Tommy Boy
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2005
- Posts
- 99
From Bob Tyler
To all pic all sic
To Each Flight Options Pilot:
THE ELECTION PROCESS
As you may have heard, yesterday January 23rd, the National Mediation
Board (NMB) authorized an election among our pilot group. It is really
important that each of you understand how the election process will unfold.
The NMB has told us that on February 7, 2006, a set of Telephone Electronic
Voting (TEV) instructions will be mailed to the home of each eligible
voter. The TEV instructions will contain two unique numbers, a Voter
Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Please safeguard your instructions and your VIN/PIN. Your VIN/PIN are
confidential and NO ONE should ask you to reveal your VIN/PIN. It is also
unlawful for anyone to collect your instructions, PIN, or VIN from you for
the purpose of voting on your behalf. In fact, use of another voter's VIN
and/or PIN is prohibited by federal law (see 18 U.S.C. § 1001). In
addition to other safeguards, the NMB has also stated that the election is
monitored for patterns of suspicious activity.
Keep in mind, this is a secret election and no one (except the NMB) will
know whether or not you voted, unless you decide to tell someone. Also,
the NMB does NOT disclose to anyone whether or how an employee has voted.
If you decide you want to reject the Teamsters and continue working
directly with me, Tim, Chris, and the rest of the Flight Operations Team on
the issues that concern you as pilots, the safest way to "vote NO" is
not
to vote at all. That's right; there is no telephone prompt to vote "NO"
in
the TEV system. So don't be fooled into calling the NMB's voting number if
you decide against Teamster representation.
'''yeah bob, most of us have degrees and could figure that one out. By the way...you, Tim and Chris don't RUN the team or even WORK with the team. Raytheon does all the running and they don't work with anyone. Didn't Chris just tell those guys in the DFW meeting that Raytheon told you NO to the pay raise? But you are telling us it is the union's fault..."
To read more about the TEV process, please refer to our website,
www.yourcompanyyouroptions.com , and select the "Voting Process" option.
""Or how about this website: http://www.ibt1108.org/options/index.html ""
You may also want to visit the NMB's website at http://www.nmb.gov/, select the Representation Menu, and
review the Frequently Asked Questions. Finally, you should also be aware
that the votes will be tabulated by the NMB on March 2, 2006, in Washington
D.C. We will have a representative present who will notify us of the
election results as soon as they are released by the NMB.
FACT VS. FICTION
Lately, I've received numerous calls and e-mails from pilots; so many
that I haven't been able to answer all of them directly in a timely manner.
Additionally, though I'm not surprised, there continues to be a great deal
of misinformation floating around on the internet. "Cyberspace" has
certainly changed the way we communicate with each other. However, the
information we find there is often inaccurate. So, in addition to
addressing some of your recent questions and concerns, I want to take the
opportunity to set the record straight on a few things. The best way to
slay the dragons of myth and fiction is with the swords of honesty and
truth. Let me share a few of the "fictions" that have been communicated
to you, our pilots.
Fiction: During the union election, the Company must maintain
the "status quo" which means the Company can't decrease pilot pay and
benefits. However, the Company would be allowed to increase pilot pay and
benefits during the "status quo" period.
FACT: First of all, "status quo" is a legal term that does
not apply in the context of union elections. Let me give you an example of when a status quo obligation would apply. Let's say an airline and a union
already have a contract in place and that contract becomes amendable.
During negotiations for the new contract, the existing contract still
applies. What that means is the airline could not make unilateral changes
that would conflict with the existing contract. Second, the period we are
in right now is called the "laboratory period" and should not be confused
with the term "status quo." During the laboratory period, a carrier should
not make changes in pay, benefits, and other terms and conditions of
employment that were not finalized and announced prior to the start of the
laboratory period, so as not to interfere with the employees' free choice.
""So according to YOUR words ...You should not be able to impliment the newly revised SOP's either right? ""
Fiction: Flight Options pilots need the Teamsters to protect
them against intimidation.
FACT: Intimidation from whom--union organizers and supporters?
The only complaints of intimidation I've received are those from pilots who
say they have been targeted for not supporting the union drive and were
placed on a "loser list" distributed by union supporters. So much for
respecting individual choice! Unfortunately, those pilots that don't
support the Teamsters most likely can expect this type of treatment.
Unlike the Company, the Teamsters are allowed to say or do anything to get
your vote. Be forewarned, this type of treatment doesn't stop at the end of
a union campaign; we've seen it in the context of union negotiations as
well.
""I love this one!! The 1108 has never told me I don't SOUND tired and referred me to the Check Airman on duty, who refers me to the APM, who refers me to, well, you get the picture, when I called in FATIGUED after four 14hr days in a row. The 1108 has never told me how bad they need that airplane when I tell them I am sending in a 501, the third one for that particular item I might add. The 1108 has never told me that I'm part 91 this leg and to just go. The 1108 has never cut my pay, benefits, denied my vacation, made me move or get fired, etc etc etc. And finally, I have yet to see any loser list unless you are talking about a scab list and MY name isnt on that list.""
Fiction: Flight Options pilots wouldn't be asked to pay dues
until after the first contract was finalized.
FACT: That's really a question for the Teamsters. What we can
tell you is that the Teamsters generally ask for "voluntary" payment of
dues during negotiations for a first agreement. That is what is happening
at North American Airlines right now. That airline and the Teamsters
Airline Division have been in negotiations for a first pilot contract since
April 2004 with no end in sight. You can also expect that one of the
Teamsters' primary demands in negotiations (if it should be voted in) would
be a Union Security Clause. This is also known as an agency clause or
union shop clause in some collective bargaining agreements. This clause
would compel all pilots as a condition of continued employment to either:
(1) become a member of the Teamsters and pay dues, or (2) reject Teamsters
membership and pay the equivalent of dues (i.e., agency fee). A Union
Security Clause is legal under the Railway Labor Act in spite of Right To
Work laws (i.e., laws that prohibit making union membership a condition of
employment) in various states.
""Yep, we don't have the big pockets to pay a company like Ford and Harrison like Raytheon does, so we have to pull cash out of our already light wallets to support ourselves to simply organize and try to get a decent contract. The lengths this company will go too and the amount of money it will spend to PREVENT the pilots from having a voice AMAZES me!""
Continued on next post.....
To all pic all sic
To Each Flight Options Pilot:
THE ELECTION PROCESS
As you may have heard, yesterday January 23rd, the National Mediation
Board (NMB) authorized an election among our pilot group. It is really
important that each of you understand how the election process will unfold.
The NMB has told us that on February 7, 2006, a set of Telephone Electronic
Voting (TEV) instructions will be mailed to the home of each eligible
voter. The TEV instructions will contain two unique numbers, a Voter
Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Please safeguard your instructions and your VIN/PIN. Your VIN/PIN are
confidential and NO ONE should ask you to reveal your VIN/PIN. It is also
unlawful for anyone to collect your instructions, PIN, or VIN from you for
the purpose of voting on your behalf. In fact, use of another voter's VIN
and/or PIN is prohibited by federal law (see 18 U.S.C. § 1001). In
addition to other safeguards, the NMB has also stated that the election is
monitored for patterns of suspicious activity.
Keep in mind, this is a secret election and no one (except the NMB) will
know whether or not you voted, unless you decide to tell someone. Also,
the NMB does NOT disclose to anyone whether or how an employee has voted.
If you decide you want to reject the Teamsters and continue working
directly with me, Tim, Chris, and the rest of the Flight Operations Team on
the issues that concern you as pilots, the safest way to "vote NO" is
not
to vote at all. That's right; there is no telephone prompt to vote "NO"
in
the TEV system. So don't be fooled into calling the NMB's voting number if
you decide against Teamster representation.
'''yeah bob, most of us have degrees and could figure that one out. By the way...you, Tim and Chris don't RUN the team or even WORK with the team. Raytheon does all the running and they don't work with anyone. Didn't Chris just tell those guys in the DFW meeting that Raytheon told you NO to the pay raise? But you are telling us it is the union's fault..."
To read more about the TEV process, please refer to our website,
www.yourcompanyyouroptions.com , and select the "Voting Process" option.
""Or how about this website: http://www.ibt1108.org/options/index.html ""
You may also want to visit the NMB's website at http://www.nmb.gov/, select the Representation Menu, and
review the Frequently Asked Questions. Finally, you should also be aware
that the votes will be tabulated by the NMB on March 2, 2006, in Washington
D.C. We will have a representative present who will notify us of the
election results as soon as they are released by the NMB.
FACT VS. FICTION
Lately, I've received numerous calls and e-mails from pilots; so many
that I haven't been able to answer all of them directly in a timely manner.
Additionally, though I'm not surprised, there continues to be a great deal
of misinformation floating around on the internet. "Cyberspace" has
certainly changed the way we communicate with each other. However, the
information we find there is often inaccurate. So, in addition to
addressing some of your recent questions and concerns, I want to take the
opportunity to set the record straight on a few things. The best way to
slay the dragons of myth and fiction is with the swords of honesty and
truth. Let me share a few of the "fictions" that have been communicated
to you, our pilots.
Fiction: During the union election, the Company must maintain
the "status quo" which means the Company can't decrease pilot pay and
benefits. However, the Company would be allowed to increase pilot pay and
benefits during the "status quo" period.
FACT: First of all, "status quo" is a legal term that does
not apply in the context of union elections. Let me give you an example of when a status quo obligation would apply. Let's say an airline and a union
already have a contract in place and that contract becomes amendable.
During negotiations for the new contract, the existing contract still
applies. What that means is the airline could not make unilateral changes
that would conflict with the existing contract. Second, the period we are
in right now is called the "laboratory period" and should not be confused
with the term "status quo." During the laboratory period, a carrier should
not make changes in pay, benefits, and other terms and conditions of
employment that were not finalized and announced prior to the start of the
laboratory period, so as not to interfere with the employees' free choice.
""So according to YOUR words ...You should not be able to impliment the newly revised SOP's either right? ""
Fiction: Flight Options pilots need the Teamsters to protect
them against intimidation.
FACT: Intimidation from whom--union organizers and supporters?
The only complaints of intimidation I've received are those from pilots who
say they have been targeted for not supporting the union drive and were
placed on a "loser list" distributed by union supporters. So much for
respecting individual choice! Unfortunately, those pilots that don't
support the Teamsters most likely can expect this type of treatment.
Unlike the Company, the Teamsters are allowed to say or do anything to get
your vote. Be forewarned, this type of treatment doesn't stop at the end of
a union campaign; we've seen it in the context of union negotiations as
well.
""I love this one!! The 1108 has never told me I don't SOUND tired and referred me to the Check Airman on duty, who refers me to the APM, who refers me to, well, you get the picture, when I called in FATIGUED after four 14hr days in a row. The 1108 has never told me how bad they need that airplane when I tell them I am sending in a 501, the third one for that particular item I might add. The 1108 has never told me that I'm part 91 this leg and to just go. The 1108 has never cut my pay, benefits, denied my vacation, made me move or get fired, etc etc etc. And finally, I have yet to see any loser list unless you are talking about a scab list and MY name isnt on that list.""
Fiction: Flight Options pilots wouldn't be asked to pay dues
until after the first contract was finalized.
FACT: That's really a question for the Teamsters. What we can
tell you is that the Teamsters generally ask for "voluntary" payment of
dues during negotiations for a first agreement. That is what is happening
at North American Airlines right now. That airline and the Teamsters
Airline Division have been in negotiations for a first pilot contract since
April 2004 with no end in sight. You can also expect that one of the
Teamsters' primary demands in negotiations (if it should be voted in) would
be a Union Security Clause. This is also known as an agency clause or
union shop clause in some collective bargaining agreements. This clause
would compel all pilots as a condition of continued employment to either:
(1) become a member of the Teamsters and pay dues, or (2) reject Teamsters
membership and pay the equivalent of dues (i.e., agency fee). A Union
Security Clause is legal under the Railway Labor Act in spite of Right To
Work laws (i.e., laws that prohibit making union membership a condition of
employment) in various states.
""Yep, we don't have the big pockets to pay a company like Ford and Harrison like Raytheon does, so we have to pull cash out of our already light wallets to support ourselves to simply organize and try to get a decent contract. The lengths this company will go too and the amount of money it will spend to PREVENT the pilots from having a voice AMAZES me!""
Continued on next post.....
