Polar Air Cargo, 30 days out from possible strike.

[Whale Rider]

Atlas is back to operations normal today!

Sounds like you stayed up all night studying that VARS meassage, in order to interpret any ounce of negativity you could squeeze out of it........

 

[B747-300]

"Who's going to be doing the teaching???"

A Part 142 training center, as approved by the Atlas POI.

"Sounds like you stayed up all night studying that VARS meassage, in order to interpret any ounce of negativity you could squeeze out of it........"

No reason to embellish. The exact text is posted in quotes. I think the judge's ruling is clear. I think the part about "physically" crossing a line is very damaging to you guys. No more "token" presence at an airport and trying to claim there is a strike line. Now you'll have to cover all ramp entrances at all airports around the clock. Given the lack of support amongst your own council membership, that could be a very tall order.

 

[TonyC]

"Sounds like you stayed up all night studying that VARS meassage, in order to interpret any ounce of negativity you could squeeze out of it........"

No reason to embellish.

And yet that didn't stop you from embellishing.

By the way, "Atlas is back to operations normal today!" is not an accurate embellishment.


It's pretty pathetic when an Atlas pilot would take aim against Polar pilots as if THEY were his enemy. That you would wish ill fortune on them demonstrates just how pitiful a human being you are.



.

 

[B747-300]

"It's pretty pathetic when an Atlas pilot would take aim against Polar pilots as if THEY were his enemy. That you would wish ill fortune on them demonstrates just how pitiful a human being you are."

THEY ARE THE ENEMY!

In the 11th hour of our initial contract negotiations Bob F., the Polar MEC Chairman, said that Polar would fly our struck work.

The crewmembers at Polar also voted in favor of a pay raise and contract extension rather than negotiate at the same time as Atlas.

These same guys wanted to staple us to the bottom of their seniority list when the Atlas and Polar lists are merged.

Now they expect us to rescue them from their sinking ship. No way! Dumb reason to strike and a really dumb time. They're about to get what they deserve.

We have the right to feed our families by flying Atlas planes full of Atlas cargo.

 

[Whale Rider]

"It's pretty pathetic when an Atlas pilot would take aim against Polar pilots as if THEY were his enemy. That you would wish ill fortune on them demonstrates just how pitiful a human being you are."

THEY ARE THE ENEMY!

In the 11th hour of our initial contract negotiations Bob F., the Polar MEC Chairman, said that Polar would fly our struck work.

The crewmembers at Polar also voted in favor of a pay raise and contract extension rather than negotiate at the same time as Atlas.

These same guys wanted to staple us to the bottom of their seniority list when the Atlas and Polar lists are merged.

Now they expect us to rescue them from their sinking ship. No way! Dumb reason to strike and a really dumb time. They're about to get what they deserve.

We have the right to feed our families by flying Atlas planes full of Atlas cargo.

You trying to use your own personal hatred to personify the Atlas pilot groups feelings aren't working.......you're all alone.....too bad.

 

[B747-300]

You Polar guys are spending too much time at the computer and not enough time on your picket lines! Why aren't you out carrying a sign, Whale? I hear Fairbanks is lovely this time of year!

Curious that you never offer an explanation for abandoning Atlas crews (twice) in our hour of need. I guess it is just much easier to refer to me as "all alone" than it is to address the real issue.

 

[Whale Rider]

You Polar guys are spending too much time at the computer and not enough time on your picket lines! Why aren't you out carrying a sign, Whale? I hear Fairbanks is lovely this time of year!

Curious that you never offer an explanation for abandoning Atlas crews (twice) in our hour of need. I guess it is just much easier to refer to me as "all alone" than it is to address the real issue.

I'm no where near Fairbanks........you on the other hand are in a place alot colder than Fairbanks.....because you're all alone. Brrrrrr!

 

[B747-300]

I'll try a more direct approach:

Dear Whale Rider:

Why did you and your fellow crewmembers at Polar abandon Atlas crewmembers when we needed you most?

Sincerely,

B747-300

 

[KeroseneSnorter]

I'll try a more direct approach:

Dear Whale Rider:

Why did you and your fellow crewmembers at Polar abandon Atlas crewmembers when we needed you most?

Sincerely,

B747-300

Why are you intent on keeping a grudge from the past alive?

There is a better than average chance that Whale was not even at Polar during the last contract......just like a huge number of Atlas guys were not.

Most could care less what happened last time, they are looking forward. Heck if 9/11 had not happened I would still be at a Major airline, but I do not dwell on something I cannot change. My main concern is what I do now to make the future better.

Like it or not, unless there is a full shutdown of Polar, you will be working with these people until you turn 60. Keep going like you are and you will be like one of those bitter old farts at my last carrier that was still ticked about a merger that happened 15 years earlier. They led a miserable existance. I suspect you are so balled up over the past that you have nothing except anger and bitterness left.

 

[B747-300]

"Why are you intent on keeping a grudge from the past alive?"

The current MEC Chair was installed by Bob F., the former MEC Chair. Bob F. is still the defacto leader of the Polar council. And because past action is a pretty good indicator of what we can expect in the future.

I think Polar crews would sell us out again if the price was right.

 

[KeroseneSnorter]

"Why are you intent on keeping a grudge from the past alive?"


I think Polar crews would sell us out again if the price was right.

I could care less what the previous guys did, nor will I let them say what I will do in the future. In case you haven't noticed, the pilots hired over the last 3 years(and there are quite a few) have no idea what happened back then nor do they care either. Most of the "newbies" at both Atlas and Polar are retreads from the Majors that were butchered after 9/11. We saw mgmt. and the MEC's (yes the MEC's had a hand in it) sell the junior guys down the river, give away routes to RJ's, and allow different pilot groups to be played against each other (mainlines and regionals....very very similar to what is being done to Atlas/Polar)

Pretty much 100% of them learned from the experience. That lesson? Never ever allow mgmt. to take advantage of one side of the company by using the other side of the company. Too bad you have not had the chance to see first hand how bad it can really get. Atlas and Polar have been insulated from the really bad stuff. I am not talking about the day to day ops. I am speaking of guys with 35 years in getting his entire pension wiped out, or guys that had been retired for 10 years losing their pension!!

The squabbling among Polar and Atlas about what happened last time is meaningless and only takes you one step closer to the free for all blood fest that is what used to be the largest carriers in the world.

 

[KeroseneSnorter]

Tried twice to finish my reply but the system kept cutting me off.

Suffice it to say, Atlas will be crushed next year without Polars help, and Polar will be crushed this year without Atlas's help. You either work together for a fair contract, or you both get screwed.

There is no in between.

 

[PCL_128]

Atlas is back to operations normal today!

"The Americans are not there. They're not in Baghdad. There are no troops there. Never. They're not at all." - Baghdad Bob (apparently B747-300's mentor)

 

[rtmcfi]

I think Polar crews would sell us out again if the price was right

Well, it seems your current contract is your sell-out price.....

 

[ABOVE ME]

Heard There Were Some Atlas Guys Who Have Crossed Picket Lines. There Are Now Reports Being Filled Out To Find Out Who So They Can Be Put On The List. Hope Its Worth It, Its A Shame For All Involved.

 

[B747-300]

Kenneth M. Karas, a Federal Judge from the Southern District of New York, issued a Temporary Restraining Order on 9/27 that states ALPA shall take the following actions:

"(b) Instructing all Atlas Crewmembers employed by Atlas to continue their normal working schedule and practices and to take no steps to engage in any form of self-help except as noted above, and providing Plaintiffs with a copy of all such instructions;"

No Atlas crewmember can ever be "put on the list", as you say, for following the direct order of a judge. Sorry.

 

[ABOVE ME]

Oh, Sorry. I thought whatever that order said the Atlas crews still had the right to refuse to physically cross without backlash from management. If one were still to cross while retaining the right not to I dont know what you would call them. I'm just spectating and heard that from a friend. Hope it works out best for all you guys.

Cheers

 

[B747-300]

If Atlas can get crews to the aircraft without "physically" crossing a picket line, then your point is moot. Your opinion of us doesn't matter. We are complying with the order of a Federal Judge.

As your strike begins to unravel rank-and-file Polar crewmembers should not consider this as their failure. Your ALPA leadership (National and MEC) has failed you. Dumb reason to strike and really dumb time to strike. It seems like the struck work rules and Atlas' role should have been resolved before the pickets went up.

 

[On Your Six]

If Atlas can get crews to the aircraft without "physically" crossing a picket line, then your point is moot. Your opinion of us doesn't matter. We are complying with the order of a Federal Judge.

As your strike begins to unravel rank-and-file Polar crewmembers should not consider this as their failure. Your ALPA leadership (National and MEC) has failed you. Dumb reason to strike and really dumb time to strike. It seems like the struck work rules and Atlas' role should have been resolved before the pickets went up.

You sound like a fun guy to fly with.... Are you French? You know what Patton said, "I'd rather have the Germans in front of me rather than the French behind me."

 

[B-atch]

Kenneth M. Karas, a Federal Judge from the Southern District of New York, issued a Temporary Restraining Order on 9/27 that states ALPA shall take the following actions:

"(b) Instructing all Atlas Crewmembers employed by Atlas to continue their normal working schedule and practices and to take no steps to engage in any form of self-help except as noted above, and providing Plaintiffs with a copy of all such instructions;"

No Atlas crewmember can ever be "put on the list", as you say, for following the direct order of a judge. Sorry.

Let me explain something to you Mr.300. The ALPA SCAB list and those who permanently reside in it, is a UNION right and HEAVY TOOL used to discourage potential SCABS from taking the plunge. If anyone's name turns up on that list (for whatever reason), the burden rests on the affected individual to clear his name... I know a few whom reside on this list. Some deserve to be there and some don't. The few that landed on the list with no reason, have endured LONG and EXPENSIVE legal battles to clear their names... Some have in fact been cleared by ALPA and now carry a letter explaining their fate. However, the name will forever remain on the list... If you are one of the few whom are willing to take the chance, go ahead I would LOVE to see you'r name listed there....

I have a personal friend who is now a capt. with a major airline and who's name appears on the SCAB list. He won the battle to clear his name and he now has to explain in detail why he is on the list....
It took him 8 long years and a ton of money to clear his name......Are you willing to take the chance??

YOU HAVE A CHOICE..........Exercise YOU"R RIGHT!!!

 

[B747-300]

The people who have the ability to add someone to the list can also be held accountable for their actions!

Half of all the people currently on the list are probably dues paying members in good standing of ALPA. Being on the list is not much of a stigma anymore, especially for crewmembers that don't have to jumpseat to get to work.

And how is it you think you can prove that an Atlas guy was aware of your picket line? Just flying an Atlas plane full of Atlas cargo doesn't make us scabs.

"I am complying with the order of a Federal Judge!" and "I never saw ANY picket line when I reported for duty!" are the phrases of the week.

 

[B-atch]

"I am complying with the order of a Federal Judge!" and "I never saw ANY picket line when I reported for duty!" are the phrases of the week.

Sounds like a good defense......I suggest you use it during the hearing to clear you'r name......Sometime in the next 8 to 10 years.....Better fly overtime, it's gonna get expensive!!!

 

[B-atch]

Half of all the people currently on the list are probably dues paying members in good standing of ALPA. Being on the list is not much of a stigma anymore, especially for crewmembers that don't have to jumpseat to get to work.

I have a feeling that you SPEAK from EXPERIENCE!!!

 

[anon]

ALPA's scab list is meaningless. If you pay your dues, all is forgiven.

Case in point, an Eastern scab is the head of the ALPA Security Committee at ASA. The ASA MEC and ALPA National knew all about him prior to his being placed in that position. Their explanation? "He apologized"!

He is still on the scab list. He is in a position of leadership now with ALPA. Go figure. Way to go ALPA.

 

[B747-300]

If things were going well at the Polar picket lines you guys probably wouldn't be on here making meaningless threats. There seem to be fewer and fewer guys with signs each day....easy to miss the picket line as we report for duty!

I guess the only question remaining concerning the Polar strike is this: Did you shut down Polar or did Polar shut you down?

 

[Whale Rider]

Peak Transit Season Slowing Asian Hubs By Mike Buetow Wednesday, 28 September 2005 NEW YORK -- Asia’s peak shipping season kicked off with pilot strikes, rate increases and reports of tight space conditions in some areas, particularly in regions that route cargo through transit hubs.

A strike by Polar Air Cargo pilots is expected to last through the peak season and cut freighter capacity out of Shanghai, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea, said Trans Global Logistics USA, a major freight forwarder. Japan Airlines and Asiana immediately imposed rate increases after the strike was announced Sept. 16. The full impact of the strike is expected to hit toward the end of the month, TGL said.

Carriers are also hiking fuel surcharges by as much as 67 cents per kilogram.
Furthermore, there is typically a surge in air freight prior to the Chinese National Holiday celebration, which runs from Oct. 1-7. Shanghai and Hong Kong are among the areas expected to feel the brunt of peak season traffic, particularly due to high volumes of electronics goods. TGL advised allowing an extra one or two days of transit time for freight routing through Asian transit hubs because of congestion.

This ones for you "Bagdad Bob"!

 

[KeroseneSnorter]

Polar and mgmt. are back at the negotiating table tomorrow in DC. Per a request by the NMB.

 

[B747-300]

Whale,

I agree! You will still be on strike through this peak season. And the next one. And the one after that. And...............................................................

You must be very disappointed that your strike has had such a minimal impact on world markets. A one or two day delay is nothing. I'm sure cargo carriers (some of them are current Atlas customers) are thrilled to be getting higher rates since Polar went away.

How's everything going on the picket lines? I hear that you're having some problems staffing many of the locations. Having your own guys question the rational of this strike must be very damaging to morale.

Thanks for the whale drivel, but I am still expecting an answer to my earlier question.

Maybe you guys can grovel in D.C. tomorrow and save your jobs. I wouldn't expect the last offer to be available anymore though.

 

[Whale Rider]

You can continue to cry all you want about the past, but in the end you'll just cry some more.

 

[B-atch]

B747-300.....You have no idea how damaging you'r attitude towards the Polar pilots can be....Remember, other pilot groups view this forum. You guys are not looking very labor friendly these days.....You just might start running into trouble trying to jump seat around the system.....Oh by the way, it is against JS policy to request a JS when you'r Co. is required to buy YOU a ticket.....Oh I forgot.....Atlas TAXES you guys on those tickets.....