USAPAWATCH IN PHILLY
Earlier this week staff members of TheEye attended the Philadelphia contract roadshow.
Mr. Theuer should have titled the pep rally, 'The blame game, why we are never going to get a contract.'
It is absolutely amazing to us that after 2 + years of USAPA controlled negotiations we are still discussing dues check off and the grievance process. It is crucial to note that these two sections along with almost every other section of the joint CBA were TA’d prior to USAPA’s election. It was only after the election that the new sheriff in town determined that the fastest route to completing the contract would involve opening every TA’d section for renegotiation. With only two remaining negotiating sessions scheduled in 2010, the completion of a contract is years away at best.
Of course, everyone but USAPA is responsible for delaying negotiations. The Company, the Addington plaintiff's (west pilots), and the evil former bargaining agent have made it impossible to reach an agreement.
Particularly troubling was the confidence exuded by our leaders over the Addington case dismissal. It was akin to the bravado displayed by the British and French prior to the opening salvos of the Somme Offensive. Either they believe what Mr. Seham is telling them or they are intentionally lying to obfuscate the reality of our situation.
Unspoken at the event was the fact that Company’s lawsuit is the deathblow to USAPA’s raison d’etre. There are few outcomes that would trigger the Company to acquiesce and negotiate a quasi date-of-hire seniority list. The Company filed the lawsuit to indemnify themselves from future litigation and to accelerate the pace of negotiations. The surest way they can do this is to uphold their contractual obligations as specified in the Transition Agreement.
It was clear to us that the only party seeking delay is USAPA. In conflict with Mr. Cleary’s pronouncements that the Company is delaying negotiations, court documents confirm the opposite to be true. Responding to Mr. Seham’s latest emergency stay request the Company wrote:
“...US Airways unequivocally is not neutral about when the seniority dispute is settled. That needs to happen now...Furthermore, if this lawsuit is stayed, the benefits US Airways would gain from completing negotiations for a single CBA will be delayed. These facts should weigh heavily in the Court’s decision whether to grant a stay.”
Contrary to what was broadcasted at the pep rally, USAPA is doing everything in its power to delay negotiations. Mr. Cleary has boxed us in a corner and any new CBA is destined to include the Nicolau Award.
We are sick and tired of the lies and finger pointing from our union leadership. Are you?
