Yesterday's message from Larry Kellner contained the following quote
talking about fuel prices:
"We can absorb these extraordinarily high fuel prices for a little
while, and we don't want to over-rotate. But if these prices continue for
the next couple of months, we are going to have to make some tough
decisions to make sure the size of our network is right for a world with
fuel at such astronomical rates. We're not planning to come back to you
for more wage and benefit concessions. That was painful enough for one
lifetime. However, we can't just hope that high fuel prices simply go
away."
I have a couple of thoughts for Mr. Kellner regarding this message. The
first is that there will be no concessions from this pilot group. In
fact, we will regain everything that was lost, plus significant
improvements in all areas of our contract. I hope that Mr. Kellner saw the
steadfast resolve on the faces of Continental pilots as we marched at Wall
Street. We are fully and completely committed to our effort. We are
unified. We are a force to be reckoned with and will not fall prey to
propaganda campaigns that are only meant to spread fear among the entire
employee group.
Second, we understand the Company cannot absorb these extraordinarily
high fuel prices. We would suggest that management pass them on to the
over 50,000,000 passengers who fly Continental each year and not the
5,000 pilots who have been cut to the core already.
I recognize the fact that, as we enter Section 6 negotiations,
management will attempt to manage pilot expectations. I also understand
management's desire to counter our overwhelmingly successful rally in the
Financial District of New York this week. However, using these types of
scare tactics in an attempt to intimidate pilots and our fellow employees
is, in my opinion, unwise and ill-advised.
Mr. Kellner, I would suggest that you task the Company's
extraordinarily high priced management and executive team to handle this issue,
without taking the easy route of once again coming to labor. The well is dry
and in need of refilling.
Capt. Jay Pierce
CAL MEC Chairman
talking about fuel prices:
"We can absorb these extraordinarily high fuel prices for a little
while, and we don't want to over-rotate. But if these prices continue for
the next couple of months, we are going to have to make some tough
decisions to make sure the size of our network is right for a world with
fuel at such astronomical rates. We're not planning to come back to you
for more wage and benefit concessions. That was painful enough for one
lifetime. However, we can't just hope that high fuel prices simply go
away."
I have a couple of thoughts for Mr. Kellner regarding this message. The
first is that there will be no concessions from this pilot group. In
fact, we will regain everything that was lost, plus significant
improvements in all areas of our contract. I hope that Mr. Kellner saw the
steadfast resolve on the faces of Continental pilots as we marched at Wall
Street. We are fully and completely committed to our effort. We are
unified. We are a force to be reckoned with and will not fall prey to
propaganda campaigns that are only meant to spread fear among the entire
employee group.
Second, we understand the Company cannot absorb these extraordinarily
high fuel prices. We would suggest that management pass them on to the
over 50,000,000 passengers who fly Continental each year and not the
5,000 pilots who have been cut to the core already.
I recognize the fact that, as we enter Section 6 negotiations,
management will attempt to manage pilot expectations. I also understand
management's desire to counter our overwhelmingly successful rally in the
Financial District of New York this week. However, using these types of
scare tactics in an attempt to intimidate pilots and our fellow employees
is, in my opinion, unwise and ill-advised.
Mr. Kellner, I would suggest that you task the Company's
extraordinarily high priced management and executive team to handle this issue,
without taking the easy route of once again coming to labor. The well is dry
and in need of refilling.
Capt. Jay Pierce
CAL MEC Chairman
