The realization that this was an internal issue that stemmed from TSA and TSA alone, was quickly coming to light. Nobody else in the industry seemed to care what was happening at TSA. Surveys of most industry professionals did not even know GJ existed. ALPA National leadership even stood down when it was finally determined that GJ was not illegally created, and tried to pursue ways to make GJ ALPA members instead. It still remains a mystery how that was supposed to help the TSA pilots when the GJ pilots, under ALPA or Teamsters, would remain a separate company with a separate seniority list under a separate collective bargaining agreement. ALPA, with a history of corruption at the local level, was the last union the GJ pilots wanted. The Teamsters would give them a fresh new start. The propaganda grew into such elaborate and elastic lies, that it became evident no amount of retort would make a difference. It would only help to muddy the waters that were already hard to interpret. The public would just have to find out for themselves. A little research would bring the truth to light...
There was no strike. There was no picket line. There was only animosity and jealousy from the TSA pilots over this new market opportunity that would save TSH, thus saving TSA itself. But GJ could not be a part of TSA. It had to be its own entity. The underlying truth was thatGJneeded to be created, and could not be affiliated with TSA in order for the legalities to work. TSA was not allowed by contractual obligation to American to fly these new industry contracts because they required larger jets. No jobs were stolen. Jobs were created. TSA pilots had several opportunities to be a part of the exciting opportunity that GJ had to offer. In an extension of loyalty, pilots were even offered their longevity at TSA up to five years to fly for GJAfter all, TSH owned both companies, and it had the authority to issue such an offer. Although some had much more time than five years at TSA, payscales for the larger aircraft at GJ would still put those pilots in a position to make more money, have a longer future and fly larger aircraft than they could at TSA. The plan to secure the future of the airline rested with GJand all the TSA pilot group could say now was how dishonorable the company had been.
Machiavelli and Cicero, most noted for their positions on social diplomacy, said it very well. Disputes between honor and security will always be determined by the consideration of necessity. The necessity of honor should come first, the necessity of security usually second, and the necessity of convenience always considered last. Cicero affirms that this order can be changed, however, if the security of the company is at stake. If the position of the company illustrates that the security of its future may be questionable if certain steps are not achieved, then the necessity of security outweighs the necessity of honor, and it is common knowledge that honor can easily be reclaimed through courage and diligence.
Even today, as GJ grows, it is strengthening TSH and TSA, paving the path to a future that pilots of both companies will benefit. Those who had the courage to accept employment at GJ and the diligence to see the company through to its final certification for revenue flight should be recognized for having helped create a vehicle that will stabilize the future for all pilots under TSH. Those who stayed at TSA who decided not to take the opportunity at GJ should appreciate the risks the pilots of GJ took in the face of failure, adversity and public persecution to create opportunity for all. Great risks are deserving of great rewards. And thus, the story ends.
There was no strike. There was no picket line. There was only animosity and jealousy from the TSA pilots over this new market opportunity that would save TSH, thus saving TSA itself. But GJ could not be a part of TSA. It had to be its own entity. The underlying truth was thatGJneeded to be created, and could not be affiliated with TSA in order for the legalities to work. TSA was not allowed by contractual obligation to American to fly these new industry contracts because they required larger jets. No jobs were stolen. Jobs were created. TSA pilots had several opportunities to be a part of the exciting opportunity that GJ had to offer. In an extension of loyalty, pilots were even offered their longevity at TSA up to five years to fly for GJAfter all, TSH owned both companies, and it had the authority to issue such an offer. Although some had much more time than five years at TSA, payscales for the larger aircraft at GJ would still put those pilots in a position to make more money, have a longer future and fly larger aircraft than they could at TSA. The plan to secure the future of the airline rested with GJand all the TSA pilot group could say now was how dishonorable the company had been.
Machiavelli and Cicero, most noted for their positions on social diplomacy, said it very well. Disputes between honor and security will always be determined by the consideration of necessity. The necessity of honor should come first, the necessity of security usually second, and the necessity of convenience always considered last. Cicero affirms that this order can be changed, however, if the security of the company is at stake. If the position of the company illustrates that the security of its future may be questionable if certain steps are not achieved, then the necessity of security outweighs the necessity of honor, and it is common knowledge that honor can easily be reclaimed through courage and diligence.
Even today, as GJ grows, it is strengthening TSH and TSA, paving the path to a future that pilots of both companies will benefit. Those who had the courage to accept employment at GJ and the diligence to see the company through to its final certification for revenue flight should be recognized for having helped create a vehicle that will stabilize the future for all pilots under TSH. Those who stayed at TSA who decided not to take the opportunity at GJ should appreciate the risks the pilots of GJ took in the face of failure, adversity and public persecution to create opportunity for all. Great risks are deserving of great rewards. And thus, the story ends.
