Aiways killing PDT & ALG???

[Dashcaptain]

July 15, 2003

Fellow Piedmont pilots.




Yesterday the Piedmont MEC chairman and vice chairman met with the President of USAirways’ Express division Mr. Bruce Ashby in Salisbury, MD. Also in attendance were other labor leaders and management personnel.

In addition to expressing concern for the overall progress of the restructuring plan, Mr. Ashby stated that through no fault of Piedmont Airlines or its employees there are currently no plans to place regional jets on the Piedmont property, simultaneously acknowledging the superior product we consistently have and still do present to both customers and the corporation. As for the turboprop flying, he verified the fleet plan as presented by our management last week. A total of seven aircraft will be returned to the lessor by the end of the year, with no further reductions through 2004. As for the long term, this will largely be dependent on RJ implementation amongst other variables.



It was pointed out to Mr. Ashby, that we find it conspicuous and intriguing that contrary to common business practices, USAirways would grant our employees the gracious generosity of such dire news so far in advance, allowing most ample time to seek other employment while still needed to perform the flying at Piedmont. While we would like to thank USAirways for such unprecedented consideration, we fear that less charitable reasons may be at play. Your MEC gravely cautions our pilots to maintain their professional demeanor, asking that you all continue your reliable quality service for which we are known, thus not granting any relief from continuing to operate Piedmont Airlines as a viable asset.



We thank Mr. Ashby for accelerating his already planned meeting with us. We realize the difficulty in personally confirming such disappointing news to employees of a wholly-owned subsidiary whose employees have strived to be part of USAirways’ restructuring solution during very trying times, and who repeatedly have been assured it would be so.





Early this morning the MEC chairmen of Piedmont, Allegheny and PSA airlines met in Washington DC to discuss the implementation of common strategies and possible recourses in response to USAirways’ decision to outsource our jobs to Mesa airlines, which we see as clear violations of our agreements and the spirit in which they were negotiated and accepted by our pilots.

We then met with Alpa’s president, Captain Duane Woerth at Alpa’s national headquarters in Washington DC, and subsequently with Alpa’s contract administration staff.

The purpose of this meeting with Captain Woerth was to establish Alpa’s active support on a national level to protect the interests of our dues paying members with the same rigor as afforded any other carriers, and set into motion a proactive and effective response to USAirways’ latest attempt to replace existing jobs at their wholly-owned subsidiaries with contracted labor. The details and implementation of these strategies will unfold in very short order, and on many levels.

Captain Woerth has pledged Alpa’s active and involved support to the pilots of Piedmont, Allegheny and PSA, with clearly defined and agreed objectives.





We can no longer afford the luxury of individually displaying our uniqueness or any mis-guided self interest. We all share equally in the near and distant future of Piedmont Airlines, from the most senior to the most junior member of our employee group; and beyond. What happens to one of us will happen to all of us. We depend on each other, especially during times like these. I caution you against any individual measures that may jeopardize our one, single common goal – the preservation of our careers, our dignity and our airline!

Shortly you will receive Piedmont pilot bag tags. We ask you to display them in solidarity with each other, and as an expression of our rightfully earned part of USAirways’ future. Nobody can fix a problem by removing the most viable solution. We are and always have been that solution.



Fraternally,



The PDT MEC

 

[TWA Dude]

Captain Woerth has pledged Alpa’s active and involved support to the pilots of Piedmont, Allegheny and PSA, with clearly defined and agreed objectives.

I wish I could say that Woerth's words mean something but they don't. It's not personal for him; it's just business. You're too small for ALPA National to care about what happens to you. I recommend that everyone plan for the worst and hope for the best.

 

[dav8or]

So no job offer at Mid Atlantic or PSA? What a crock BTW did they thankyou for taking consessions?

 

[Desiday]

If you lose 7 planes by the end of the year, how many pilots will not be needed because of it?

 

[md80furloughee]

It is such a shame that the Wholly Owned's are getting the shaft from Group "Management". In modern America it is all about the bottom line and bean counting. They don't care about the lives they ruined and are about to ruin. As long as senior "management" get's their bonuses, that's what it is all about. Good luck to you all, and I hope that things get resolved ina favourable manner for you guys!

 

[Badger]

reality setting in.

If the guy across the street is selling airplane rides for $20 and you're charging $40, this is economics my friend, you're doomed. US Airways doesn't have any emotional attachments to anyone or anything. It all funnels down to whatever drivers the execs have to achieve their bonuses at year end. I'd start working on plan 'B' if I were any of you at Pied or Allegh.

It's too bad you can't expect to make a living doing this anymore.

 

[Catbird]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Dashcaptain
Captain Woerth has pledged Alpa’s active and involved support to the pilots of Piedmont, Allegheny and PSA, with clearly defined and agreed objectives.

Alpo translation- We did a wonderful job crafting Jets for Jobs with the assistance of the the Law firm of Ford and Harrison. We deserve a award for our obmission of our "Duty of Fair Representation". Lets invite the PDT/ALG MEC up to the Club House for a little back massage. Sorry have to go, Chris B and I have a appointment at the Bath House with our Mesa warriors. Please Chris see if you can get Jerry Glass to join us, and please bring the knee pads from our PDT/ALG brothers. I know there worn but we are cutting cost these days. Got to go, DALPA is holding on line 2 and the U MECC is waiting on the Tee Box in Bethesda for our afternoon caucus session. "Have the PDT MECC bring my limo around Chris. And tell him Pronto or I'll audit his expense accounts." This post 9/11 atmosphere makes for a hectic day.

Fraternally- Duane

 

[LearLove]

Highlites at bottom

Allegheny MEC, July 16, 2003.



Last Thursday MEC Chairman Rick O’Leary contacted US Airways Express Division President Bruce Ashby to inquire as to the status of Mesa Airlines, which according to an Airways press release, was to be the recipient of 25 70 seat regional jets. Mr. Ashby confirmed that a letter of intent had been signed, and that he fully expected a final agreement to be reached. At the end of the conversation, Mr. Ashby invited Rick and a guest to be in attendance at an informational meeting, which was held last Monday at Rosedale. Rick accepted the invitation, and attended the meeting, accompanied by MEC Vice Chairman, Pat Flannery.



On Friday, Rick was invited to a meeting with the other wholly owned MEC Chairmen at the office of ALPA President Capt. Duane Woerth, which began at 1100 yesterday morning. Capt. Worth called the meeting in an effort to help resolve the regional jet issue at US Airways.



Mr. Ashby began Monday’s meeting with an overview of US Airways efforts to enhance revenue by reducing the mainline’s fleet, and restructuring hub flying. He said that the goals of Alliances and the Express division were to develop market presence, and to feed revenue by expanding the RJ network. He then illustrated the financial benefits associated with code sharing.



Next he characterized Alliances and the Express Division as the growth segment of US Airways, with Express representing 60% of group’s departures and 20% of its revenues; and projecting those revenues to increase to 33% in the next few years.



Ashby then gave an overview of Airways’ internal RJ plans, which showed Mid Atlantic with a combination of EMB-170 70 seat aircraft and EMB-175 76 seat aircraft, representing a total of 85 firm RJ orders, with deliveries to begin this November. He also indicated that PSA had been given 60 firm orders for the CRJ 200, with deliveries scheduled to begin this October.



Throughout the presentation, Ashby made reference to US Airways Group’s contention that the US Airways MEC, by their refusal to allow the CRJ 705 series aircraft to be utilized, was the reason that the next 25 CRJ 700 Series 701 RJs would be flown by Mesa. His last slide claimed that because the CRJ 700 70 seat aircraft went to Mesa, only 50% of the jobs created by the aircraft’s arrival would go to Airways furloughees, rather than 100% of those jobs going to Airways furloughees had there been acceptance of the 705s and the aircraft were flown by PSA. Unfortunately for Allegheny and PDT, nowhere in any of the 20 slides, or anywhere else in Ashby’s presentation, were ALG and PDT shown to be part of the Airways RJ plan. Nowhere.



In addition to indicating that the pay rates at PSA being the same as MidAtlantic, Ashby said that the “overflow” RJ delivery issue at PSA was no longer an issue. As background, it had been previously suggested by Allegheny management that PSA would not be able to handle the scheduled deliveries of new RJs, and that Allegheny would then have a chance to claim the “overflow”. And as was the case with our T/A, there were no guarantees.



Aside from blaming Airways current RJ ills on the mainline pilots refusal to accept the CRJ 700 705s, the other constant in the 20 slide presentation was that neither Allegheny nor Piedmont were part of US Airways plans to become a regional jet carriers. We weren’t even referenced. That fact was made clear to all in attendance when MEC Vice Chairman Pat Flannery asked Mr. Ashby if it were true that Allegheny was still at the top of the operational performance list. Ashby acknowledged that we traded the top spot with Piedmont on a weekly basis. Pat went on to ask Ashby if we were to be rewarded for our outstanding performance. Not anticipating the question, Ashby was at a loss for words, finally offering a vague response that failed to answer the question. He admitted that Allegheny was not in line to receive regional jets; however he said that they might look at the issue again next year. Might. He offered no guarantee. To describe the mood among the 30+ plus representatives from all of the Allegheny work groups as grim would be an understatement.



The only advice that Ashby gave was for the Allegheny employees to continue to do a good job, and hope that things change in the future. Allegheny President Keith Houk echoed that same sentiment in his closing remarks. Then with all of the enthusiasm of a funeral service, the meeting adjourned.



MEC Chairman Rick O’Leary and Vice Chairman Pat Flannery then traveled to ALPA Headquarters in Washington DC, where they met with our Contract Administrator, Debra Osofsky. Among topics of discussion was our T/A, as it relates to regional jet aircraft financed by US Airways, the Green Sheet settlement, as well as the bullet points which comprise the MEC’s regional jet proposal.



At 7:30 yesterday morning, Rick and Pat met with PDT MEC Chairman Capt. Olav Holm and PSA MEC Chairman Capt. Steve Toothe. The discussion was wide ranging, and included all aspects of our regional jet position within US Airways Group. Both Capt. Holm and Capt. Toothe had received the same briefing from Bruce Ashby, and Toothe remarked that it was interesting that Ashby indicated 705 series RJs had been slated to come to PSA, because they had never discussed anything but the CRJ-200s with their company. At 10:45, the group went down the street to ALPA Headquarters, to meet with ALPA President Capt. Duane Woerth



Accompanied by ALPA Resource Coordinator Matt Kernan, Capt. Woerth opened the discussion by outlining his understanding of our situation, and Allegheny and Piedmont’s need for regional jets. Capt. Woerth pledged to use his position as Association President, and all of the resources of ALPA National to assist us in bringing regional jets to Allegheny and Piedmont, as PSA had already been earmarked to receive the 50 seat CRJ-200s. The identical language contained in Section D.1. of the ALG and PDT T/As was discussed, which requires regional jet aircraft that are financed with US Airways to be flown by the wholly owned subsidiaries. Rick and Olav informed Capt. Woerth of our collective desire to file grievances pertaining to D.1. simultaneously, and then proceed together in an effort to require compliance with our agreements. A joint press release was authored, that drives home our position, and which will be distributed nationwide.



The combined wholly owned seniority list was referenced during the meeting by Steve Toothe, was affirmed by all three chairmen. The document is close to completion, and will be reviewed by all three airlines for accuracy.



Following a number of hours of discussion, which included a working lunch attended by the MEC Chairmen and Pat Flannery, the meeting ended, with all Chairmen pledging their support for our common cause, and to keep one another informed as events unfold. Captain Woerth was thanked for his offer of assistance, and efforts on our behalf.



On the Legislative front, it is critical that all Allegheny pilots contact their Pennsylvania State Representatives, Congressmen, and US Senators. The more activity there is, the more inclined a legislator is to take action. Links to legislator’s websites and office telephone numbers are listed on the ALG ALPA website, along with at sample letter which may be cut and pasted to an e-mail, as well as being personalized to the individual you are sending it to. Do not delay, write, call, fax, or e-mail today. You will make a difference. And if you have already contacted your representative, be sure make a follow up contact.



Council 91 will hold a regular LEC meeting tomorrow, at the SYR Ramada Inn, beginning at 9am. Lunch will be served. All ALG pilots in good standing are welcome to attend.



Please remember to check this hotline, or contact your local LEC representative for the latest, most accurate information, and continue to question those who distribute company propaganda, and advocate that we blindly give in to the company’s demands. As always, it is your elective representative who has your best interest at heart, not the company. Our unity is our strength, and it is working right now.



That’s all for this Allegheny MEC update


Quotes:

Throughout the presentation, Ashby made reference to US Airways Group’s contention that the US Airways MEC, by their refusal to allow the CRJ 705 series aircraft to be utilized, was the reason that the next 25 CRJ 700 Series 701 RJs would be flown by Mesa.

Unfortunately for Allegheny and PDT, nowhere in any of the 20 slides, or anywhere else in Ashby’s presentation, were ALG and PDT shown to be part of the Airways RJ plan. Nowhere.

Aside from blaming Airways current RJ ills on the mainline pilots refusal to accept the CRJ 700 705s, the other constant in the 20 slide presentation was that neither Allegheny nor Piedmont were part of US Airways plans to become a regional jet carriers. We weren’t even referenced. That fact was made clear to all in attendance when MEC Vice Chairman Pat Flannery asked Mr. Ashby if it were true that Allegheny was still at the top of the operational performance list. Ashby acknowledged that we traded the top spot with Piedmont on a weekly basis. Pat went on to ask Ashby if we were to be rewarded for our outstanding performance. Not anticipating the question, Ashby was at a loss for words, finally offering a vague response that failed to answer the question. He admitted that Allegheny was not in line to receive regional jets; however he said that they might look at the issue again next year. Might. He offered no guarantee. To describe the mood among the 30+ plus representatives from all of the Allegheny work groups as grim would be an understatement.

 

[md80furloughee]

Good luck to you all indeed! It is such a shame that it has come to this. I can only hope that you all will "fly safely" . The truely sad part is that Group came to you guys for concessions as well, maybe you guys should try to get them back. It's a pipe dream I know, but worth a try.

 

[the turtle]

328 Dude suprisingly quiet....you seem to be in the know, your comments?

 

[328dude]

I'm really at a lost for words for ALG and PDT. I pretty much pi$$ed at this whole thing and how it has caused our unity with our brothers to crumble.

I'm pretty much going to keep my mouth shut from now on, becasue the briefings I recieved from Arlington to the future of our wholly owned brothers and sisters a few month's back after the jet order was announced for PSA turned out to be a complete bullsh!t. I relayed the information to everyone at PDT and ALG in hopes of keeping their chins up and to hang tough even with the anger felt by all of them. No that the future of both looks grim in verbal conversation with managment and their pretty slide shows, I wished I would have kept my mouth shut.

The pilots of PSA are very concerned with that is happening at PDT and ALG and their future regardless of what a few of the folks think.

Just becasue we recieved jet's, does not mean we have turned our back on our brothers. Many might think this is the case, but the majority of the pilots at PSA are highly angured at what has transpired. All three MEC's wanted nothing more than to have all thre wholly owned around for groups restructuring. Hence all the negotiations and consessions. Now that this is a moot point for two of us, seems like a failure for the third in respect that the three of us will not be toghether as one to share in groups future.

Both ALG and PDT provide a great service to this company and is always switching places along the top of the charts. The fact that Ashby will not even aknowledge this and reward everyone there for the years of service baffles me.

ALG and PDT should have been included in groups restructuring with a proven track record for service, safety and COMMITTMENT!.

I hope that ALG and PDT understand that the majority of the pilots at PSA are highly concerned for both of you. Many have stated thier frustration when a ALG or PDT crew gives one of us the bird or blinds us with landing lights which is happening more and more lately. We did not control groups plans and what the future held for any three of us. We all played the same game and all three of us should have won. Sadly, this will not be the case.

To all my friends at PDT and ALG and you know who you are. I sincerely wish all of you the very best and hope you continue to fight.

328dude

 

[Desiday]

Lear, did they say anything about ALG losing any Dash's this year, or projected anything like that as they did at PDT?

 

[Dash8]

desi, we lost one plane this month, supposedly 2 more in aug or sep, which isn't supposed to affect us too much since we were technically kinda short, but after that I haven't heard any other retirement plans, just that there are some (no specifics)

328, on of your rampys came running up to our plane today in pit and and curiously excitedly (forgive the poor grammer, it's been a long day and i can't think of the proper terminology) says the following:

"We heard that all of you guys at alg and pdt got your pink slips today, is that true?"

 

[LearLove]

About the Dash 8 retirements

Basically there is this chart that shows lease expiration. However it keeps changing. As the leases come up the lease company calls with a better price and then the company says "we'd be fools not to operate this Dash on that price", and it stays. Not that this is the case with every Dash. It keeps changing and not even they (in MDT or Crystal City) know from day to day.

Another factor is the date and rate at which jets show up. At this point Rep. is in limbo or moving foward slowly (thank you Chatauqua guys) read: behind sked., Midway is behind, Mid Atlantic isn't running, JO has bitten off a big bite and may not deliver, TSA has UAL now, then there's the question of PSA taking 3 jets/month. What does this mean, well they (Crystal City) need to make rev. to pay/comply with the ATSB loan. So if RJ aren't flying, guess who stays to carry the load? Now what I mean jelly bean.

So as you can see, knowbody knows until the last minute. Now I'm not trying to blow sunshine up anyones bunghole, but the fat lady hasn't started to sing yet, she may be ready to take the stage but no singing, at least not for now.

If you want to know where I got the info for the above post, I attended the LEC meeting today, which was very helpful, much new info and stuff cleared up. There I saw the same briefing that Ashby gave in MDT on Mon. Bottom line, when you hear something online, call Rick, Pat or your local rep. and get the strait shot. From now on I will not listen to anything outside of written docs., a Reps voice, or a code-a-phone. No more discussing this crapola in the cockpit/on a trip either.

As for myself, I guess its time to think about tossing my stuff back in my parents' garage and cashing in the Dash type at Island Air or Horizon. Who knows, maybe there will be enough seats (FO seats) left at MD on the 170/175 by the time the Dash retirements hit my number sometime in 04, can you say long shot. I think I'd rather fly a Dash in HI if given the option. O well, who knows anyway, I can't do anything about it, so I'll fly my Dash and move on if I have to.

 

[blzr]

I hope something good finally comes from paying all those ALPA dues.







Press Release Source: Air Line Pilots Association, International


Pilots at US Airways Subsidiaries Protest Lost Jobs Resulting From Management's Punitive Measure
Thursday July 17, 4:58 pm ET


WASHINGTON, July 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Union leaders representing pilots at US Airways' wholly owned subsidiaries Allegheny, Piedmont, and PSA Airlines met this week to discuss possible actions seeking a reversal of the parent airline's recent decision to outsource new small-jet operations to Mesa Airlines.
"We believe that the US Airways management decision to divert express- carrier small jet flying away from its subsidiaries stemmed in part out of frustration related to the inability to reach an agreement with its mainline pilots," said Capt. Duane Woerth, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, International.

The conflict between US Airways and its mainline pilots relates to the specific type of airplane the carrier may acquire and deploy for express operations in accordance with the mainline pilots' contractual job protections. When the mainline pilots demanded adherence to weight and size limitations restricting the use of a specific type of express jet that US Airways sought to acquire, the carrier's management converted its order for 25 of those jets to take delivery of an equal number of slightly smaller airplanes with specifications matching the labor-contract size requirements. However, management switched the deployment of those aircraft away from its subsidiaries to Mesa. The move would deprive pilots at both the mainline and wholly owned subsidiary operations of jobs within the US Airways system.

"Aside from its punitive effects on pilots, the decision makes no sense in any other context," said Captain Olav Holm, chairman of ALPA's unit representing pilots at US Airways subsidiary Piedmont Airlines. "By opting to use Mesa, US Airways management is trying to wedge a square peg into a round hole. There just isn't a good fit," Holm said.

"Mainline management underestimates the operational and cost efficiencies of using its integrated resources, including employees intimately familiar with the US Airways operation through years of exposure to it," Holm added. "We fail to see this as a meaningful step toward successful economic recovery. According to Mr. Bruce Ashby, president of US Airways Express operations, Mesa airlines is already behind on current obligations to US Airways, and recently also made additional commitments to United Airlines. The result could be an inferior product for our customers," he said.

According to Capt. Richard O'Leary, chairman of the Allegheny pilot ALPA unit, in the context of US Airways' recent history, management's action becomes doubly insulting to the subsidiary employees. "US Airways' move betrays the spirit of cooperation and partnership that the pilots thought they had forged with management to get us through bankruptcy. Last year we made sizeable sacrifices and committed to providing the kind of top-shelf service that garnered the FAA's Diamond Certificate of Excellence Award for 2002 and recent recognition that Allegheny is the top performer of all the affiliates and wholly-owned carriers flying under the US Airways code. In return, we were told the subsidiary carriers would participate in the new small-jet deployments. Management clearly isn't keeping its end of the bargain," O'Leary said.

In their meeting at union headquarters, the pilot leaders discussed possible recourses. "We're looking at our options via the grievance provisions of the Railway Labor Act and through other legal avenues available under the pilot contracts," Woerth said. "Specifically we are examining the financing arrangement related to the recent announcement that US Airways will take delivery of seventy-seat jets and lease them to Mesa Airlines." The contracts at Allegheny and Piedmont Airlines provide that these aircraft financed by US Airways must be flown by the wholly-owned airlines.

Representing 66,000 pilots at 42 airlines in the U.S. and Canada, ALPA is the world's oldest and largest union of airline cockpit crews.

 

[LR25]

Who said its just economics?

More like ethics, And USAir doesnt have any.

Hey mainliners, howbout sticking up for the people that kept the airline from tanking completely?