From our Feckless Leader...
-------------------
July 15, 2008
Fellow Pilots,
By now, you are acutely aware of the planned capacity and workforce reductions our airline has been forced to make. We have held off announcing pilot reductions as we worked through the staffing and training issues unique to the pilot group and we were hopeful that we would be able to avoid furlough altogether. Regrettably, that is not the case. It has been determined that we must reduce our group by approximately 200 pilots.
In an effort to prevent as many involuntary layoffs as possible, the Company presented the APA with a Furlough Mitigation Agreement, which would offer up to 200 senior Captains the chance to separate with four and one half months severance at their current pay levels and the potential to avoid any involuntary furloughs. In return, the company would be allowed to schedule to an 82 hour maximum with mutually agreed to flex capability to 87 hours, while addressing the challenges of our current industry economics.
If the APA accepts, this proposal could benefit hundreds of pilots: eligible Captains who elect to separate would leave with additional pay, our junior and most vulnerable pilots would potentially avoid furlough, there would be opportunity for career progression within our ranks and pilots could see increased earning opportunities due to the new max, flex time, and opportunities for those promoted via backfill. At the same time, it would allow the company to better manage the manning fluctuations we face driven by both economic and stock market conditions.
Crew reductions are not something any of us wish to contemplate. However, this proposal would alleviate much of the pain associated with a traditional furlough. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact your Chief Pilot or Base Administrator. We want you to be as informed as possible during this transition.
I fully understand the significance of a furlough within our ranks and I am sorry to be the bearer of this information. Unfortunately, it is a necessary step for our airline in the current industry environment. Know that we are doing all we can to ensure the company’s future viability for all of our pilots.
Sincerely,
Mark Hettermann
Vice President - Flight
--------------------
Yeah, we'll take that deal... NOT! TC
P.S.--Maybe it would have helped had you not taken the $300 Million out of the company over the past couple of years.
