Comair LEC/MEC Elections Soon

[Treme]

For those Comair pilots who do not frequent the ALPA board.

Just a reminder that the LEC elections are coming up at Comair. All of the nomination ballots have to be in prior to the October 7th meeting. Two Captain representatives and two first officer representatives can be nominated. Voting for the individual representatives will take place in late October.

If you have never attended an LEC meeting before this is a good opportunity to take part in ALPA's political process. If you're going to be in town on 10/07 it would be very beneficial to stop by the meeting and make your voice heard.

The meeting will be held on Thursday October 7th, 12:00 noon at the Holiday Inn on Mineola Pike in CVG.

See you there!

 

[spinproof]

Yeah go and vote for the reps that will get rid of the self-serving pricks on the MEC!!!!

 

[JetPilot_Mike]

Yeah go and vote for the reps that will get rid of the self-serving pricks on the MEC!!!!

You sound like the prick.

 

[Captain X]

Yeah go and vote for the reps that will get rid of the self-serving pricks on the MEC!!!!

Jeez....you sound like you work for ExpressJet

 

[spinproof]

Gee JP mike i guess that makes you one of 5 people that knows what a prick sounds like!

 

[Treme]

back on topic...

Look guys, we're getting off topic here. The fact is that we live in challenging times. During the next three years we may experience several challenges including bankruptcy, concessions, downsizing, furloughs, outsourcing, jets4jobs, communication with the Delta and ASA pilots, the onset of the E-jets at substandard payrates and god-knows what-else.

We really need to take the time to nominate good people, educate ourselves on the candidates, and vote like our careers depend upon it -- because they may.

This is important. For many of our pilots this will be their first exposure to the ALPA political process. October 7th is a red-letter day. We have to get people involved in their careers.

Spread the word

 

[JetPilot_Mike]

Gee JP mike i guess that makes you one of 5 people that knows what a prick sounds like!

How original.

 

[spinproof]

I wish I could say the same to you...but your thoughts are anything but! Then again they follow the thoughts of present representation.

 

[Treme]

Spinproof,

Can you be more specific as to your problems with the current LEC/MEC? Perhaps your insight will help us to decide how to nominate/vote in the upcoming elections.

Treme'

 

[spinproof]

I think it is obvious to anyone willing to review the record of the MEC that their comunication skills are non-existant. That along with a growing arrogance of preceived power, that has the chair at an appointed national position, which somehow he feels to be a level above the pilot group and refuses to answer any questions.

The vice-chair responds to any question as though the poser is an Idiot. His condesending answers try to intimadate fewer questions. While he does show up on discussion boards his stock reply is "they're looking into it along with national".

They believe they have a right to deal with any situation without a membership vote! Bill Baker, in a lame response in the "upfront" states that, "the MEC has a right(alpa by-laws) to exercise 'flexability' not to use a 'popular' vote because of the 'group dynamics' that may be led by emotions and rumors......"....! HUH?
Which means if you guys get too emotional about this we'll take charge and vote the way we see fit!!!?????

Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Vote wisely! You're about to be sold down the river by a group whose ambitions exceed their present reach.

 

[surplus1]

Spinproof,

If you are a CMR pilot why do you have a PDT logo as your avatar? Just curious.

 

[spinproof]

Well "Cargo" I'll tell you Its the LAST of the great airlines!!!!! Which I'm sure won't be repeated...at least not in my lifetime!

 

[Treme]

Spinproof,

I hope, based on your opinion, that we can expect to see you at the LEC meeting on 10/07.

I also hope that both the meeting attendance and the nomination numbers will reflect the Comair pilots' involvement in the process and in their union. This nomination and election will send a strong message to management as to whether we are participants in our union or simply lambs headed to slaughter.

What message do we want to send them?

10/07 Holiday Inn Mineola Pike, 12 noon. Tell your fellow crewmembers. Be there.

 

[Treme]

There were a few candidates in the crew facility this morning (10/01) answering questions.

One captain rep nominee and one f/o rep nominee.

Was nice to see people show up on a day off to talk to the line pilots.

 

[acarpe3448]

Sounds like you guys have a lot on your plate. Are you going to be seeking a representative that will continue the RJDC fight, or is that a seperate issue? What about the 328's? Any ideas where those will end up? Good luck on your rep search!!

 

[Treme]

Fred Buttrell said that if Delta declares bankruptcy the D328s would just be parked.

If Delta was somehow able to avoid bankruptcy they would be flown by Skyway.

 

[Treme]

Got some new info.

Someone posted a list of the names of pilots who are running for Capt and F/O rep on the ALPA website.

5 days until the meeting. Dont forget there will be nomination ballots available at the meeting.

Looks like as of right now there are 7 Captains and 5 F/Os who have expressed an interest in running. When they count the number of nominations the top four pilots (in each seat) who get the most nominations will be the ones who ultimately make it on to the election ballot.

So -- especially in the Captain election -- make sure that you nominate your choice to make certain that he makes it onto the ballot.

And hey! Dont forget you vote for BOTH captain and copilot rep regardless of which seat you're in!!!

Any questions on the election process drop me a PM and i'll give you the rest of the info i've found out.

 

[Treme]

Just one last reminder! The LEC meeting is at the Holiday Inn on Mineola Pike on Thursday the 7th beginning at noon.

I really can not overemphisize the importance of attending this meeting and making your voice heard. If you still have not submitted a nomination ballot you can go to this meeting, talk with some of the candidates, make a decision, and submit a ballot on the spot!

With all of the challenges we may face in the coming months and years, dont you want to have a voice in who will be representing you?

Please take the time to attend. Its your career. Take ownership of it.

 

[skydiverdriver]

The rjdc litigation has nothing to do with the MEC or LEC at Comair, or ASA, the two airlines in the suit. An individual LEC member may have an opinion on the rjdc, but the litigation is being handled outside ALPA representation.

I'm sorry if you have a problem with the MEC, but this election won't help you. It's an election for the LEC, our elected members. If you want to get rid of the MEC, that's a different procedure. In fact, it was tried recently, and everyone was left in office.

I have never had a problem with any of our MEC or LEC answering questions. I just hope we don't elect another Midway pilot to the LEC.

 

[PCL_128]

I'm sorry if you have a problem with the MEC, but this election won't help you. It's an election for the LEC, our elected members. If you want to get rid of the MEC, that's a different procedure.

Not really true. If you want to get rid of the MEC, then you have to change the LEC reps. The Capt and FO rep from each LEC get to vote on the MEC. If your LEC reps support an MEC chair that you want to go, then you had better get new LEC reps. I don't know who's running over at CMR, but keep this process in mind when you vote for your reps. I know that this process is on the minds of many DTW pilots as they go to vote for their LEC reps in the coming weeks at Pinnacle.

 

[Treme]

not quite true...

The new MEC Chair, Vice-Chair, and Treasurer are voted on by the CURRENT reps --- NOT those who are being nominated and elected this month.

I have every faith that the current MEC (including the resident furloughed Midway pilot) will make a decision that is in the best interests of the pilot group.

Besides, I havent heard of anyone who is running AGAINST JC and Cory so the discussion is largely academic.

 

[FDJ2]

The new MEC Chair, Vice-Chair, and Treasurer are voted on by the CURRENT reps --- NOT those who are being nominated and elected this month.

But wouldn't the newly elected LEC reps have the right to recall JC Lawson after they take over if they so desire?

 

[Treme]

I believe that any member can begin recall preceedings if they so choose. But getting members to attend LEC meetings is like pulling teeth.

I'm sure somebody out there has the bylaws and can discuss the procedure for a recall. (I dont have them)

Is there any particular reason that JC and Cory need to be recalled? Why not just find a suitable candidate to run AGAINST them if you feel they arent doing a good job?

Any pilot can do it -- doesnt even have to be a Captain. The election will occur in late Fall and, if your candidate is successful, will take office in Jan.

After last year's aborted recall attempt I would be very surprised to see any of the reps attempt a recall without clear direction from the pilot group at large.

 

[FDJ2]

I believe that any member can begin recall preceedings if they so choose. But getting members to attend LEC meetings is like pulling teeth.

I'm sure somebody out there has the bylaws and can discuss the procedure for a recall. (I dont have them)

Here are the pertinent by-laws:

ARTICLE IV - MASTER EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

SECTION 1 - ORGANIZATION

A. On an airline having one (1) Local Council, except a Local Council subject to Article III, Section

1C, the Local Executive Council shall be the Master Executive Council except when the membership of a Local Council, at a duly called meeting and with the subject having been on the published agenda for the meeting, approves, the Local Executive Council of a single-council airline may elect, by unanimous vote, with the consent of the Executive Council, any Active member in good standing on their airline to serve as MEC Chairman.

B. On an airline having two (2) or more Local Councils or an airline having one (1) Local Council subject to Article III, Section 1C, all of the Captain Representatives, First Officer Representatives and, where applicable, Second Officer Representatives, or all of the Seniority Block Status Representatives, shall be members of the Master Executive Council.

C. Only the Chairman of a single status Local Council shall be a member of the Master Executive Council.



SECTION 13 - RECALL

A. (1) Any officer of the Master Executive Council, including a Master Chairman at Large on a single council airline, may be recalled from office at any time with or without cause, by a two-thirds vote of the Master Executive Council conducted by secret ballot with each member casting one vote, provided that in the case of a single council airline, except an airline having one (1) Local Council subject to Article III, Section 1C, a Master Executive Council officer may only be removed as prescribed in Article III, Section 2F.

(2) Where, in a recall vote under subparagraph (1), at least fifty percent but less than two-thirds of the Master Executive Council has voted in favor of recall, a motion may be offered from the floor requesting a second vote on the recall motion using the roll call voting procedure. This motion to conduct a roll call vote on the recall motion must be allowed, if requested, as the next order of business following the first recall vote, and shall require a simple majority of the MEC.

(3) A simple majority of roll call votes in favor of recall shall be sufficient to effect the recall of an MEC officer. B. An affirmative vote for removal of an officer of the Master Executive Council shall not remove the officer from membership on the Master Executive Council if he is still qualified for membership thereon as a Local Council Representative or Officer.

C. A member of the Master Executive Council shall be removed from membership thereon as a result pursuant to Article III, Section 2F.D. When a Master Chairman is removed from office, the Master Executive Council may elect a new Master Chairman at that meeting or apply Section 11 of this Article.


Clear as mud aren't they?

I believe that previously it was asserted that the newly elected LEC would not vote on the MEC Administration since they would already have been elected by the current LEC representatives who together comprise the CMR MEC. Regardless of who the current CMR representatives elect as MEC Chairman, the newly elected Representatives will be able to recall him, if they choose, and conduct a new election. Why would a newly elected MEC choose to recall an MEC Chairman is a different matter, but perhaps they want a change of direction. Regardless, it really is just matter for the CMR pilots to decide, particularly given ALPA's structure of local MEC autonomy.

 

[Treme]

I appreciate you providing that information but, honestly, it has very little to do with this thread. The point of this thread -- at least my original intention -- was to try and get at least a few who might otherwise be apathetic, get them to attend the meeting, and hopefully nominate strong candidates for the LEC.

Pilots love to complain, but so few are willing to stand up and take part in the process. This is an opportunity to choose the new direction for the Comair pilot group and to nominate and elect candidates who, hopefully, will be able to fairly represent the pilot-group through what will be some of the most tumultuous times the airline has ever faced.

Vote!

 

[FDJ2]

I appreciate you providing that information but, honestly, it has very little to do with this thread.


I was responding to your previous statement:

The new MEC Chair, Vice-Chair, and Treasurer are voted on by the CURRENT reps --- NOT those who are being nominated and elected this month.


The new representatives will, if they so choose, have an opportunity to elect a new MEC Leadership team, which does make any LEC election important. I agree with you, pilots ought to stay informed, attend meetings and VOTE. If you want to maximize pilot participation in CMR elections and other ballots, and it appears you do, you might want to study what we've been doing at Delta with the Delta Pilot Network. It's been a very effective tool in increasing pilot voting participation.

The point of this thread -- at least my original intention -- was to try and get at least a few who might otherwise be apathetic, get them to attend the meeting, and hopefully nominate strong candidates for the LEC.


Outstanding!!!!


This is an opportunity to choose the new direction for the Comair pilot group and to nominate and elect candidates who, hopefully, will be able to fairly represent the pilot-group through what will be some of the most tumultuous times the airline has ever faced.

Good luck.

 

[DDpaysoff]

What's up with the literature being passed around with four people on it? Has that happened here in the past?

Can't we do these meetings in a CC? This isn't the plumbers and pipefitters local 178, there are people spread throughout the country on trips, at home, with family, running businesses that can't make it to cincinnati that day and I want to hear what is said? At least transcrips. We have the technology folks.

 

[JI Gone OH]

I have never had a problem with any of our MEC or LEC answering questions. I just hope we don't elect another Midway pilot to the LEC.

Just out of curiousity.... What does the fact that one LEC member happens to come from Midway have to do with ANYTHING? What a dumb statement. If you don't like that individual, that's one thing, vote for someone else. His former employer is a moot point. There are a lot of great guys that came from Midway that you would be VERY lucky to have on the LEC, including the one that is on there now.

 

[Treme]

DDPaysoff,

Apparently it has never been done before. Not just at Comair but at any airline in ALPA.

Those guys were in the trailers the other day talking to pilots about their campaign. They said that they felt confident enough in each others positions that they could work together as an LEC so they figured they would run together.

They said they would be at the meeting tomorrow (12 noon at the Holiday Inn on Mineola Pike) so i'm sure lots of people will have questions for them there.

 

[Treme]

I apologize for beating this drum again... but just a reminder if you did NOT have the opportunity to nominate your choice for LEC Captain and F/O reps you can STILL do so!!!

All you need to do is attend the meeting tomorrow at noon. There will be ballots available for you. Nominate your choices (2 Capts, 2 F/Os)

Remember only the top 4 Captains and top 4 F/Os (in terms of number of nominations received) will actually appear on the election ballot that you will receive later this month!!

So if you know of a pilot who is willing to serve, and want that person on the ballot, it is EXTREMELY important that you nominate him or her.

By this time tomorrow we will know who the 4 Captains and 4 First Officers will be that will be on the ballot.

There are 10+ Captains and at LEAST 5 first-officers who have expressed an interest in running. Your nominations are required in order to get your choice on the ballot. Without your vote you may not have a choice in who the 8 representatives are!

Please take the time to attend this meeting and submit a ballot. Don't let others decide who will represent you!