blzr
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I Hope this works out in favor of the other two W/O PDT and ALG!! 'Scope' plan worries pilots
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By Thomas Olson
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, April 7, 2004
Leaders of US Airways pilots union today expect to weigh a proposal from management that would allow the company to shift regional jets between various US Airways express carriers -- with possible negative effects for laid-off pilots.
Depending on the outcome, the bargaining issue could mean fewer pilots now on layoff will eventually return to US Airways.
Twelve leaders of the Air Line Pilots Association -- two from each of US Airways' six main bases -- plan to meet in closed session in Coraopolis today and Thursday. They will receive a report on the issue, known as "scope relief," from the union's negotiating committee.
"We're OK with scope relief, (but) we're just not satisfied with what we'd get in return," said union spokesman Jack Stephan.
The existing "jets for jobs" provision in the pilots contract specifies that US Airways can add regional jets to its fleet, as long as the 50- to 90-seat aircraft are flown by pilots who have been previously furloughed. There are 1,879 pilots on layoff currently.
But the rehiring formula in the pilots' contract varies.
To fly a new regional jet, US Airways' MidAtlantic Airways express division, its Piedmont-Allegheny or PSA express subsidiaries must hire 100 percent from the ranks of furloughed US Airways pilots. But a non-wholly owned express subsidiary -- such as Mesa or Chautauqua airlines -- has to hire only 50 percent of its regional jet pilots from the ranks of those on layoff.
"We see this ultimately as an outsourcing of jobs," said one US Airways pilot who declined to be named. "This is death of a thousand cuts, rather than hacking our heads off."
Union and management negotiators have been discussing the issue for about two months. The issue is a key element of US Airways' restructuring plan, said US Airways spokesman Dave Castelveter. He said the airline already has taken delivery of three Embraer and about 20 Bombardier regional jets.
"Regional jets are going to be an important part of our plan going forward, and it will be just as important to resolve any outstanding issues relative to their operation," he said.
The pilots union's master executive council could either reject management's proposal, devise another counter-offer, send it to pilot members for a vote or take no action. A decision is not expected until Thursday, at the earliest.
"It's like going back and forth with a car dealer," Stephan said. "(Negotiating) protocol would suggest it's our move now."
Thomas Olson can be reached at [email protected] or (412) 320-7854.
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Larger / Smaller Text
By Thomas Olson
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, April 7, 2004
Leaders of US Airways pilots union today expect to weigh a proposal from management that would allow the company to shift regional jets between various US Airways express carriers -- with possible negative effects for laid-off pilots.
Depending on the outcome, the bargaining issue could mean fewer pilots now on layoff will eventually return to US Airways.
Twelve leaders of the Air Line Pilots Association -- two from each of US Airways' six main bases -- plan to meet in closed session in Coraopolis today and Thursday. They will receive a report on the issue, known as "scope relief," from the union's negotiating committee.
"We're OK with scope relief, (but) we're just not satisfied with what we'd get in return," said union spokesman Jack Stephan.
The existing "jets for jobs" provision in the pilots contract specifies that US Airways can add regional jets to its fleet, as long as the 50- to 90-seat aircraft are flown by pilots who have been previously furloughed. There are 1,879 pilots on layoff currently.
But the rehiring formula in the pilots' contract varies.
To fly a new regional jet, US Airways' MidAtlantic Airways express division, its Piedmont-Allegheny or PSA express subsidiaries must hire 100 percent from the ranks of furloughed US Airways pilots. But a non-wholly owned express subsidiary -- such as Mesa or Chautauqua airlines -- has to hire only 50 percent of its regional jet pilots from the ranks of those on layoff.
"We see this ultimately as an outsourcing of jobs," said one US Airways pilot who declined to be named. "This is death of a thousand cuts, rather than hacking our heads off."
Union and management negotiators have been discussing the issue for about two months. The issue is a key element of US Airways' restructuring plan, said US Airways spokesman Dave Castelveter. He said the airline already has taken delivery of three Embraer and about 20 Bombardier regional jets.
"Regional jets are going to be an important part of our plan going forward, and it will be just as important to resolve any outstanding issues relative to their operation," he said.
The pilots union's master executive council could either reject management's proposal, devise another counter-offer, send it to pilot members for a vote or take no action. A decision is not expected until Thursday, at the earliest.
"It's like going back and forth with a car dealer," Stephan said. "(Negotiating) protocol would suggest it's our move now."
Thomas Olson can be reached at [email protected] or (412) 320-7854.
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