FLOPS Union Busting

[Jetsi]

http://www.yourcompanyyouroptions.com/

From the latest AIN Alerts:

Flight Options Fights Union Drive
Since the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 1108 filed an application letter to the National Mediation Board (NMB) for representation of the 830 Flight Options pilots earlier this month, the fractional provider has increased efforts to thwart the union drive. It has set up a Web site to provide information to the pilot workforce about unions and, according to NMB filings, hired union-busting law firm Ford & Harrison. NMB rules prohibit Flight Options from interfering in the union election process, so the site’s content has been crafted so as to not portray an anti-union stance. However, it does explain how not to vote in the expected Flight Options union election, which would be conducted using a telephone electronic voting system. In a recent recorded message to the pilots, Flight Options COO and acting CEO S. Michael Scheeringa said, “While we believe in the pilots’ rights to make their own decisions regarding representation, we do not feel that it’s in the best interest to vote for Teamster representation.” Flight Options declined to comment.

Man oh man, does that sure look familiar. Guess it worked so well for Raytheon the first time they figured they would give it a shot again.

If there are any fence sitters (and I don't see how their could be) think long and hard before the election.

Good luck to you all.

Jetsi

 

[sdmund]

Never mind...I'm stupid.

 

[Hawkered]

I'd say, that's a fruitless effort on the part of Options!

 

[Texasskicker]

Yea, and..

I'd say, that's a fruitless effort on the part of Options!

You'd say that? Where is the credibility in what YOU have to say?

 

[Hawkered]

I've already seen some of the stat's on the voting!

 

[Texasskicker]

Yea, and...

I've already seen some of the stat's on the voting!

Once again, where is the credibility in the hot air you create? How do you have access to the stats on the voting big man?

 

[Hawkered]

I am in a positon to know...and you Sir, are on the wrong side of history!!

The Association of Shared Airline Pilots will get elected to represent Flight Options, and Raytheon will be forced topay its pilots properly and to stop breaking promises.

They deserve a union!

 

[Texasskicker]

Oooh

I am in a positon to know...and you Sir, are on the wrong side of history!!

The Association of Shared Airline Pilots will get elected to represent Flight Options, and Raytheon will be forced topay its pilots properly and to stop breaking promises.

They deserve a union!

Ooooh, you are SO powerful Honkered! I'm getting a very special feeling. I think you really do know. I might be on the wrong side of fifty, but history? Time will tell.

I'll get back to you on that one. Now, dont you have some triangles with exclamation points to click on you big baby?

Moderator reviewed.

 

[TORCH67]

Sir, you do nothing but bring shame down on the good name of Texas. Please stop making a fool out of yourself and the Great State of Texas.

 

[Going2Baja]

Sir, you do nothing but bring shame down on the good name of Texas. Please stop making a fool out of yourself and the Great State of Texas.

Agreed!!! I have family back to the Alamo and you are the first person that claims Texas and acts like a horses A$$.

Baja.

 

[GerryG]

Sniff, Sniff

This thread is a textbook example of how the Union busting trolls do their work on this web site. Notice Jetsi began this thread with a nice factual post which, if it were not for the interventions of Texas, might have led to an informative discussion of the issues, specifically Union busting. But Texas, or more specifically Ford&Harrison don't want us to have a relevant discussion about the issues, they want us to fight among ourselves. See how easy it was for Texas to derail this thread with a simple insult. It would be nice if we could all avoid this trap. Don't take the bait these troll's dangle, just ignore them so we can prevent them from derailing future posts.

I think by now we all know who the Union busting trolls are, who have been assigned to work against the Flight Options Union drive. Don't return fire, just ignore. Or if you must return fire do it in an educational way.

 

[Publishers]

Flight Options may well go for a union..... what might be of more concern is Raytheon even wanting to keep Options going or will they dump it as quick as they can....what effect will the unionization have on the sale? ??? the possiblilities are endless.
My question is will Raytheon, a manufacturer really want to be in a business that to be competitive in they might have to have other manufacturer's aircraft and associated liability.

 

[realityman]

Publishers,your post makes no sense. It's already pretty well known throughout the industry that Raytheon does not want to be in the fractional business anymore. This has been discussed quite thoroughly in previous threads, so if you don't believe me just search the threads for yourself. But like all the other fractional providers, they have contracts with their clients, and are continuing to sell more, so it's unlikely they would just shut it down.
As for operating other manufacturers aircraft, they already do. So what's the problem? There isn't any additional liability for doing that than any of the other fractionals face. Oops, well maybe NJA is the only other one that operates multiple types from differing manufacturers, but it hasn't seemed to cause them any problems.

The real question is, will the pilots be better off with or without a union if FLOPS is sold. The union has certainly proved its value at NJA, but ultimately it's up to the pilots at FLOPS to decide if they really need one or not. I'm not pushing the union one way or the other for those guys. It's their decision, and as I don't have a vote there, it doesn't concern me. And it really doesn't concern you either Publishers.

 

[Semore Butts]

I agree with Baja and Torch and the rest...

As a resident of Texas I'd just like to say that the Texas Ass-licker is in no way representative of the great people and pilots I know from Texas.

 

[XPGuy]

We need a total of around 416 votes to "win" the election which takes place I believe March 2, 2006. I went through our seniority list today, and could personally confirm over 100 names that will be voting for it, and only about 15 that would be voting no. I find it extremely hard to believe that out of the other 700 pilots, that 300 of them won't be voting for it. This vote will be a landslide.

 

[dime line]

XP I hope your right

 

[Guitar rocker]

As a resident of Texas I'd just like to say that the Texas Ass-licker is in no way representative of the great people and pilots I know from Texas.

I second that! Or third or wherever I am line for the many that think this kid is an embarrassment to TX.

 

[Texasskicker]

Semore:

As a resident of Texas I'd just like to say that the Texas Ass-licker is in no way representative of the great people and pilots I know from Texas.

May I remind you of a quote you made here: http://forums.flightinfo.com/showpost.php?p=875882&postcount=16

You are right on Muth&^%&*%&!!!!!!

These ^*^(%$&%^ers need to lighten up!!!!


I don't personally attack anyone verbally, (that I recall anyway, except that one low life muth^*&^(*&^ ahole)

When you post an opinion in a public forum you should be expecting an alternate point of view. (I'm sure I'll get one here)

As I recall the most often used explative on a cockpit recorder is $hit!

I do think we should be tolerant of each other. It is very difficult sometimes to actually get the intent of you message across with the "lack of inflection)" that comes with typed conversation.

I don't mind foul language, I don't like it directed at people though, unless the y are my buds, (you know "hey %&% you man", ", no 435$%^%$ you man"!!!!!

But hey Fu^&*kin "A"! I'm on vacation and drinking beer.

HAHAHAHAHA, I'm talking to my wife and we agree, don't let your "Bullshoot filter " get clogged!!!!

Take a chill, don't get excited. There are people dying for your freedom to bitch, whine and complain about whatever.

I served my time, and I'm headed back again, so hurting you feelings here are not really high on my priority list.

If the language is to strong, go to the Sesame street board, by the same token, if you have to cuss someone to get your point across, then you should probably beef up your original point.

Holey &^*^&^$%^$#^%$#@, this has to be my all time best incoherent ramble!!!!!!

Take care, Semore

I do not appreciate the verbal assault. However, here in the fantasy world of Flightinfo.com, it is to be expected.

Good day.

 

[Eagleflip]

Moderator Input

OK boys...less flame, more debate. If this thread spins outta control we'll have to close it, and that would be a shame.

 

[FracCapt]

This vote will be a landslide.

I can't necessarily agree with you regarding a landslide. I have spoken with many people that want no part of a Union. Based on my discussions, I'm estimating 55-65% yes votes - not a landslide by any means, IMO.....but enough to accomplish the desired end result.

I hope I'm wrong, and you're right....but I don't think that will be the case.

Unfortunately, I have to say that length of time with the company and original company seem to play a major role in these decisions. I've heard references to a "feeling of loyalty" to the company by several people...which I don't understand.

 

[XPGuy]

My prediction is between 65-75%. In the past 2 rotations, I have found ONE pilot that will not vote for the union - and I've probably spoken personally to maybe 30.


Luckily, we only need 409 votes to win this thing, actually less, because we will be losing quite a few pilots between now and the vote.

 

[FLYLOW22]

My prediction is between 65-75%. In the past 2 rotations, I have found ONE pilot that will not vote for the union - and I've probably spoken personally to maybe 30.


Luckily, we only need 409 votes to win this thing, actually less, because we will be losing quite a few pilots between now and the vote.

The initial vote will be north of 75% IMHO. Those will be your hardcore guys who get it. There will likely be a 10-15% margin voting "with the crowd" on future issues. The remaining percentage is made up of the ones who are braindead.

 

[tubelcane]

Let me just say as an Options pilot for over 2 years, they need a union. I don't know if the Teamsters are the answer, but they definitely need some representation. I recently left Options, but want to see things work out for the guys/gals there. It comes down to a simple question, do you think Options management can be trusted and/or cares about your future? Now each person can answer that for themselves. But I think we all know the answer. My only question to the guys who don't support representation is, what are you thinking?

 

[Wyatt]

If the idiots at FLOPs would just spend the money they are wasting on "union busting" on a few programs to keep their workers (specifically the pilot group) happy they could save millions just with the increased productivity alone. No one gives a s**t anymore. If there isnt a increase in percieved QOL soon nothing will turn things around. The union is the last, best hope that FLOPs has to get things back on track. :angryfire

 

[IronManNDFW]

Ok boys & girls. As a resident of North Texas, A$$ licker suckered you in. Publisher is none better.

Pub: Even if "Mother" does sell us, we will still go with a BINDING CONTRACT and we will have protection. The buyers will have to honor that contract, so they will know what they are getting. We know we wil be protected by any other shysters out there like Ford & Harrison.

Now before you trip a breaker, I know that works with a Teamster represented company and it's merger clauses. However consider this, 1108 is not your normal local. It is for Fractional or Condo Jet operations only. That is why we are throwing in with them. Like for Like. Get it?

We will never get a QOL "raise." Shawn has seen the light that if we keep beeting down the pilots they will keep taking it. May I remind you of the Tiear 3 pilots we lost, and the tiear 2 that they want to close down also. I can remember back when I overheard the Presients of both RTA & FO saying "I could run this place better without those damn pilots!" Oh really? Remember before the merger KR told a RTA pilot by the name of Bobby Sides that "He will be the best Union Steward that we could ever expect to have." Yea, and look at what that has brought us too. Not I'm not saying it was all KR's fault, but with "Mother" in control you will only be able to do what she says, and that means makeing working conditions the worst in teh country, including Wal-Mart.

Don't get me started on waste, mismanagement, lies, violations of the FAR's, lack of support from CGF, etc.

So I say VOTE 1108!

 

[AeroBoy]

More fuel for the debate: http://www.ainonline.com/Issues/02_06/02_06_flightoptions_4.htm

 

[netjetwife]

A landslide wouldn't be surprising at all. Once discontent reaches a high enough level to prompt a group of pilots to step up and lead the group, you can figure there's enough support out there to make their efforts worth the time involved. Given the amount of days that frac pilots spend away from home, they tend to be very selective in the causes they donate their limited time to. Options pilots have had long enough to decide there must be a better way of solving their problems than leaving all the decisions up to management. Active participation in your career seems to be a natural choice for pilots.

Best of luck!
NJW

 

[DO-82 driver]

I had the opportunity to meet quite a few FLOP's guys this week. Everyone of them were more than enthusiastic about voting Local 1108 onto the property. These guys weren't just being polite, they were very strong willed and had very strong opinions concerning the furture of their Company and their careers.

The NetJets folks and FLOP's folks are very much alike.......I wish all those at FLOP's people the best in securing the types of futures you all deserve.

 

[RNObased]

The NetJets folks and FLOP's folks are very much alike.......I wish all those at FLOP's people the best in securing the types of futures you all deserve.

Really NJA crews and Flops's crew are very much alike..... In the regard that we are both pilots, yes. Other then that...... Well I would say there is big difference between us.

 

[Guitar Guy]

Really NJA crews and Flops's crew are very much alike..... In the regard that we are both pilots, yes. Other then that...... Well I would say there is big difference between us.

What, in your opinion, are the differences between Flops and NJA crews? I'm just curious as to what your reasoning is.