Press Releases
Why on earth would Morse and Pierce think Glenn or Jeff will change their tune overnight? It's going to be uphill all the way with the steepest part near the end of the climb. The real question is "do they have to endurance to reach the summit"?
Excerpt from Captain Wendy Morse's statement..."While this news is not what you want to hear, we remain committed to communicating the facts as we see them."
What are the facts Captain????? instead of the tired old rambling along...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Continental, United pilots encounter roadblock to merger
Pre-contract talks with management stall at the table
Chicago, Ill., and Houston, Texas (June 25, 2010)--The pilots of United and Continental, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) say they have run into a roadblock while negotiating a transition agreement with the management of United and Continental Airlines. The transition agreement is an important first step in the process that is designed to ultimately result in a joint collective bargaining agreement (JCBA) and integrated seniority list. Reaching an integrated seniority list allows the new merged carrier to secure a single operating certificate and reap the full potential of the merger.
“It is unbelievable that contract talks have stalled so early in the process and for such a basic item as a transition agreement,” said Capt. Jay Pierce, Chairman of the Continental pilots unit of ALPA. “We are stalled because of management’s unwillingness to compromise on matters that have little financial impact. We have heard the recent statements by Jeff Smisek, proclaiming the virtues of the upcoming merger, touting the benefits coming to labor because of the expected synergies and promising to work with labor in good faith to complete our contracts. However, if this is an indication of management’s approach, I have serious doubts about how long it will be before any of the touted synergies can be achieved.”
Capt. Wendy Morse, Chairman for the United pilots, said, “As I’ve consistently said, there is a right path and a wrong path. This merger could be simple if the right path is chosen. Regrettably it appears the companies at this early juncture are headed down the wrong path. Obviously, allowing talks to stall over non-economic issues shows that management is once again choosing the wrong path. Failure by management to choose the right path will lead to very predictable results; results that will not attain anywhere near the forecasted synergies that are being touted about this transaction. Both Mr. Tilton and Mr. Smisek stated recently before Congress the importance of recognizing labor in this deal. At this juncture, their words ring hollow.”
Capt. Pierce added, “Since the merger announcement on May 3, I have expressed my opinion that it was possible to reach a joint collective bargaining agreement by this fall, predicated on the willingness of management to expeditiously recognize and reward the contributions of pilots to the ultimate success of the merger. As I have said before, this merger can provide many opportunities. Those opportunities cannot be achieved if management refuses to return to the table to negotiate in good faith. We have done our part and are ready and willing to continue work toward a transition agreement that meets the needs of both sides.”
“Fortunately, management has time to correct this misstep in the merger process,” added Capt. Morse. “But time is of the essence to show the employees and the world that this merger will be successful. Management still has the opportunity to recognize the value pilots bring to this process, and it will be necessary they correct this in a timely manner. Success requires that management continue to focus on getting past these initial issues and allow us to move forward with the Joint Collective Bargaining
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A Special MEC Update for Friday, June 25, 2010, this is
MEC Chairman Captain Wendy Morse.
Today, both the UAL MEC and CAL MEC issued a press release regarding a stall in negotiations concerning the transition agreement between the two airlines. Prior to stalling, progress had been made, albeit slowly, but came to a sudden halt late yesterday over noneconomic issues that are essential to both pilot groups. The Company has chosen to prematurely draw a line in the sand at this early juncture at a point 10 yards apart, after having come a sizeable distance. It is regrettably not the correct choice if management wants to accomplish this merger in a timely manner and attain the forecasted synergies.
The recent negotiations on the LOA concerning reimbursement of merger expenses perhaps foreshadowed yesterday’s events. While we eventually attained an acceptable agreement, the process leading up to that agreement was far too arduous and required far more effort than should have been required.
We have said repeatedly that there is a right and wrong path to achieving a successful merger. Based on yesterday’s actions it is apparent that management, for whatever reason, continues to fail to traverse the correct path. It is imperative that management changes course and recognizes the value the pilots bring to this merger in leadership and recognition of synergies. Management’s past approach of business as usual, requiring a “give” for a “get,” will no longer work with this pilot group. This is a new opportunity for management to right the wrongs of the past and work cooperatively with its pilots to ensure this merger’s success. Unfortunately, at this time, indicators are not positive that management will seize the occasion. The ball is in their court.
We would like to remain hopeful that management realizes the tactical flaw and returns to the right path in a timely manner so as to get this process back on track. If they want this merger to be a success they must deal with our concerns, all of which are legitimate and reasonable, in a meaningful manner.
We stand ready to reengage, but only if management changes its course and returns to the table to get to a deal. This requires deal makers at the table, willing and able to accomplish the goal for success. Failure to do so would be yet another error in judgment.
While this news is not what you want to hear, we remain committed to communicating the facts as we see them. It is extremely imperative that we continue to maintain our high level of professionalism while on the line and ensure that these distractions do not invade our cockpits, thereby allowing the bargaining process and our negotiators to work. Please remain cognizant that a court order is still in place and exhibit patience while we resolve this roadblock in the negotiating process. We will continue to keep you updated as the situation warrants.
