Pilots against JBPA (jetblue union)

[Lebowski]

REALLY???

Go back to the 152 your less likely to make a mistake, it has less buttons.:laugh:

Yeah, but the Bus is actually easier to fly. : )

Hey, I'm making a "jump to conclusions" game just for you. It's like Twister, except instead of colored dots, it has conclusions on it--that you can jump to. If you've bothered to read the rest of this thread (not really a requirement I suppose), you'd see that I'm clearly pro-union at JB. It's also nice to keep a level head, however.

Anyway, back to the topic, I thought someone might have an actual answer, rather than rumor. People keep making mention of F&H, so I think it's a fair question.

So, does anyone know that the union busting law firm of Ford & Harrison (that's the law firm, not the pilots :laugh: ) have been hired? If so, when were they? I haven't seen mention of it in any direct communication from the company.

Respectfully,
Lebowski

 

[PCL_128]

Companies never make direct mention of hiring union-busting law firms. They quietly sign contracts with them and start using their "advice" day-to-day.

 

[Lebowski]

Companies never make direct mention of hiring union-busting law firms. They quietly sign contracts with them and start using their "advice" day-to-day.

One of the big anti-union arguments from management (and others) seems to be that we currently enjoy an open, direct relationship between management and pilots.

If the company has hired F&H I think that completely negates that argument and everyone should wake up. On the other hand, if they haven't, we should put the rumor to rest. Either way, it's a fair question.

Did they secretly hire F&H and decide not to be open and direct with us about that? Or is everyone else just blowing smoke?

It's one or the other.

Anyone have any facts?

I've seen the "shock" and "disappointment" letters from management, but nothing saying that they've made a business decision to hire a union busting law firm to advise them. I'd respect that approach more, personally.

 

[J32driver]

You haven't been paying attention if you don't think F&H is here. D. Barger has admitted as much in public meetings with the pilots. He event went so far as to say how much he had learned from them.

F&H has been at JetBlue from almost from the beginning.

 

[thruthemurk]

Dave Barger specifically admitted to F and H at the last round of "info" meetings. He said they had been very helpful in dealing with employee issues. This was less than 10 minutes after he railed about "third party intrusion" into our special collaborative relationship.

It was all said with great sincerity and an earnest pledge "to do better going forward."

 

[Lebowski]

Dave Barger specifically admitted to F and H at the last round of "info" meetings. He said they had been very helpful in dealing with employee issues. This was less than 10 minutes after he railed about "third party intrusion" into our special collaborative relationship.

It was all said with great sincerity and an earnest pledge "to do better going forward."

Fair enough. Thanks.

 

[Lebowski]

You haven't been paying attention if you don't think F&H is here. D. Barger has admitted as much in public meetings with the pilots. He event went so far as to say how much he had learned from them.

F&H has been at JetBlue from almost from the beginning.

I never said I didn't think they were here. I was just looking for the source. I didn't realize it was admitted in the last round of meetings.

I'd have to agree with the previous statements, then, that the only third party in this relationship is F&H. JBPA is not a third party. It may not be all of the pilots, but it's incorrect to call it a third party.

 

[radarlove]

the company has every right to attempt to stop unionization, there's nothing illegal about them throwing arguments out there to see what will stick.

Ford and Harrison might play dirty tricks, but I haven't seen reference to any. I suspect they just dust off their playbook, start with these arguments:

- Don't want a third-party dictating to all of us
- First contracts aren't "status-quo", so you could lose the good thing you got
- First contracts take forever and you can't afford it
- We'll really (really!) start treating you right if you make this go away. We were wrong in the past, but now we've seen the light, just give us another chance.

In the dirtier games, companies fire the organizers, knowing full well they'll get their job back (with pay) but it's worth it to the company to spend that salary money to make a point. I doubt Jet Blue would do that.

 

[radarlove]

From the Ford and Harrison website. Note that "decertification" seems like something that they can accomplish, doesn't it?

Collective bargaining, union organizing
drives and decertification of existing organized bargaining units can be handled successfully if management teams are given the knowledge and
insight necessary to deal with these issues. Ford & Harrison labor lawyers represent and advise employers in all phases of labor relations
matters as they arise under the National Labor Relations Act and the
Railway Labor Act.

For union-free employers we:
develop effective, lawful strategies to prevent unions from organizing, including advice on handling pre-petition activities; advise on proper handling of concerted activities and National
Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and National Mediation Board (NMB)
representation proceedings; handle investigations and, if necessary, trials and appeals of unfair labor practice charges; and conduct union avoidance training for all levels of management.
For unionized employers we:

counsel on collective bargaining and contract administration strategies;

represent clients in negotiations, grievance and arbitration cases, unfair labor practice charges, strikes, injunctions, and other
litigation; and

assist in developing an atmosphere which makes unions unnecessary which may lead to NLRB decertification proceedings

 

[Dizel8]

Anyone have any facts?

F&H has been here for awhile, they were brought on, I believe, when the ramp tried to organize.

Barger has admitted repeatedly to them being here as "advisors" to make sure the company is treating labor in a legal manner.

Yep, they are here and they are at work!