NPA President Update
June 21, 2007
Since the Tentative Agreement was reached we have held numerous road shows and conference calls. These meetings have provided considerable information about the Tentative Agreement. In these presentations and discussions, we learned as much from the pilots that participated as we conveyed. Many pilots used these meetings, and other communications, to express their concerns and their dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the TA.
The National Mediation Board is also aware of the line pilot reaction to the TA. Our Mediator, Mike Tosi, called the end of last week to discuss the situation and to see if the NMB could assist. As a result, there have been discussions between the Mediator, the NPA, and the Company about returning to the bargaining table and attempting to clarify and/or address the concerns expressed by the pilot group. Mediator Tosi has called both parties to meet in Washington, D.C. on July 10-12 to discuss the situation and try to address and resolve our collective concerns.
The NPA Board has fully discussed and considered all possible options including whether or not to continue the ratification process without further discussion with the Company and the NMB. However, given the now nearly certain merger with Midwest and the negative ramifications of going through that merger without a new contract, the Board concluded that every possible effort should be exhausted before opening the balloting. After lengthy discussions, the NPA Board decided that it would temporarily postpone the ratification vote, put a hold on further road shows for the time being, and comply with the Mediators request to meet with the NPA Negotiating Committee and the Company at the NMB offices in Washington D.C.
As we prepare for these meetings it is important that we dial down the rhetoric and put internal politics on the back burner. We need to remain strong, focused and unified on achieving the best possible Agreement with the Company that protects the interests of all pilots.
