AirTran Airways MEC authorizes Strike Vote!

[DonVerita]

March 18, 2010

Strike Authorization Vote​

The AirTran Master Executive Council held a special meeting in Atlanta today, and ratified a resolution commissioning a strike authorization vote by the pilot group, with balloting to begin on Monday, April 19, 2010.

It is important to note that this is not a vote to go on strike, but rather a vote to authorize the MEC to call a strike should it become absolutely necessary.

“We want a contract, not a strike” said MEC Chairman Linden Hillman. “This vote will demonstrate our unity and determination to management, and should make clear that the time for an industry standard contract is now.”

Pilots should look for new editions of The Hammer to arrive shortly. The strike authorization vote process is explained, as well as other items related to negotiations under the Railway Labor Act. It is imperative that pilots read the information provided by the Association, so that they can make an informed decision before they vote. We will be in the crew lounge and have appearances over the coming weeks to explain the voting process and answer any questions.

Finally, we ask all pilots to join the MEC in Milwaukee on May 18th, at the AirTran shareholder’s meeting. Those who own at least one share of company stock before March 23rd will be allowed to enter the ballroom, but all are welcome on the picket lines.

In unity,

Your Master Executive Council

 

[GuppyWN]

It's called posturing. You'd better HOPE you get a strong yes vote or you're sunk.

Good luck boys. Either fix it or burn it down before we get there!

Gup

 

[no1pilot2000]

SWA should prepare themselves for a possible influx of pilot refugees from Air Tran if they don't get a contract that pilots and management can agree to.

Air Tran pilots should start singing....."Nearer my contract to thee"

 

[twepilot]

Is SWA hiring??? Is anyone hiring??

Any ideas on what Mgmts counter to our vote will be?

RV

 

[maxblast72]

Any ideas on what Mgmts counter to our vote will be?

Management's counter will be a big information campaign saying that Airtran can't afford what the union is asking for. They will say if their costs go up that much, Airtran won't have the cost structure to grow aggressively in the future and the won't be able to take delivery of the 55 airplanes we have set for delivery between 2011 and 2016. They will say how the interest rates and down payments for future deliveries are much higher now than it was 5 years ago when anybody with a heartbeat could get a cheap loan. They will have 100 reasons why everyone should tune down their expectations. That is going to be tough to do considering Airtran is coming off their best net annual profit in their 16 year history and has over $550 million in the bank now.

The good news this time is ALPA is going to get on top of this information war and make sure the pilot group is much more informed than under the NPA. That is what more resources and better leadership structure can do.

 

[JerryLundegaard]

Will there be any more negotiations until the strike vote, or are talks canceled?

 

[DonVerita]

Good luck boys. Either fix it or burn it down before we get there!

Gup

Before you get where?

 

[osoaus]

Before you get where?

You know, THERE!

 

[BR715]

Its about time! Its only been over 2 and a half years since ta2. Im ready to vote on something weather it be a strike vote or a industry standard contract. Voting yes and telling everyone i see to do the same.

 

[redflyer65]

I don't think the AirTran union will have any problem having a high percentage of YES voters.

Good luck guys..