From the ALPA update...
It was recently brought to the MEC’s attention that a FODO who was right seat qualified flew two revenue flights in May in the First Officer position. Management’s explanation of the assignment was that it was required because of a staffing shortfall due to an abnormally high number of sick leave calls. Especially in light of the fact that there are 93 pilots currently on the furlough, we will be challenging any attempts to permit check airmen to fly in the right seat other than when conducting mandatory training, as well as the similar assignment of other non-flying and supervisory pilots such as FODO’s.
Both the MEC and management agree that when they bid for and fly a regular monthly line, the abovementioned pilots are restricted to their permanent bid seat position. Where the MEC disagrees with management is on the application of Section 10 (Non-Flying or Supervisory Duty) and on the portion of Section 25 (Scheduling) that addresses the assignment of open flying time.
Your MEC officers met yesterday afternoon with Chief Pilot TK to address the issue. In response, he directed the scheduling department to refrain from using FODO’s and check airmen in right seat flying assignments (other than for mandatory training events) until further notice and has agreed to refer the issue to the Scheduling Management Group. We are fully prepared to grieve this matter if necessary, but at the same time we recognize Captain K’s actions as a positive step in trying to resolve the dispute ahead of the grievance and arbitration process.
We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available and will also inform you on the outcome of the Scheduling Management Group’s meeting to address this very important issue. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the application or enforcement of your CBA, please contact your Contract Compliance Committee.
It was recently brought to the MEC’s attention that a FODO who was right seat qualified flew two revenue flights in May in the First Officer position. Management’s explanation of the assignment was that it was required because of a staffing shortfall due to an abnormally high number of sick leave calls. Especially in light of the fact that there are 93 pilots currently on the furlough, we will be challenging any attempts to permit check airmen to fly in the right seat other than when conducting mandatory training, as well as the similar assignment of other non-flying and supervisory pilots such as FODO’s.
Both the MEC and management agree that when they bid for and fly a regular monthly line, the abovementioned pilots are restricted to their permanent bid seat position. Where the MEC disagrees with management is on the application of Section 10 (Non-Flying or Supervisory Duty) and on the portion of Section 25 (Scheduling) that addresses the assignment of open flying time.
Your MEC officers met yesterday afternoon with Chief Pilot TK to address the issue. In response, he directed the scheduling department to refrain from using FODO’s and check airmen in right seat flying assignments (other than for mandatory training events) until further notice and has agreed to refer the issue to the Scheduling Management Group. We are fully prepared to grieve this matter if necessary, but at the same time we recognize Captain K’s actions as a positive step in trying to resolve the dispute ahead of the grievance and arbitration process.
We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available and will also inform you on the outcome of the Scheduling Management Group’s meeting to address this very important issue. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the application or enforcement of your CBA, please contact your Contract Compliance Committee.
