Colgan ALPA Reps and ALPA Staff Meet with Congressman

[suupah]

Colgan Pilot Representatives, ALPA Staff Meet with Ohio Congressman re Issues Brought to Light in NTSB Hearing


Colgan pilots took a step to help address issues in the regional airline sector of concern to ALPA with a visit to Capitol Hill on Wednesday, May 20. MEC Chairman Capt. Mark Segaloff and Government and Legislative Affairs Coordinator First Officer Tom Cassidy accompanied ALPA Government Affairs Director Brendan Kenny and Engineering and Air Safety Director Keith Hagy to a meeting with Rep. John Boccieri (D-Ohio). Rep. Boccieri serves on the Aviation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Last week, Rep. Boccieri sent a letter (click on link below to read) to Colgan management inquiring about the airline’s current policies and practices in response to information that came out the Colgan Flight 3407 NTSB hearing. The Congressman also requested a meeting with the Air Line Pilots Association.

http://boccieri.house.gov/2009/05/b...rs-on-february-plane-crash-near-buffalo.shtml

ALPA representatives and Boccieri, who flies C-130s as a major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, discussed training and hiring requirements, pay rates, and work rules, both at Colgan as well as throughout the regional sector of the industry. Rep. Boccieri expressed his appreciation for ALPA’s educating him about the broad differences between major and regional airline environments. We look forward to further correspondence with Rep. Boccieri and other members of the House Subcommittee on Aviation in order to promote one level of safety, training, and quality of life among regional airlines and our mainline partners.

Fraternally,

CJC MEC

 

[outtahere]

Do we really want a new group of Alpa pilots speaking for all the regional pilots?

 

[suupah]

ALPA national reps were there and will be there for the hearing. I am assuming other MEC's will be involved as well as this thing is turning into an inquiry about the entire regional industry.

 

[LowlyPropCapt]

Do we really want a new group of Alpa pilots speaking for all the regional pilots?

They are as good a group as any... Would you prefer MAG?

 

[Sig]

They are as good a group as any... Would you prefer MAG?

Better yet, would you prefer dead silence?

Seggy is wearing a rather large albatross in the public's eye right now, and I'm personally relieved that he has a pretty huge landscape of experience to draw from since the ALPA charter at CJC. This isn't an "ALPA = Panacea" cheerleading rant, this is a fact, and a fact I find extremely helpful when all of us in the regionals are under attack for various reasons and from various fronts.

 

[Seaknight1]

Better yet, would you prefer dead silence?

Seggy is wearing a rather large albatross in the public's eye right now, and I'm personally relieved that he has a pretty huge landscape of experience to draw from since the ALPA charter at CJC. This isn't an "ALPA = Panacea" cheerleading rant, this is a fact, and a fact I find extremely helpful when all of us in the regionals are under attack for various reasons and from various fronts.

Mark is definitely one of the few picks from any regional ALPA MEC that I'd want doing what he's doing. Unfortunate circumstances dictated that he be out on the front lines. He's representing all regionals without bias whether they be ALPA, Teamster, or non union.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Do we really want a new group of Alpa pilots speaking for all the regional pilots?

Why don't you create a grassroots movement at YOUR airline and be a part of the effort?



After all the career you save might be your own...

 

[outtahere]

No offence to the colgan crowd, I was just making the point that if this is a meeting of the minds regarding regionals and our contracts, perhaps having a view point from a more experienced group would be helpfull. To the poster asking if I wanted mesa there, yes, I think that would be great. There are not many in our ranks who have had to put up with the crap the mesa pilots have. That would be an enlighting conversation for a congressman.

 

[LittleDeuce]

Training Issue

I am very disappointed to see this becomimg a political issue over pay and work rules. Both of which absolutely need to be addressed.

I listened to all 3 days of the NTSB hearings. I would encourage anybody interested to listen to Dr. Dismukes testemony on day 3.

This accident was due to poor training, lack of cockpit disipline, and Threat and Error Management (activly monitoring) period.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

I am very disappointed to see this becomimg a political issue over pay and work rules. Both of which absolutely need to be addressed.

I listened to all 3 days of the NTSB hearings. I would encourage anybody interested to listen to Dr. Dismukes testemony on day 3.

This accident was due to poor training, lack of cockpit disipline, and Threat and Error Management (activly monitoring) period.

Everything is political......

 

[CitationLover]

Funny how ALPA National is silent on the further stealing of Midwest jobs to a non-ALPA carrier. Nope they'd rather brag about AAI.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Funny how ALPA National is silent on the further stealing of Midwest jobs to a non-ALPA carrier. Nope they'd rather brag about AAI.

Can you craft an ALPA press release and an internal game plan?

 

[Sig]

Can you craft an ALPA press release and an internal game plan?

I sure as fook can.


Can you? Better yet, Rez: I'll post mine after you post yours. Quit asking questions, and show us the goods. I'm starting on mine right now.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

I sure as fook can.


Can you? Better yet, Rez: I'll post mine after you post yours. Quit asking questions, and show us the goods. I'm starting on mine right now.

No I can't. I don't have the information. I am not on the Midwest MEC.

However, since you are so confident, with or without information, let's see what you got.... ensure that when you do draft a press release, do so as if you have responsibility for it.....

 

[samballs]

Can you craft an ALPA press release and an internal game plan?

Isn't that Natls. job to do?

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Isn't that Natls. job to do?

You seem to have an issue with it... perhaps there is a reason... if you knew the reason would that change anything?

 

[rjacobs]

Isn't that Natls. job to do?

nope

National does not get involved in the day to day operations of the MEC's, nor do they want to. While we are a national union, each MEC must operate as if it is by itself, sort of, if that makes sense.

 

[Sig]

No I can't. I don't have the information. I am not on the Midwest MEC.

However, since you are so confident, with or without information, let's see what you got.... ensure that when you do draft a press release, do so as if you have responsibility for it.....

You simpering TWAT!

I don't need any further information than the fact that an ALPA represented pilot group has been replaced wholesale by a leasing company!

Jesus Harold Christ, what more do you need?

Let me frame it for you:

Tough economy.
Neighbors.
Loss of an extremely proud service.
Undercutting/outsourcing.
Erosion.

Is it that hard? Can you only ask questions?

Holy crap, Rez. I thought I figured out who you were. I was dead wrong. You went flaccid on a hot button, and the guy I thought you were would blow up.





I'm out. What a twerp.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

You simpering TWAT!

I don't need any further information than the fact that an ALPA represented pilot group has been replaced wholesale by a leasing company!

Jesus Harold Christ, what more do you need?

Let me frame it for you:

Tough economy.
Neighbors.
Loss of an extremely proud service.
Undercutting/outsourcing.
Erosion.

Is it that hard? Can you only ask questions?

Holy crap, Rez. I thought I figured out who you were. I was dead wrong. You went flaccid on a hot button, and the guy I thought you were would blow up.





I'm out. What a twerp.

So what would this press release say? would it have teeth?

 

[Sig]

So what would this press release say? would it have teeth?

The questions would follow a series of STATEMENTS. They are a series of crafted words that don't bounce culpability or imagination back to the audience- they actually state a position.

So yes, they would.

I swear to Christ, Frank* is rolling in his grave.


*Great-grandfather. Union guy. Wait, bona-fide ward steward; not a wine-sipping union dork with a blonde girl to his right.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

The questions would follow a series of STATEMENTS. They are a series of crafted words that don't bounce culpability or imagination back to the audience- they actually state a position.

So yes, they would.

I swear to Christ, Frank* is rolling in his grave.


*Great-grandfather. Union guy. Wait, bona-fide ward steward; not a wine-sipping union dork with a blonde girl to his right.

So ALPA controls or has influence over business operations....

ALPA decides who stays in business.......

Air Line Pilots run airlines...

 

[Sig]

So ALPA controls or has influence over business operations....

ALPA decides who stays in business.......

Air Line Pilots run airlines...

At least you are clever enough to change the format of deflection.

ALPA certainly can affect change, public opinion, and policy.

ALPA certainly changes the way an airline can choose to operate. Need I cite examples, or should I wait for further questions? (that's called a device parry)

 

[PCL_128]

Funny how ALPA National is silent on the further stealing of Midwest jobs to a non-ALPA carrier. Nope they'd rather brag about AAI.

Perhaps you should talk to your own reps who negotiated your horrendous scope language. Are you aware that the idiot who negotiated the scope language in your current contract is now working for the IBT? He bailed out long before he got furloughed. He's not concerned with the pilots of MEA, he's only concerned with himself and his own career aspirations inside the corrupt IBT organization.

Your own pilots stuck you with the swiss cheese scope language that allowed this to happen. Don't blame ALPA for your local mistakes.

 

[rumorhasit]

Jess laweezie folks....its simple!! More time between block in and block out, say 10 hrs min duty rest instead of 8hrs. Everyone knows 8 hrs block in block out is a joke!!! 20 mins to shut things down(without an issue), 10 mins to walk to meet the van, 10-15 mins waiting for van (if ur lucky) 15 min van ride, 10 min checkin time...30 mins eating (if ur lucky) and 30 mins shwr and try to go to sleep time 30 mins.... easy 2hrs "getting to the bed" !!! 6 hrs of sleep if ur lucky and don't want to eat breakfast!!!! These times are variable but its easy to see 8 hrs of "far legal rest" isn't exactly peaceful 8 hrs beauty sleep crews need!!!! and the FO should not have to be on foodstamps to provide for his family!!! have o made this issue to easy?

 

[Sig]

Jess laweezie folks....its simple!! More time between block in and block out, say 10 hrs min duty rest instead of 8hrs. Everyone knows 8 hrs block in block out is a joke!!! 20 mins to shut things down(without an issue), 10 mins to walk to meet the van, 10-15 mins waiting for van (if ur lucky) 15 min van ride, 10 min checkin time...30 mins eating (if ur lucky) and 30 mins shwr and try to go to sleep time 30 mins.... easy 2hrs "getting to the bed" !!! 6 hrs of sleep if ur lucky and don't want to eat breakfast!!!! These times are variable but its easy to see 8 hrs of "far legal rest" isn't exactly peaceful 8 hrs beauty sleep crews need!!!! and the FO should not have to be on foodstamps to provide for his family!!! have o made this issue to easy?

Ahem... ahem...

HACK COUGH WHEEZE

Lemme take it from here, Rez:

What are you gonna do about it, rumorhasit?

 

[Thurman Merman]

The questions would follow a series of STATEMENTS. They are a series of crafted words that don't bounce culpability or imagination back to the audience- they actually state a position.

So yes, they would.

I swear to Christ, Frank* is rolling in his grave.


*Great-grandfather. Union guy. Wait, bona-fide ward steward; not a wine-sipping union dork with a blonde girl to his right.

I couldn't agree more, my Grandpappy, retired 1978 from United. A big Union guy, far removed from the self serving, self righteous bastardization of ALPA we see today. He flew in WWII along with many of his collegues and new what "SACRIFICE" was all about, instead of that hollow, empty shelled, pig eyed sack of sh!t with a mustache in charge today. He grew up in the depression learned from the guys who flew the mail routes. What a difference leadership does with a Union, instead of worrying where the corporate retreat was going to be, or the next fishing trip, they were erecting the dam and effecting change instead of plugging holes when it is convenient or politically favorable. The silent generation gave away to the me generation and instead of the Gin and Bourbon crowd we get the Wine and Cheese crowd. To bad there are to few of these guys at ALPA now, ALPA is more political now than it ever was and an empty suit with flash will get you farther than pride, determination, and a backbone.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

At least you are clever enough to change the format of deflection.

ALPA certainly can affect change, public opinion, and policy.

ALPA certainly changes the way an airline can choose to operate. Need I cite examples, or should I wait for further questions? (that's called a device parry)

Not only do you need to cite examples, in addition, you need to explain how those examples would become real.....

Looking forward to your reply....

 

[Sig]

Not only do you need to cite examples, in addition, you need to explain how those examples would become real.....

Looking forward to your reply....

That's absolutely it.

I've once again lost all faith in anyone up top in ALPA. Instead of question marks, you use ellipsis marks, and the result is still the same... (ain't it cute that I do the same?)

Perhaps you're playing the cool hand- a manager's manager, scrambling like hell to find an answer to a problem that is beyond you, or a kook that can't surf but can at least sport a tan.


Earlier and elsewhere I posited the dream I have of some sort of IQ test being an entry point for an interview.

Chalk up ALPA.

You simply can't... can not... can NOT expect squat if you simply beg for it from the front lines. You show me your thoughts, and I'll show you mine. Your Big Bill Hopson avatar is certainly puking his guts up right now.

Awaiting another question... all flash, no pan...

 

[Sig]

I couldn't agree more, my Grandpappy, retired 1978 from United.

I'd bet five doll hairs to doughnuts your Grandpappy worshiped his grandson (or daughter), and took zilch from anyone else. Period.

Pop was called "The Whip." It was awesome to watch him work, and even more fun to be his great-grandson. The suits hauled arse when I showed up, and Pop was devious enough to give me the CB to call out certain, uh, unsavory things to management.

Far cry from what we have 30 years hence.


* and you caught the wine reference! Don't get me wrong, I like wine. But Union work is straight whiskey, not a ponce opening the sluice (HAHAHAHAHAHAH) gates with a glass of claret next to a blond.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

That's absolutely it.

I've once again lost all faith in anyone up top in ALPA. Instead of question marks, you use ellipsis marks, and the result is still the same... (ain't it cute that I do the same?)

Perhaps you're playing the cool hand- a manager's manager, scrambling like hell to find an answer to a problem that is beyond you, or a kook that can't surf but can at least sport a tan.


Earlier and elsewhere I posited the dream I have of some sort of IQ test being an entry point for an interview.

Chalk up ALPA.

You simply can't... can not... can NOT expect squat if you simply beg for it from the front lines. You show me your thoughts, and I'll show you mine. Your Big Bill Hopson avatar is certainly puking his guts up right now.

Awaiting another question... all flash, no pan...

Let's try a different tact.....


It appears that you have an expectation of ALPA.

I say that expectation is unrealistic....

Therefore, justify your expectation....

If ALPA could...don't you you think it would be done? If not, why not?

Is there precendent? If so, what airline....