US Air Furlough update....
from the godfather himself:
(its 2 posts)
US Airways MEC
Furlough Administrator Update – November 2006
Recall Results—The Company is in the process of completing the latest recall. Originally 20 pilots were recalled to EMB-190 F/O positions, with classes scheduled to begin in late September and carry through until mid-December. Due to delivery delays from Embraer, the classes were delayed until the first week in November. In the meantime, the Company decided to recall an additional 30 pilots to aircraft other than the 190, and it was decided that those pilots who had initially received 190 positions would be allowed to get a position other than the 190 if their seniority allowed. Recall Indoc classes began on November 6 and 13, with additional classes scheduled on November 28 and December 4 and 18. The December classes have not been fully staffed, and it appears the required recalls may reach to hire dates of approximately June 1989.
Future Recalls?—The Company is planning to recall approximately 30 pilots per month for at least six months beginning in January 2007. These will be to Boeing/Airbus positions, exclusive of 190 positions. The anticipated delivery of about one EMB-190 per month will add approximately five additional pilots per month to the recall list. Among other items, changes to the FAA Age 60 rule may affect the recall schedule. I have heard different opinions as to the chances of a rule change in the near future, and I wouldn’t venture a guess as to what may happen.
Recall Process—There have been some problems with the recall process, some caused by the Company and others by pilots. The Company is required to send certified letters to pilots who are being recalled, at which time the pilot has seven days from the receipt of the letter to notify the Company of his/her intentions. Some pilots are delaying receipt of the letter for quite some time, and this has caused delays in the process. Others have said they were accepting recall, and then, upon being told of a class date, notified the Company they had changed their mind. While this may occasionally be necessary in a few cases, it seems there are quite a number of pilots doing this. Whatever the reason, this is causing problems for those pilots who are awaiting recall. If you are in a situation where you know you will be passing on a recall for a set period of time, it would make life easier for everyone involved if you notify the Company of your intentions so the process will go quicker. You can stop letters to your home till such time that you want to be considered for recall. This will assist fellow pilots in the process. Remember, you can bypass recall without penalty for as long as there is someone junior to you on the list. Additionally, you can bypass recall to a 190 F/O position as long as you like.
The Company caused some problems with the original recall letter. Essentially, it said that if you accepted recall, then you would be notified of an Indoc class date. Well, just as airlines overbook flights, the Company sends out more letters than they actually have slots for. They had initially planned to have a recall of 15 pilots for the EMB-190, but it turns out 20 pilots said they accepted recall. At first, the Company’s position was that the five additional pilots did not have slots and would have to wait for the next recall. ALPA disagreed with this position. After bringing our concerns to the Company, they agreed to offer class dates to those five additional pilots. In light of this, the Company has changed the recall letter to make it a little more generic and state that you are in the zone for recall. The letter now states, “Your seniority number falls within the range of those who may possibly be recalled in the near future. In order to plan for the orderly return of recalled pilots to US Airways, we are asking that you indicate your intention to return to US Airways should you be able to hold a position in the upcoming recall indoctrination class.” It further states, “Pursuant to Section 23, you must notify this office of your intention to return or decline recall within seven calendar days of the delivery of this letter.”In an attempt to solve one problem, it appears they have caused more confusion. What do the above statements mean—are you recalled or not? If you are not recalled, then what are you accepting or declining, and why do you have to notify the Company of your intentions? Basically, the Company is looking for a way to make the recall process smoother, and this was their attempt to find a way to judge how many people were interested in returning. By mixing recall language from the contract with “a possibility of being recalled” language, it causes more confusion. We are working with the Company to come up with a better method.
Available Positions—When you are offered recall, you will be advised what positions are available. They will not be base-specific but will be either an EMB-190 position or “Other,” which encompasses Boeing or Airbus aircraft. When you start Indoc class, you will be notified what bases are available and choose from that list in seniority order, just as was done during your initial Indoc class. At the present time, the only base for the 190 is PHL.
Retirement—If you are at least 50 years old, have no desire to ever return, and are offered recall, you can accept recall and then retire. You do not actually have to show up, but you will be counted as an active pilot for one day and then shown as retired. This allows you to receive the lump sum contribution to your retirement plan that is given to recalled pilots. This amount is $1,200 multiplied by your years of active service. This amount is prorated on a fractional basis and is generally deposited in your account within three weeks of your return date.
America West Positions—The merger transition agreement allows for any vacancies at AWA prior to full integration to be offered to furloughed US Airways pilots. Any pilot recalled to an AWA position will operate under their contract and be placed at the bottom of their list for all scheduling/bidding purposes. However, you will carry over your longevity for pay purposes under their pay scales. They have a common pay scale for all aircraft, and their pay ranges from $61 at year 2 to $93 for year 15. At the present time, they may have a few vacancies (6–8) available early in 2007, but that has not been formalized yet.
J4J Positions—The Company will be offering positions at Republic in late December. These are for captain and F/O positions for the EMB 170/175 aircraft. Some captain vacancies at PSA will also be available. If you are interested in these vacancies, make sure you have a preference form on file.
If you plan on going to a J4J position, make sure you review the freeze and pay protection provisions of LOA 91 that apply to J4J pilots. If you are recalled, you may be held at your J4J carrier for a certain period of time. If you are held, though, you are entitled to pay and benefit protection until you report back for your Indoc class.
Letter from US Airways—The Company recently sent a letter to all furloughed pilots informing them of what could be happening in the near future. If you did not receive this letter, the Company does not have your current mailing address. Please contact Charmane at 412.747.5542 to update your address.
Merger Timeline—Integration of the US Airways and America West operational procedures is moving along. Teams from both sides are looking at procedures and attempting to pick the best from each side to move forward. The anticipated date for full integration is May 1, 2007.
Contract Negotiations—The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) consists of two members from the US Airways Negotiating Committee and two members from the AWA Negotiating Committee. They are attempting to glean the best from both contracts and work with the Company to come to terms on a combined contract. Talks have been ongoing, and they are working toward the best contract possible for the combined pilot group. You can contact the JNC at [email protected] or view updates on the JNC website.
from the godfather himself:
(its 2 posts)
US Airways MEC
Furlough Administrator Update – November 2006
Recall Results—The Company is in the process of completing the latest recall. Originally 20 pilots were recalled to EMB-190 F/O positions, with classes scheduled to begin in late September and carry through until mid-December. Due to delivery delays from Embraer, the classes were delayed until the first week in November. In the meantime, the Company decided to recall an additional 30 pilots to aircraft other than the 190, and it was decided that those pilots who had initially received 190 positions would be allowed to get a position other than the 190 if their seniority allowed. Recall Indoc classes began on November 6 and 13, with additional classes scheduled on November 28 and December 4 and 18. The December classes have not been fully staffed, and it appears the required recalls may reach to hire dates of approximately June 1989.
Future Recalls?—The Company is planning to recall approximately 30 pilots per month for at least six months beginning in January 2007. These will be to Boeing/Airbus positions, exclusive of 190 positions. The anticipated delivery of about one EMB-190 per month will add approximately five additional pilots per month to the recall list. Among other items, changes to the FAA Age 60 rule may affect the recall schedule. I have heard different opinions as to the chances of a rule change in the near future, and I wouldn’t venture a guess as to what may happen.
Recall Process—There have been some problems with the recall process, some caused by the Company and others by pilots. The Company is required to send certified letters to pilots who are being recalled, at which time the pilot has seven days from the receipt of the letter to notify the Company of his/her intentions. Some pilots are delaying receipt of the letter for quite some time, and this has caused delays in the process. Others have said they were accepting recall, and then, upon being told of a class date, notified the Company they had changed their mind. While this may occasionally be necessary in a few cases, it seems there are quite a number of pilots doing this. Whatever the reason, this is causing problems for those pilots who are awaiting recall. If you are in a situation where you know you will be passing on a recall for a set period of time, it would make life easier for everyone involved if you notify the Company of your intentions so the process will go quicker. You can stop letters to your home till such time that you want to be considered for recall. This will assist fellow pilots in the process. Remember, you can bypass recall without penalty for as long as there is someone junior to you on the list. Additionally, you can bypass recall to a 190 F/O position as long as you like.
The Company caused some problems with the original recall letter. Essentially, it said that if you accepted recall, then you would be notified of an Indoc class date. Well, just as airlines overbook flights, the Company sends out more letters than they actually have slots for. They had initially planned to have a recall of 15 pilots for the EMB-190, but it turns out 20 pilots said they accepted recall. At first, the Company’s position was that the five additional pilots did not have slots and would have to wait for the next recall. ALPA disagreed with this position. After bringing our concerns to the Company, they agreed to offer class dates to those five additional pilots. In light of this, the Company has changed the recall letter to make it a little more generic and state that you are in the zone for recall. The letter now states, “Your seniority number falls within the range of those who may possibly be recalled in the near future. In order to plan for the orderly return of recalled pilots to US Airways, we are asking that you indicate your intention to return to US Airways should you be able to hold a position in the upcoming recall indoctrination class.” It further states, “Pursuant to Section 23, you must notify this office of your intention to return or decline recall within seven calendar days of the delivery of this letter.”In an attempt to solve one problem, it appears they have caused more confusion. What do the above statements mean—are you recalled or not? If you are not recalled, then what are you accepting or declining, and why do you have to notify the Company of your intentions? Basically, the Company is looking for a way to make the recall process smoother, and this was their attempt to find a way to judge how many people were interested in returning. By mixing recall language from the contract with “a possibility of being recalled” language, it causes more confusion. We are working with the Company to come up with a better method.
Available Positions—When you are offered recall, you will be advised what positions are available. They will not be base-specific but will be either an EMB-190 position or “Other,” which encompasses Boeing or Airbus aircraft. When you start Indoc class, you will be notified what bases are available and choose from that list in seniority order, just as was done during your initial Indoc class. At the present time, the only base for the 190 is PHL.
Retirement—If you are at least 50 years old, have no desire to ever return, and are offered recall, you can accept recall and then retire. You do not actually have to show up, but you will be counted as an active pilot for one day and then shown as retired. This allows you to receive the lump sum contribution to your retirement plan that is given to recalled pilots. This amount is $1,200 multiplied by your years of active service. This amount is prorated on a fractional basis and is generally deposited in your account within three weeks of your return date.
America West Positions—The merger transition agreement allows for any vacancies at AWA prior to full integration to be offered to furloughed US Airways pilots. Any pilot recalled to an AWA position will operate under their contract and be placed at the bottom of their list for all scheduling/bidding purposes. However, you will carry over your longevity for pay purposes under their pay scales. They have a common pay scale for all aircraft, and their pay ranges from $61 at year 2 to $93 for year 15. At the present time, they may have a few vacancies (6–8) available early in 2007, but that has not been formalized yet.
J4J Positions—The Company will be offering positions at Republic in late December. These are for captain and F/O positions for the EMB 170/175 aircraft. Some captain vacancies at PSA will also be available. If you are interested in these vacancies, make sure you have a preference form on file.
If you plan on going to a J4J position, make sure you review the freeze and pay protection provisions of LOA 91 that apply to J4J pilots. If you are recalled, you may be held at your J4J carrier for a certain period of time. If you are held, though, you are entitled to pay and benefit protection until you report back for your Indoc class.
Letter from US Airways—The Company recently sent a letter to all furloughed pilots informing them of what could be happening in the near future. If you did not receive this letter, the Company does not have your current mailing address. Please contact Charmane at 412.747.5542 to update your address.
Merger Timeline—Integration of the US Airways and America West operational procedures is moving along. Teams from both sides are looking at procedures and attempting to pick the best from each side to move forward. The anticipated date for full integration is May 1, 2007.
Contract Negotiations—The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) consists of two members from the US Airways Negotiating Committee and two members from the AWA Negotiating Committee. They are attempting to glean the best from both contracts and work with the Company to come to terms on a combined contract. Talks have been ongoing, and they are working toward the best contract possible for the combined pilot group. You can contact the JNC at [email protected] or view updates on the JNC website.
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