AirTran Pilots Fired!!!!!!!

[MINIME]

I am not... my point is other posters on this thread have talked about the NPA negotiating....

Where is the leverage? The RLA mandates the pilots to work. The NPA can't strike for any length of time. Management knows this and is not motivated to negotiate... there is no fear factor..

The only effective way is a grassroots movement of the FL pilots reaching critical mass....(ASA pilots last year.. UAL pilots in 2000). I think the FL pilots can do it.. and when they do then the NPA can work with management... but negotiations are not really pragmatic...

Its collective civil disobedience initiated individually..

REZ,

In your scenerio, this would apply to every unionized carrier in the nation. You are correct, the mediation board does not favor labor currently. However, if NPA was able to obtain release for self-help that company could not withstand a two day strike. Not in the current operating environment.

If their management is worth even half their pay, they'd know this. I think that the NPA should constantly push for release since management has already started negotiating in very bad, disgusting faith. They can prove this to the mediator by explaining the new 177-180 contract hostages the company is trying to take.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

REZ,

In your scenerio, this would apply to every unionized carrier in the nation. You are correct, the mediation board does not favor labor currently.

This true... and an even more reason for the NPA and FL pilots to be politically connected. They simply are not.

With the current Admin and McCain... getting released from the nmb.gov is close to impossible. It is effecting us all..

Can you say Obama?

The next POTUS will appoint nmb members, judges, DOL policy and open skies policy to name a few..

Throw in DHS and immigration policy (foreign labor) and we all can be in trouble..

However, if NPA was able to obtain release for self-help that company could not withstand a two day strike. Not in the current operating environment.

Nor could the NPA. They'll run out of cash. So, if the NPA had the money they would be even more leveraged in this "oil crisis" environment.

If their management is worth even half their pay, they'd know this. I think that the NPA should constantly push for release since management has already started negotiating in very bad, disgusting faith.

Mgmnt knows the NPA can't strike so it isn't worried about not be able to financially weather one themselves..

They can prove this to the mediator by explaining the new 177-180 contract hostages the company is trying to take.

ALPA is irrelevant for the FL pilots. What matters is what pragmatic choices the FL pilots have.... start from there... work from there...

Fight for your new hires... if you don't then your unity will crumble and management will force cliques to divide and conquer. You need to rally to unify around something.. that something is the new hires.

 

[Flybywire44]

I'll be thinking of you Airtran guys...

 

[Redmeat]

Ty-

The problem is there is no money to strike. In house unions don't have it. It is what it is...

Good luck to all of us!

LOL!

Strike?

So when has ALPA EVER executed the so called 'nuclear option'? (that's exactly what a strike would be in our current economic environment).

Now you want NPA to do it?!

You ALPA goofs crack me up.

 

[UALBRAT]

The name has been changed

Once Valujet, always Valujet. Nuff said.

 

[McNugget]

Once Valujet, always Valujet. Nuff said.

Do you think a lot of them would cross the picket line, if there was a strike?

 

[weasel_lips]

Where is PFT_128 on this issue?
Or is he hanging out with his Eastern Scab buddies?

PFT_128 - I think he went back to gulfstream.

 

[McNugget]

<-----------

 

[400ADude]

Do you think a lot of them would cross the picket line, if there was a strike?

The senior guys absolutely. The more junior pilots, Capts and FO"s alike, would probably honor the strike. The original guys, not a chance in hell.

 

[ATLboeing]

Could someone please post a WARN notice letter sent from another airline (Midwest, CAL, etc.)? I'm curious to compare the wording from theirs to ours.
Thanks & good luck to us all.

 

[PCL_128]

Where is PFT_128 on this issue?

I've made my opinions quite clear on all of this: not one nickel, not one job. They can threaten whatever they want, but we ain't caving. In the end, I think this is nothing but a bluff. They're trying to use some leverage to force us into concessions. It won't work.

 

[Lear70]

If they don't bring back those trained Mgt are fools that is a lot of money going out the door.

Depends... on how long they're out, truthfully.

FAR 121 training manuals specify how much training a pilot has to have to return to the line, dependent on how long they've been out.

6 months up to a year requires nothing but a standard PC and recurrent ground.

More than 1 year, but less than two requires recurrent ground and several sim sessions (depends on carrier and authorization letter), followed by a normal PC.

More than 2 years requires FULL INITIAL TRAINING. Period.

If management is planning on furloughs lasting 2-3 years (which is pretty much what is going around the rumor mill), then it makes no difference if they bring back previously furloughed pilots or not; training cost is the same. Only difference is how much they spend on recruiting and interviewing for those 177 pilots.

Not to mention the money that can't be quantified in having pilots scared during Section 6 negotiations, getting everyone's mind off the ball and on some other subject.

Masterfully played from down on Airways Blvd. Personally, if I was getting ready to be laid off/terminated, I don't think I'd be mentally fit for duty, unable to concentrate due to the massive upheaval in my ability to feed, shelter, and clothe my children, and would be illegal to work per FAR's as "unfit for duty".

I wouldn't want to jeopardize my passengers, my fellow crewmembers, or my airline in that fashion.

 

[skywav8r]

I guess you guys could hope that your management team has some bad oysters and gets a terminal case of Spondivitis!!!!! Send your non-SL sim instructors over there for lunch as well.

good luck

 

[CDub]

I've only flown on AirTran once...but after this news I won't be a paying passenger a 2nd time.

add another to that list.

 

[ron burgundy]

Not like I have really been trying, but I will guarantee you I won't be going the extra mile on anything from now on!

Just the extra 9/10's of a mile? And, yes you have.

 

[relief tube]

I can't believe this is happening at what's considered "mainline".....i.e. the "last airline you'll work for".

If it happens at a regional, then that's just one of the many final satisfactions you have when you leave, knowing all that BS is in the past. But this can't be a good thing for the moral of those that are lucky enough to stay. Not a proud moment.

I've read most of the posts, but I haven't found out what Mgmt gains thats more than the negatives associated.

 

[Hamburger]

This is a declaration of war by management.
Are we gonna duck for cover or fire back?

The scabs on your list have already shown you what they will do.


SCABS are cancer and should always be treated as such. All of those who aren't old enough to have been through a strike and have been giving them the benefit of doubt, pay attention. The next back stabbed could be yours.

 

[j41driver]

I thought they just put out a notice on Monday of 91 furloughs! Why the change?

No change. Some people we incorrectly interpreting the reduction notice. 177 is still the number.

 

[j41driver]

What changed from two days ago?

Nothing.

 

[j41driver]

Rez, why spin this into an ALPA thing?!?

Cuz that's what he does. With. Everything.