[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']Fellow Eagle ALPA pilots:[/font]
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[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']As you know, the Eagle ALPA MEC is currently reviewing AA and AE management’s latest counterproposal concerning the Letter 3 grievance settlement. We believe the settlement currently being discussed among the four-parties to Letter 3 is significantly better both financially and in scope than any set of arbitration victories. We have worked for years to navigate our way to a settlement that would incorporate the interests of all Eagle pilots, regardless of their position on the seniority list. We are doing everything in our power to ensure that all Eagle pilots are given the employment opportunities due them under the provisions of Letter 3.We are now engaged in a very delicate negotiation where the varying interests of all four parties threaten to derail the process at any time. If for some reason the Letter 3 settlement should fail, we will need to argue the remedy portion of the TWA Employment Opportunity arbitration. This will determine how many AA pilot seniority numbers will be generated by some of the furloughed TWA pilots as they are recalled to training and where those numbers will fall on the AA pilot seniority list, and whether Eagle pilots will attend AA training alongside their TWA counterparts. To date, approximately 30 of these pilots have accepted recall with the bulk expected to be recalled in early 2008. Despite certain rumors that have surfaced, we do not yet have the arbitrator’s award in the Order of Recall arbitration. This award will determine whether Eagle flow-through pilots with AA pilot seniority numbers have recall rights to AA. It will also determine the appropriate remedy for those pilots already bypassed. You can be assured that this office will immediately communicate the award in that case if and when it is received.[/font]
We understand the gravity of these discussions and arbitrations and the impact they will have Eagle pilots lives. We understand the anxiety felt by many of our members. Many are asking for more details about the settlement. Of course, settlement protocol requires us to negotiate in confidence as to not damage any of the parties’ arbitration positions in the event a settlement is unsuccessful.[/font]
But there are certain individuals who seem intent on dividing the pilot group. Rumors and speculations have surfaced that suggest that the interests of one Eagle pilot group are being placed above another. This could not be farther from the truth. These individuals are succeeding only in weakening the concept of trade unionism and the power of unity and integrity. They are damaging the position of Eagle pilots. We ask that you disregard their rumors. These individuals are not bound by protocols and rules of confidentiality and can freely theorize and fabricate anything that furthers their agenda. These pilots are frustrated by the MEC’s integrity on this issue and wish to drive this process in a direction that advantages them with no concern for collateral damage. We have suffered under this type of leadership before and we will not allow it to happen under this administration.Your elected Eagle ALPA officials, who are bound by protocols and procedures, are placed in a frustrating position. Although it is tempting to respond to the rumors, we will not break protocol and risk harming the goals of the Eagle pilots in the process. We will maintain the integrity and focus necessary to accomplish the directives of the Eagle ALPA MEC. Your elected representatives continue to take the high road and honor the interests of the Eagle pilot group.Please seek answers to your questions from these representatives you placed into office. We will let you know as soon as we have answers in the TWA Employment Opportunity remedy dispute, the Order of Recall grievance, or the Letter 3 Expiration arbitration. We will also let you know immediately if we are able to achieve a tentative agreement that would settle these three outstanding arbitrations.When the Eagle ALPA MEC requested assistance from Eagle pilots in communicating with Eagle management, the overwhelming response was forceful, timely and very effective. It gave us the support necessary to negotiate with management. It is important for this unity to continue. [FONT='Times New Roman','serif'][/font][/font]
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[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']Thank you for your support during this important time for all Eagle pilots.[/font]
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[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']Herb Mark, MEC Chairman[/font]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']Dave Ryter, MEC Vice Chairman[/font]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']Andy O’Hara, MEC Secretary Treasurer[/font]
