohesive union front.” It appears clear Mesa’s proposal will offer lower costs to Delta than Comair. Certainly our aggressive low cost bid for Delta flying is not in collaboration with Comair. If our current bid to Delta is successful it may result in further reduction in flying at Comair and therefore come at the expense of Comair pilots. Given this potential outcome, is it your preference that we withdraw our bid for this flying?
Most sincerely,
Jonathan G. Ornstein
Chairman & Chief Executive
Mesa Air Group, Inc.
che bag?
