USAPA resignation

[Cowboy75]

Phoenix Domicile Update

Dear Phoenix Pilots,
Events prior to and at this week's BPR meeting in Charlotte have led to the resignation of our single West negotiator from the Negotiating Advisory Committee. It has long been the position of all current and former West representatives that we are, and have been underrepresented at the negotiating table since the very day that USAPA took over as the collective bargaining agent for all US Airways pilots. This is not to find any fault whatsoever with the performance of our single West negotiator, Captain Mark Burdick. Mark has always been helpful, readily available, and receptive to the concerns of your PHX representatives and our constituents.
It is worth noting, once again, that all the other members of the NAC spoke against the request to add an additional West member to their committee, and that all other members of the BPR voted against a resolution designed to accommodate the clear intent of the Transition Agreement that both the former AWA pilots, and the former US Airways pilots were supposed to be equally represented at the table during negotiations for a joint agreement. The resolution that was defeated contained this language within its preamble:
The Transition Agreement Section IX-C states that America West will pay the flight pay loss for three West Negotiating Committee Members. This was done to match what was in the East Contract and to provide an equal number of Negotiators from each side to ensure fair representation throughout the Negotiating process. This section further states that the Company will provide an eighty-four (84) hour monthly flight pay loss credit to the West MEC to be used at their discretion.

Needless to say your West representatives, as well as Captain Burdick, are dismayed and alarmed at the failure of all other members of the board and the NAC to comprehend the need for additional resources and representation for the former AWA pilots on this critical committee at this most crucial time in the negotiating process. Captain Burdick has decided that, going forward during the NMB mediation process, his involvement without the assistance and support of an additional West pilot in the process would be futile. Your PHX representatives agree with Mark’s decision. The rest of the BPR is apparently satisfied with the progress of negotiations over the last two-plus years, as it has determined that the exact composition of that committee required no additions or alterations. We, of course, find this incomprehensible and the overt resistance to the addition of another West negotiator is puzzling.
Nonetheless, the decision has been made, and we recommend that no West pilot accept an appointment to the Negotiating Advisory Committee alone. There is positively no reason to allow oneself to be the single point of accountability to the former AWA pilots on this committee. Our East counterparts on the Board and on the NAC clearly believe that they have the situation under complete control and do not desire or see the possible benefit of additional input from any former AWA pilot.
Sincerely,
David Braid
PHX Chairman
Eric Ferguson
PHX Vice-Chairman
Roger Velez
PHX Vice-Chairman
Mark Burdick
Former NAC Member

 

[Raoul Duke]

MCDU, care to enlighten us on why west input on the neg committee is so bad. . .

 

[Cowboy75]

Capt Burdick's letter to USAPA BPR and National Officers

BPR Members,

It has become increasingly difficult for me as the only west member of the NAC for several reasons.

There is clearly one issue that trumps all others, and that is our differences related to Section 22. I have always done my best to listen and respect differing opinions, even related to our divisive seniority dispute, with the expectation that one day the court would provide clear and unquestionable direction to the parties. It is my belief that the courts have done just that, though my interpretation of the 9th Circuit's decision is basically the opposite of that held by my counterparts on the NAC. I interpret the Court's ruling as simply saying that the case is not ripe at this time only because, in the court's opinion, damage has not occurred yet. However, if the Nicolau list is not honored, then it will be ripe at the time of implementation (joint contract). Unfortunately, the official USAPA Communications state that USAPA is unequivocally free to negotiate a DOH list in opposition to my interpretation of what the court's guidance has been.

If a DOH list is officially passed (at the table) to the company, I need every member of the Board to know that I am in complete opposition to that position and will state clearly my position (in concert with our PHX Reps) at the bargaining table, as I know that it (DOH list) will immediately lead to yet more protracted litigation. Furthermore, I am personally in support of any litigation required to enforce the result of the agreed-to process by which the seniority lists of America West and US Airways would be integrated, known as the Nicolau Award.


It remains my sincere desire that all US Airways Pilots reach the industry standard contract we have earned (and should have already obtained) within a reasonable and short time-frame, but I feel my west perspective is often overshadowed. The best solution would be to add another west member to the NAC and to have a west co-chairman, who is included in ALL emails, correspondence and sidebars on the same level as his/her counterparts. Additionally, this was clearly the intent of the Transition Agreement when signed ---- equal representation at the table and during this extremely important phase of negotiations (NMB Mediation); this is now more important than ever.

For me to continue without an additional west NAC Member would be futile at this juncture. That is why I am seeking an answer at the next BPR Meeting (at the end of this month).

Respectfully,

Captain Mark Burdick
​

 

[jonjuan]

Captain Burdick
[/INDENT]

LOL- no really, what's his real name?

 

[Crzipilot]

So Cowboy, what's the whole story on this? Heard rumors, but have been out of the loop couple of weeks.....

 

[Cowboy75]

So Cowboy, what's the whole story on this? Heard rumors, but have been out of the loop couple of weeks.....

Hope you were not in tme-out along with B-atch, were you? Welcome back.

I read the update this morning and had no word prior. You have all I know from the two updates.

I'll pass along info if I hear anything.

 

[johnsonrod]

Man, with Sully gone, now the Eastie group is just a bunch of jackholes.... Time to play nice since, as you choose not to recall, America West saved your azzzes from liquidation... I guess memories grow shorter with age.

 

[Cowboy75]

Man, with Sully gone, now the Eastie group is just a bunch of jackholes.... Time to play nice since, as you choose not to recall, America West saved your azzzes from liquidation... I guess memories grow shorter with age.

I was look for more info on Capt Burdick's departure, I found this beauty. If he was sitting across the table from this guy, I don't blame him for a hasty departure....

Your praise is not required, for you are a stupid desert-##itter. You deserve to take a shower with your favorite toaster, then read the scriptures du seniority. There are many mysteries in life, such as “Who Killed Kennedy?” or “How the #### did Puma Punku get there?” However, when it comes to this seniority, “The East” along with Lee S. are zipping through outer space with no helmet and ####, dropping 1960’s style metal bombs on your desert casa.

Too many of you sub 30 year old JACKWAGONS think its “cool” or hip to cut in line, in front of a gentlemen and their family’s, trying to steal what was never even a thought in your mind before the wizard of Nic. It’s not “cool”. As a matter of fact, it lowers your standard in life by a factor of 10.

See, it’s not about being “cool” when it comes to seniority it is about waiting your turn and respecting the laws and traditions of seniority—emulating greater men than you. These are men who paved the way for America’s aviation brilliance and dominance on the world stage all based on job security and advancement through DOH seniority. I will have you know” The East” will not allow this to change.

The problem with desert-##itters today is it’s citizenry. They are either fat and stupid or too lazy to wait their turn. “I want it Now”, I say to bad, “wait in line and tell your alcoholic lawyers to go #### themselves, for they will not make you a honorable aviator.” See pal, that’s the difference between you and a person such as myself. I am willing to wait in that line, while you are ready to be homeless.

Don’t get too excited, Uncle ####. You may never hear from me again as I don’t normally speak to chimpanzees. I usually throw bananas at them and chuckle as they fight over it, throwing their own feces’ at each other just to get a piece….sound familiar?

See they don’t wait their turn either.

 

[St. Nic]

Cowboy you post to much. cant you see that your view that a 16 year pilot should be placed behing a 1 month pilot is not popular outside your desert group? why are you always pinging on the east? nobody on here cares!

 

[Scope out RJ's]

Cowboy you post to much. cant you see that your view that a 16 year pilot should be placed behing a 1 month pilot is not popular outside your desert group? why are you always pinging on the east? nobody on here cares!

Hi job stealer:
First. How was the FI vacation?:laugh:
Second.....Binding arbitration means binding. You and your band of girls out east should be on your knees thanking the west for saving your pathetic BK POS airline from going out of business! If it wasn't for them, you'd have perfected the "welcome to Walmart," phrase.
Of course you'd be making more money at Walmart!:laugh::laugh:

 

[flygirlqt]

Abiding by binding arbitration = The Gold Standard

 

[get2flyin]

Abiding by binding arbitration = The Gold Standard

Winner!

 

[Cowboy75]

Cowboy you post to much. cant you see that your view that a 16 year pilot should be placed behing a 1 month pilot is not popular outside your desert group? why are you always pinging on the east? nobody on here cares!

Correction, (that is post too much, not to much)

I didn't get hired by America West to revive your failed career expectations. Not my fault, not my responsibility and I simply don't care. I'm tired of your blame game with West pilots, ALPA or whatever scapegoat you pull out of the hat.

West pilots who brought jobs to the acquisition only to be furloughed while pilots who had no job at the time were recalled. We were doing just fine, hiring and expanding while your airline was a week from shutting down, Chapter 7, done, out of business. You should be thanking Doug Parker every day for even having a job.

We are sick of the downgrades, furloughs, USAPA and general misery that has been transferred here over the past 5 years. You are only starting to see the pushback from us being poked in the chest one too many times.

Stay tuned.

 

[johnsonrod]

I was look for more info on Capt Burdick's departure, I found this beauty. If he was sitting across the table from this guy, I don't blame him for a hasty departure....

Your praise is not required, for you are a stupid desert-##itter. You deserve to take a shower with your favorite toaster, then read the scriptures du seniority. There are many mysteries in life, such as “Who Killed Kennedy?” or “How the #### did Puma Punku get there?” However, when it comes to this seniority, “The East” along with Lee S. are zipping through outer space with no helmet and ####, dropping 1960’s style metal bombs on your desert casa.

Too many of you sub 30 year old JACKWAGONS think its “cool” or hip to cut in line, in front of a gentlemen and their family’s, trying to steal what was never even a thought in your mind before the wizard of Nic. It’s not “cool”. As a matter of fact, it lowers your standard in life by a factor of 10.

See, it’s not about being “cool” when it comes to seniority it is about waiting your turn and respecting the laws and traditions of seniority—emulating greater men than you. These are men who paved the way for America’s aviation brilliance and dominance on the world stage all based on job security and advancement through DOH seniority. I will have you know” The East” will not allow this to change.

The problem with desert-##itters today is it’s citizenry. They are either fat and stupid or too lazy to wait their turn. “I want it Now”, I say to bad, “wait in line and tell your alcoholic lawyers to go #### themselves, for they will not make you a honorable aviator.” See pal, that’s the difference between you and a person such as myself. I am willing to wait in that line, while you are ready to be homeless.

Don’t get too excited, Uncle ####. You may never hear from me again as I don’t normally speak to chimpanzees. I usually throw bananas at them and chuckle as they fight over it, throwing their own feces’ at each other just to get a piece….sound familiar?

See they don’t wait their turn either.

Did you forget to take your meds Grandpa? I thought binding arbitration was, in fact, binding????? Binding. Binding. Binding. Binding. Binding. Binding. Binding. Binding. Binding. Binding. Binding. Binding.

You can ignore the liquidation point I made earlier. Most of you Easties will choose not to remember how precarious USAirway's state was at the time... Very little hope. Remember that?

I don't work for USAirways and I would never choose to - you guys are sooooooo screwed up. You guys are the ugly girl at the ball and nobody wants to dance with you. Yeah, I am sure I would be proud to fly for your craaaap airline. I do feel bad for the Westies and hope the situation improves for them - it's about time...

 

[MCDU]

Like I said. The best option is to remain separte. Usair should treat the pilot group like they treated MDA. Two airlines within one. You can not bid east and east can not bid west. East pilots do not want Phx. The desert and low yield market phx is what the awa pilots will get.

M

 

[get2flyin]

Like I said. The best option is to remain separte. Usair should treat the pilot group like they treated MDA. Two airlines within one. You can not bid east and east can not bid west. East pilots do not want Phx. The desert and low yield market phx is what the awa pilots will get.

M

MDA? You mean the highly prized "Embraer Division"? News flash, the "Old" USAir and MDA were different companies. The "New" USAir and AWA are the SAME company. Oh, and nobody asked the East pilots what they want, genius. It's already one big messed up family. Get use to the idea.

 

[Raoul Duke]

See, it’s not about being “cool” when it comes to seniority it is about waiting your turn and respecting the laws and traditions of seniority—

Is there any greater tradition than respecting one's word? I believe not. Is there any greater tradition than abiding by a decision rendered by a legally empowered arbiter? Again I believe not. Instead of demonstrating the "respect" and honoring of "the laws and traditions of seniroity," the east pilots have rejected these ideals in favor of weaseling out of an agreement solely because they did not like the result of the binding arbitration they agreed to. As a result, I find it "cool" to work to undermine everything you do.

 

[Raoul Duke]

Cowboy - I know the quote above is not yours, I was responding to whoever wrote the orig.

 

[FDJ2]

All this underscores the fact that USAPA is not a real union, it's a mob, spawned in the back of a van, with only one real objective, to abrogated an arbitrators award and and use the blunt force of an abusive majority to steal the rightful seniority of a smaller pilot group.

 

[LearLove]

Cowboy75,

Why don't you tell the group the whole truth? Tell them about MB's efforts to stall negoations. I'll get you started. Why don't you tell them about the letters this west negociating committe member sent behind his fellow pilots' backs to the company trying to derail/stall talks?

Go ahead...