Polar Air Cargo Is ON STRIKE!

[furloughfodder]

POLAR AIR CARGO IS ON STRIKE!

Fellow aviators, please help in getting the Polar guys and gals home. Hopefully there will be a quick resolution to this.

Good luck.

 

[FNG_that's me]

Good luck to all the gents and gentettes at Polar. Know that every pilot worth his/her salt is behind ya!!


Let us know what we can do to help!!

 

[furloughfodder]

Press Release

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement was issued today by Captain Bobb Henderson, chairman of the Polar Air Cargo crewmembers' Master Executive Council, a unit of the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA).

"As of 1:34 a.m. EDT, on September 16th, Polar Air Cargo crewmembers are on strike. We have negotiated with our management for more than two years to achieve a fair contract that recognizes our real worth to this company. Polar crewmembers have numerous years of flight experience and advanced education, and are simply not fairly compensated for an airline of this size, sophistication, and profitability. In response to our concerns about compensation, our management has generally offered nothing more than numbers that were well below what our peers are paid. They have continued to negotiate using smoke, mirrors, and slight of hand. We are saddened that management has refused to address our issues at the negotiating table prior to our strike deadline, leaving us with no choice but to walk away from our livelihoods to get the contract that we deserve. We have always been prepared to settle but management has forced our hand to exercise our self-help option.

"We feel that our proposal is fair and reasonable and we remain fully committed to working with management to resolve this situation. After all, we are professional airline pilots, and we want to be flying, not walking the picket line."

Polar Air Cargo crewmembers have been in contract negotiations since February 2003 and in mediation since June of that year.

Polar Air Cargo is a U.S. certificated all cargo air carrier operating a fleet of 12 Boeing 747 freighters in a global scheduled-service network that serves major trade lanes around the world. Polar is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (OTC: AAWW.PK - News), based in Purchase, NY.

Formed in 1931, ALPA is the world's largest pilots union, representing 64,000 airline pilots at 41 carriers in the United States and Canada. Its Web site is at http://www.alpa.org.

 

[Capt1124]

Good luck.

 

[bobs98tlr]

Hmmm, i just saw a 744 come into RFD tonight and head over to the UPS ramp..First time ive ever known of Polar comming in here.

 

[mdanno808]

Hope you're all back soon.

 

[B747FR8DAWG]

Company Press Release

I don't like where this is going, was hoping for a peaceful resolution-Good Luck



Press ReleaseSource: Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.



Crewmember Strike at Polar Air Cargo, Inc. Not Expected to Affect Most AAWW Operations
Friday September 16, 8:27 am ET

PURCHASE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 16, 2005--Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (AAWW) (OTC: AAWW.PK - News) announced today that its negotiations with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) for a new collective bargaining agreement covering the Crewmembers employed by its subsidiary Polar Air Cargo, Inc. (Polar) have been unsuccessful, and that ALPA has elected to call a strike at Polar.

"While we regret the Polar Crewmembers' decision to strike," said Jeffrey H. Erickson, President and Chief Executive Officer of AAWW, "we have prepared for this contingency. Consistent with our strategic initiatives to place our aircraft where they are most profitable, we have returned three aircraft on dry lease to Polar back to Atlas Air, Inc. We have also placed two Polar aircraft for sale or lease, and are in the process of placing the remaining seven aircraft in other uses, including dry leases. As a result, only seven of the Company's 42 aircraft are affected by the strike."

The final offer from Polar to ALPA called for no changes to the current work rules, pay rules and benefits, and provided for an immediate 10.5% across-the-board pay raise. ALPA was demanding significantly higher wage increases, which precluded reaching an agreement. "Our goal was to put our Polar Crewmembers at parity with our Atlas Crewmembers pending merger of the two carriers," Mr. Erickson continued. "ALPA's demands were simply not justified in any respect, particularly given the current competitive and fuel environment in which Polar competes."

AAWW and the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA), the collective bargaining representative for Polar's Crewmembers, had been in negotiations for an amended Collective Bargaining Agreement since 2003. The parties were released from negotiations last month by the National Mediation Board (NMB) into a mandated 30-day cooling off period. That period ended last night at midnight, after which the strike action was taken by the Polar Crewmembers.

About Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.:

AAWW is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc. (Atlas) and Polar Air Cargo, Inc. (Polar), which together operate the world's largest fleet of Boeing 747 freighter aircraft. AAWW, through its subsidiary operating units, Atlas Air, Inc. and Polar Air Cargo, Inc., offers scheduled air cargo service, cargo charters, military charters, and ACMI aircraft leasing in which customers receive a dedicated aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance on a long-term lease basis.

Through both of its principal subsidiaries, AAWW also provides commercial and military charter services. AAWW's press releases, SEC filings and other information may be accessed through the Company's home page, www.atlasair.com.

 

[Kikuchiyo]

Stupid strike questions

Just curious, 'caus I never really thought about it before. What happens to the crews that are out in the system? Especially given Polar's global ops, there's bound to be crews stuck out all over the world. How do they get home? On their own dime? Then what happens when the strike is over - how long until ops can resume given the presumed need to reposition crews. Who pays to put the crews back where they need to be? And do the jets stay out, or does Polar hire other crews to reposition the jets somewhere more useful / cheaper / manageable?

 

[furloughfodder]

There are several reports coming out of Atlas crews crossing the picket lines and operating Polar flight numbers. So far there is no "hard evidence" that has been released confirming Atlas crews flying "struck freight" but rest assured, all flights are being monitored by ALPA and the Polar MEC. There are also a lot of cameras out there.

Atlas crews, please do not jeopardize your entire careers for Atlas Worldwide Holdings. It is not worth it.

I am not accusing anyone of anything. Just stating what is coming down from some of the picket lines that have been crossed. I know the majority of Atlas crews are 100% behind the Polar guys. The outcome of this will greatly affect the lives of the Atlas crews as well.

As far as Polar crews getting home, they will be covered by ALPA, but in some cases Polar crews may require the assistance of crewmembers from other airlines.

Hopefully this will be resolved soon.

 

[dojetdriver]

There are several reports coming out of Atlas crews crossing the picket lines and operating Polar flight numbers. So far there is no "hard evidence" that has been released confirming Atlas crews flying "struck freight" but rest assured, all flights are being monitored by ALPA and the Polar MEC. There are also a lot of cameras out there.

According to the master scab list, isn't there already a few scabs (Eastern, ect)that work at Atlas?

Sad if it's true there are guys doing it. If these scabs crossed before, what's to stop them from doing it again?

 

[furloughfodder]

Yes. Unfortunately there are quite a few scabs at Atlas. But that is true of most airlines.

For the record, there isn't a single scab at Polar Air Cargo.

 

[dojetdriver]

For the record, there isn't a single scab at Polar Air Cargo.

Good, I hope it can stay like that.

 

[furloughfodder]

With a 99.23% strike vote, I have a feeling it will.

I don't actually work there, but I have many friends that do. I am just glad to see a group of pilots standing up for a better life in todays airline industry where most pilot groups are taking huge pay cuts.

I think everyone needs to be behind these guys, this could be the start of a turning point for this profession. Atlas, UPS, FedEx are all next at the table. We need to get things moving in the right direction again!

 

[B-atch]

"I think everyone needs to be behind these guys, this could be the start of a turning point for this profession. Atlas, UPS, FedEx are all next at the table. We need to get things moving in the right direction again!"

Thank you and all the guys and girls that are supporting our efforts and struggles. This being the darkest hrs. in a pilots proffessional life has actually become OUR PROUDEST MOMENT!!.......Our solidarity is solid and we will PREVAIL!!

 

[CSY Mon]

Yeah, saw them form a picket line @ 0600 this morning at the entrance to a cargo ramp in MIA.

Was to tired to stop and say hello n' good luck, 30 hour duty day.

Sure hope the Polar guys get what they deserve, but it does not look good as pilots are being "transferred" to Atlas and airplanes are being parked.

Smells like union busting by militant managment.

One thing is for sure, we are not flying the struck freight....Even if some crews would do it, we have two 747s down for a heavy check and more business than we can handle.

Good luck once again.

 

[Craven Morhead]

With a 99.23% strike vote, I have a feeling it will.

I don't actually work there, but I have many friends that do. I am just glad to see a group of pilots standing up for a better life in todays airline industry where most pilot groups are taking huge pay cuts.

I think everyone needs to be behind these guys, this could be the start of a turning point for this profession. Atlas, UPS, FedEx are all next at the table. We need to get things moving in the right direction again!

Well there you have it. " I dont actually work there ". Yet you make accusations and sling the scab word around so freely. The strike is barely 12 hours old and you throw grenades in the room. You suck!!!Ive flown with your type, usually the first words out of your mouth is "heard any rumors lately". You seem to thrive on rumors and others misfortune. I love the comment about no scabs at Polar...nice touch. You are truly a piece of work.

Sir, these are very serious times ahead of us and for you to make such uneducated accusations is criminal.

The Atlas MEC had a conference call today at 12est and spelled out further the struck rules. The problem hear is that it isnt so cut and dry as to what crossing the line is. A case in point...there is picketing at the Mia training center and a crew member is scheduled for his PC. He notifies sked and they threaten him if he doesnt show. Now he finds a way around the building and goes in. Now does that make him a scab?? ( this is for the general public, not furloughfodder, he coudnt comprehend the scope of this issue)

- Atlas and Polar are two seperate airlines...period
- The picket lines will be honored but Atlas has their own flights and they must be flown
- Atlas crews are not flying Polar flights and the company knows they cant be forced to do so!!

 

[bman]

Well He!!,

Seems like they've gone and done it. Regardless of what I've said before, I know you guys' livelihoods are on the line at this point. That's a very serious thing!

So it is my sincere hope that you guys can stand the test and get whatever it takes to get you back working. This biz is brutal, but when it comes down to labor vs Mgmt there's no question about which side to choose.

First week in October ( after my trips & if it lasts that long) I'm headin down to MIA with a Box-o-Krispy-Kremes, coffee, and some protest music!!

Keep yer heads up,

Bman

 

[NYCPilot]

...so ahhhh...where can I apply to get a job flying those Polar Air jets while you guys are on strike???



heh. Just kidding.
Wish you the best during your negotiations.

 

[FreightNazi]

What is the Polar 747-400 doing on the UPS ramp in RFD? Conspiracy theorists want to know!

 

[blackbox]

Is atlas part of ALPA??

I ran into a Polar pilot last nite at a copy store. He told me they were about to go on strike and he was making copies to hand out to drivers. I wanted to help him out passing out flyers, but i had to catch flight to work. Good luck guys

 

[heilhaavir]

Guys & girls, watch how you use the word "scab". We are monitoring what's going on, we are taking pictures, we are getting info from insiders at many airlines, but do not accuse until you get proof.

For those of you who aren't sure if what you are asked to do is ok, call your MEC and if you get the green light then do your job.

 

[Yank McCobb]

Don't accuse until you get proof? Why, that's not the Flightinfo way.

 

[furloughfodder]

Craven Morhead,

I am not really sure what you are so hostile about. I would like you to point out to me where I am "throwing the scab word around"?? I said that I think the majority of the Atlas crews are 100% behind the Polar guys. The only time I mentioned scab is when someone else asked if there were any scabs at Atlas. I'm not going to lie and say there are none when there are quite a few.

Also, shouldn't you be proud of the fact that there are no scabs at Polar? I think it is a pretty good reason to want to back these guys even more.

Please re-read my posts, I am not trying to stir the pot...just trying to get the word out.

PS- I wouldn't consider you a scab for going to a PC at the Crystal Palace in MIA, but then again....I don't work there

 

[furloughfodder]

Do you honestly believe that a non-striking Atlas pilot showing at MIA for training and walking past a picket line of Polar pilots constitutes scabbing??? I don't even think the hardest of hardcore unionists would be that stupid.

I agree T-Gates. That really doesn't make any sense.

 

[furloughfodder]

Thanks FedEx!

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- FedEx pilots, as represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l. (ALPA), have pledged their support to Polar Air Cargo crewmembers in the event of a Polar strike that could begin as early as 12:01 a.m. EDT Friday, Sept.16. The FedEx pilots’ Master Executive Council (MEC) offered their support in a unanimous vote yesterday.

“Polar crewmembers have been negotiating for more than two years and only are seeking a fair contract that recognizes their contributions and allows their company to grow,” said Captain David Webb, FedEx MEC Chairman. “They do not want to go on strike, but the FedEx pilots stand ready to assist them in any way we can should that happen.”

The National Mediation Board released Polar crewmembers and Polar management from mediated talks into a 30-day “cooling-off” period in August. If there is no negotiated agreement before the expiration of the 30-day period at 12:01 a.m. Sept. 16, the crewmembers are free to strike.

Day and night and 365 days a year, the 4,300 professional FedEx pilots--representing the air division of the FedEx brand and helping generate nearly two-thirds of FedEx Corporation’s annual revenue--fly to cities on five continents, making FedEx among the largest and most profitable airlines by any measure. Founded in 1931, ALPA represents 64,000 pilots at 41 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at http://www.alpa.org.

 

[pilotyip]

"Our finest hour"

Not to flame or start any kind of a contest. But strikes are not sure things. I am sure the CAL pilots in 1983 and the EAL pilots in 1989 felt the same way that it was their "Our finest hour".

 

[Craven Morhead]

Do you honestly believe that a non-striking Atlas pilot showing at MIA for training and walking past a picket line of Polar pilots constitutes scabbing??? I don't even think the hardest of hardcore unionists would be that stupid.

I agree and this was not the best example. The point is that the Polar/Atlas situation is a unique one in that two seperate airlines operate under the same holding company. I had a crewmember say if they put "polar" stairs up to the plane we should refuse to exit , or what if the crew van says Polar.

Since Polar was purchased by Atlas, assets have been comingled. So this can be interpreted in many different ways.

Ive looked at all the schedules and the Polar designation has all but disappeared. What is gonna happen now is the ole shell game and crews are gonna actually have to go through the shipping docs to ensure the freight is not Polar.

This is gonna be a tough time for all and now is not the time to even get into mud slinging and name calling. If any Atlas crews knowingly operate a Polar call sign, the in house discipline will be severe. Until then, lets keep it cool.

Btw, i'd like a link to this "scab" list that is being mentioned that "many" Atlas pilots are part of. I know of 5 out of 800 and that doesnt constitute many.

 

[furloughfodder]

The master scab list is available to anyone. I have a copy on my hard drive and it shows around 22 scabs at Atlas.

I think we should just drop the whole scab theme on this thread. It is not what the thread should be about. It is about supporting a group of pilots that are on strike because they are trying to get a fair contract. There is picketing going on today by uniformed Polar and Atlas crewmembers in ICN, HKG, ANC, ORD, NRT, JFK, IAH, LAX, MIA, PIK, AMS, VCP and Purchase. Other crew members are stranded around the world after parking their planes.

These guys need the support of the whole aviation community, and I know they will get it. Let's hope for a fast resolution, so that when the two companies merge they will both have a better leg to stand on getting a merged contract. That is really what this is all about.

 

[B-atch]

UNIFIED we are...Best of luck to us all....

 

[Corporate Slug]

All Concerened,


Please do not use the scab word just yet. According to the reports the Atlas crews are being dilligent about checking for Polar freight being loaded on their airplanes. There were 4 pallets of freight discovered and pulled sometime earlier today by an Atlas crew.

There were earlier reports of airplanes moving but most have been atributed to repositions to storage by contract crews (Boeing crews is the word) As far as can be determined from what I have heard no Polar freight is moving.

So far the support has been 100% from what I have been hearing from the picket lines. There are reports of pilots from other airlines (Freighters and Pax haulers) helping out on the phones and such on their day off.

I doubt that there is much worry about someone crossing the line and getting away with it unknown, there are cameras everywhere and it is not too difficult to keep track of an airplane as large as a 74!!

Good luck to all the pilots involved.