USAPA: Downfall is coming from within!

[Crzipilot]

Hmmm...sorta sounds the path the ALPA is taking.

someone said, for those that made the mess, should fix the mess. Well ALPA definately made this mess, by many missteps and such, (starting years ago) don't think they want anything to do with us, unless of course we bring back our 14million.

PCL. were you interviewed for any of the regional pilot articles that have been written lately??? Figure you'd be a great source going through the GIA academy, and working at pinnacle for some time......

 

[Bringupthebird]

[
Is that why the west will not discuss a 10 year fence??? the answer please - YES
Metrojet

Did the east offer a fence during initial negotiations? the answer- NO!

The east likes to imagine themselves as oracles of wisdom, but then behaves like kids who were raised on games where they couldn't lose. They didn't negotiate reasonably and now have to live with the consequences of their mistake.

Why do they think they can beat mercy out of someone?

 

[TWA Dude]

someone said, for those that made the mess, should fix the mess. Well ALPA definately made this mess, by many missteps and such, (starting years ago) don't think they want anything to do with us, unless of course we bring back our 14million.

And ALPA was on that grassy knoll in Dallas back in '63 too. You need to lose the scapegoating. You don't like the way the arbitrator ruled and that's the totality of the issue. ALPA isn't the problem, the West pilots aren't the problem, the courts aren't the problem, even the company isn't the problem here. That only leaves one entity left to blame.

And BTW, some Easties have proudly proclaimed George Nicolau's retirement or ALPA never using him again. Wrong. He's currently handling arbitrations for Eagle. Guess he's not a senile incompetent after all.

 

[Speedtape]

If you read the ALPA Merger Policy, it simply sets up a framework, not a solution to merging seniority list. From experience, the Framers knew that one size does not fit all. Most of the responsibility resides with the leadership of each Pilot group that is directly involved--who else has a more vested interest in the outcome. The problem is not with National ALPA, the problem lies with the leadership of the respective pilot groups of not being able to negotiate, compromise, and work a settlement that would have possibly been more acceptable to both sides versus an Arbitrated (arbritary) 3rd party settlement. Everything was left to the Arbitrated process. Your leadership (both sides) submitted to it, and in the end, you will live by it. It will not be overturned! In the meantime, you have allowed Doug Parker to win! Hopefully, this will be put behind you before the next merger comes--it's coming!

Delta and the NWA pilot group made the Merger Policy work for them because they worked out as many of the issues as possible, and then and only then, submitted the unresolved issues to Arbitration. A ruling was then made, and both sides accepted it. There seems to be no major issues with their results. Now, they are well positioned to benefit most with future opportunities.

Don't blame ALPA! Leadership at the respective airlines is on the spearhead. Maybe, one more than the other is to blame. But for sure, all will suffer until someone with vision and leadership, like Lee Moak, steps forward and brings the groups together. It's still possible. Having a common goal of having ONE Pilot Working Agreement could be a start. Stalemate and Gridlock is detrimental to both pilot groups--maybe even terminal!

 

[PCL_128]

someone said, for those that made the mess, should fix the mess. Well ALPA definately made this mess

Wrong. The East pilots and MEC made the mess. When the arbitrator tells you "no DOH," then you'd better bring him something other than DOH.

don't think they want anything to do with us, unless of course we bring back our 14million.

You actually don't bring anything near $14 million in dues revenue. Try about $4 million less. In any case, I'd certainly like to see you come back, and it has nothing to do with money. We need a single unified union to advance this profession.

PCL. were you interviewed for any of the regional pilot articles that have been written lately??? Figure you'd be a great source going through the GIA academy, and working at pinnacle for some time......

Negative, although I was contacted. I turned down interviews with the WSJ and USAToday and referred them to ALPA National. My union speaks for me.

 

[Speedtape]

PCL 128,

I am glad that once again you can say your Union speaks for you. Good Luck in negotiations!

 

[T2Bus]

Solitaire

Posted by TheEye at 6/18/2009 1:10 AM
Categories: uncategorized

Since the unanimous jury verdict convicting USAPA of a DFR against the west pilots, the Association has been in a tailspin:

- We've just received word that Mr. Brengle was dismissed by the Association. Apparently a winning a game of Solitaire was more attainable than overturning a binding arbitration. Good thing the sage advice offered by Mr. Seham is still on retainer.

- The National officers called "time out" to the incessant infighting in order to pad their pockets with an obscenely rich compensation package. Remember the campaign literature criticizing ALPA volunteers for flight pay loss abuse and inflated expense reports?

Yup, the officers will now get stipends that are almost 50% higher than monthly line holder per diem checks. This money is in addition to any expenses reimbursed by the Association.

- Next week, Judge Wake will most likely issue a permanent injunction compelling USAPA to negotiate (in good faith) for a joint contract inclusive of the Nicolau Award. It is highly unlikely that the Ninth Circuit will issue a stay pending appeal. As we’ve been saying all along, the Nicolau Award is here to stay. The sooner this reality is accepted, the sooner we can get a contract that lifts both pilot groups out of the cellar.

Yet, the BPR is still in denial and is working on a plan to essentially park joint contract talks in favor of Section 6 negotiations for just the east pilots. There are two glaring problems with this tack:

1. Opening Section 6 negotiations will likely be in direct violation of Judge Wake’s Order. The Association and its officers risk contempt charges should they pursue this route.
2. The west pilots opened Section 6 negotiations just prior to the NMB vote. Former USAPA President Bradford sent an email to a pilot stating that USAPA was only interested in joint contract talks (with a DOH seniority list) in response to a question about the Association’s administration of these negotiations. Should USAPA open east only Section 6 negotiations, a compelling DFR lawsuit would almost certainly be filed.

In light of the above, the BPR’s plan to pursue the Section 6 route is DOA. That’s right, the opportunity to secure gains outside of joint negotiations is no longer available.

With the possibility of ousting USAPA many months away, TheEye believes that the best course of action is revolution from within. Remember, it only takes 25% of the active membership to initiate a recall referendum. A new direction can be charted long before a new bargaining agent can salvage this rudderless ship. In the interim, we must take over the reigns from within, and at the very least, float this sinking ship.

It’s up to us; join and use the power of membership or sit playing Solitaire wishing we were somewhere else.

 

[T2Bus]

Quick Facts #7 Hosted on Unbiased Facts
June 15, 2009

“An Inordinate Amount of Obsessive Behavior”


From February, USAPA Insider comments:

Doug Mowery USAPA President Campaign Letter Comment

“I am concerned that the promised “transparency” of our union has not materialized to the extent
I thought it would. I see an inordinate amount of obsessive behavior over security and
leaks. Communications to you are, at times, misleading through a failure to tell the “whole
story”. Those on the inside know what I am talking about. Those of you on the outside, the line
pilots, do not know what I am talking about because of the actions taken by some to withhold
information from you. I will work to truly make this the transparent union I envisioned when I
voted for USAPA. Strategy, and the like, should be confidential until the proper time, but I am
hearing and seeing issues surrounding the administration of your union that are unnecessarily
kept confidential.”



From Today:

Report: A recent report indicates that USAPA is seeking to gain control of the old ALPA
Pilot Voluntary Fund (PVF) that has about $140,000 in the account to support
pilots in need. However, USAPA officials have indicated potential PVF USAPA
Administrators desire to be paid Flight Pay Loss at 5 hours per day when
administering the account. They are proposing that this flight pay loss be paid
from the PVF, money donated by fellow pilots (outside of dues and, under ALPA,
administered on an entirely voluntary basis) to assist pilots in need!

Question: The BPR recently authorized 12 USAPA members to receive 85-hour full Flight
Play Loss plus stipends totaling $159,000 per year and USAPA officials are
reportedly trying to gain control of PVF. Did Doug Mowery try to warn the pilot
group about the course of current BPR officials and their USAPA Union Leader
Bonus Compensation Plan?





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[T2Bus]

Quick Facts #6 Hosted on Unbiased Facts
June 15, 2009

$18,000.00 Tax Free Bonus! Yearly!



Huge, Tax-Free, Bonuses (provided by you) for the 12 (minimum) Full-Time
USAPA Pilots.

Straight from the USAPA PHL Local Council Update released over the
weekend:

…. Day 3 began with the hot topic of Officer and other full-time Union Pilots’
compensation. After a lengthy and productive discussion, including the
acknowledgement that all Officers, Reps, and other full-time Union workers,
spend countless hours doing the work of the Pilots, it was determined that the
proper compensation be as follows:

• USAPA President 85 hours + $18,000/year – Tax Free

• Other USAPA Officers 85 hours + $15,000/year - Tax Free

• Other USAPA full time workers 85 hours + $12,000/year – Tax Free

The Pilots outside of the Officer corps who are currently on full time status are,
4 NAC members plus the note taker, 1 Merger Committee member, Comm
Chair, and Grievance Chair. The 85 hours per month are based on the
equipment currently held. This policy is in full compliance with USAPA’s
C&BL….

Wow!

Tax Free Bonuses paid by the pilots to the officers and “workers” including the
5 man, full-time, “Negotiating Advisory Committee” who can’t find a way to
pick up the raise (for the real working pilots) that has been sitting on the table
for over 3 years. Say again? We’re paying them bonuses for their “countless
hours” of hard what?

USAPA’s Motto:

It’s Not What You Say, It’s What You Do.

It certainly is.

 

[T2Bus]

Just curious.....Where'e Bradford these days? I'm sorry, where's Waldo?

 

[T2Bus]

Quick Facts #8 Hosted on Unbiased Facts
June 22, 2009

US Airways Calls for Consolidation



US Airways’ Next Merger – what can the pilots expect?


US Airways CEO still interested in airline deals

Source:
http://www.thedeal.com/corporatedealmaker/2009/06/us_airways_ceo_still_interes
te.php

US Airways Calls for Consolidation

Source:
http://www.thestreet.com/_yahoo/story/10511980/1/us-airways-calls-for-
consolidation.html?cm_ven=YAHOO&cm_cat=FREE&cm_ite=NA

US Airways CEO calls for more consolidation

Source:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/US-Airways-CEO-calls-for-more-apf-
15490603.html?.v=2

Doug Parker speaks to Consolidation and Industry Fragmentation, too many hubs,
and not enough passengers for companies to be profitable

Source:
http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/aboutus/investorrelations/webcast.aspx


USAPA Frequently Asked Questions (Prior to the NMB Representation Election)

Question – “What merger protection will we have after USAPA is elected?”

Answer – “A high priority during negotiations with the Company will be the
renegotiation of contractual protections in the event of a merger; such provisions
are binding upon the Company. However, prior to successful negotiation of said
provisions, merger seniority integration would be governed by Sections 2, 3 and 13
of the Allegheny-Mohawk Labor Protective Provisions. This is also guaranteed
under the provisions of a new law signed by President Bush, H.R. 2764. ALPA
merger policy will no longer be applicable, since that policy is restricted in its
application to mergers between two ALPA-represented carriers.”

Source:
http://1.usairlinepilots.org/members-only/old_files/faq.htm


Seniority Merger Legislation (H.R. 2764, SEC. 117. Labor Integration - Omnibus
Budget Bill)

H.R. 2764 was adopted by Congress after to provide a “floor” or minimum
protection for seniority. Prior to this law there was no legal protection for seniority,
which led to unfair results – like thousands of senior TWA flight attendants being
stapled to the bottom of the seniority list at American.

If both work groups in a merger are represented by the same union, the law
explicitly recognizes that the union’s merger policy has jurisdiction. If both groups
are not in the same union, or if both groups are unrepresented at the time of the
merger, then the minimum protections of the new law kick in, and seniority would
be integrated on the basis of a “fair and equitable” standard.

H.R. 2764 is based on Sections 3 and 13 of the Allegheny-Mohawk Labor
Protective Provisions (LPPs). It doesn’t guarantee date-of-hire protection, but it
does provide for final and binding arbitration if the two groups cannot agree on
how to integrate the seniority lists. An arbitrator, independent of the company or
the union, is selected from a list provided by the National Mediation Board and
hears both sides of the seniority integration case.

Source:
http://www.nwaafa.org/docs/QA4.pdf/

Source:
http://www.locallodge141.com/articles/legislative/McCaskill-Bond Bill.html

Source:
http://michiganmachinists.com/news.html


USAPA Constitution & By-Laws - Merger Dues Increase? More USAPA FPL?

USAPA C&BL 5(f) - For expenses related to a proposed merger or acquisition, the
BPR is authorized to increase dues by ½% of qualifying income.


Summary - The USAPA experiment continues. Recent Federal Law doesn't
recognize USAPA's DOH mandate, far from it, it's recognizes "Fair and Equitable"
as determined by an arbitrator (sound familiar?). A seniority integration arbitration
case brought before an arbitrator with a DOH mandate like USAPA's could blow
up in the face of the US Airways pilots just like it did before arbitrator Nicolau -
who also arbitrated under a "Fair and Equitable" standard. Can the US Airways
pilots stand to suffer yet another disasterous outcome? Is USAPA so arrogant that
they can't recognize the risk they put all US Airways pilots in with their DOH
"mandate" that doesn't work in a "Fair and Equitable" world? We will continue to
learn painful lessons until we find a smarter way. Under USAPA, the hope of using
a make-believe argument that the seniority list is "a creature of the contract" was
put to death in an Federal court in Arizona. It might be time for some self-
assessment on how many more losses we want to suffer by buying into USAPA's
dead-end strategies.

 

[T2Bus]

Another one.....

Quick Facts #9 Hosted on Unbiased Facts
June 23, 2009

We Fully Expected to Lose The DFR Lawsuit We Said Could Never Happen



USAPA’s Willful Misrepresentations

USAPA Website Rumor Control Section (Prior to the NMB Representation Election)

Question - “I heard that if USAPA renegotiates the list using DOH, it will be grounds
for a DFR lawsuit."

Answer - “FALSE”.

Source:
http://1.usairlinepilots.org/members-only/old_files/rumor_control.htm (log in required)


USAPA Update – May 13, 2009

“The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and, if necessary, the United States Supreme Court,
are the appropriate places for the law to be truly vetted. While USAPA would have, of
course, preferred to prevail in the current setting (allowing the pilot group to come
together and work towards an improved contract), we fully expected and planned for
this contingency.”

Summary – Prior to the ALPA – USAPA NMB Representational election in a
Question and Answer Section USAPA stated that there would be no grounds for a DFR
lawsuit if USAPA attempts to renegotiate the seniority list using DOH. However,
following the unanimous 9-0 jury conviction finding USAPA guilty of DFR, USAPA
said, “we fully expected and planned for this contingency.”

Which comment is true? This wasn't just a little wrong – they were miles off. How
much more of this should the US Airways pilots continue to tolerate while the pilots in
the rest of this industry are making steady gains in pay, retirement, benefits and quality
of life?

 

[get2flyin]

A 1 year meter? is that like a fence? how 'about a 20 year meter??

A mock bid? pretty much useless....

How 'about you wake up and face reality? The seniority list is decided.

 

[T2Bus]

They knew and hid the facts from the East Pilots:

Unbiased Facts - #17
June 24, 2009

US Airways East Union Merger Committee Report(s) on the Upgrade
Delay and Economic Loss Due to the Nicolau Award

Who US Airways ALPA and USAPA Merger Committees, MEC, and BPR

What The East Merger Committee Hired Airline merger Market
Analyst/Consultant Rikk Salamat to conduct and provide an
economic analysis of the Nicolau Award to the East pilot group union
leadership.

When Spring 2007

Where Toronto, Canada

Why The Merger Committee requested an expert consultant’s opinion to
provide a public report to the ALPA Executive Council in an attempt
to have the Nicolau Award vacated.

How Not only did the consultant provide a public report he provided a
private report that has been hidden from the pilot group by ALPA
and now USAPA. This report is very revealing and provides economic
loss information, if any, for each East pilot.

Fact #1 The US Airways East ALPA East Merger Committee hired Rikk
Salamatt to provide seniority integration consultant services.

For more information on Rikk Salamat’s background and experience take
a look at his profile:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/rikks

Salamat has been used by several airline union Merger Committees to
provide factual data on the effects of a seniority integration including the
recently concluded Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airline’s pilot
integrations.

Fact #2 US Airways ALPA MEC Presentation to ALPA Executive Council
(EC) - May 21, 2007

For more information on the public material contained in Rikk Salamat’s
analysis of the Nicolau Award’s effects on Captain Upgrade and financial
effects on the East pilot group take a look MEC’s presentation to the EC
on May 21, 2007:

http://www.unbiasedfacts.org/AAAMergerCommitteeToECMay2007.pdf
Fact #3 The Salamat Report Excel Spreadsheet on pages 11 through 17 of the
US Airways ALPA MEC Presentation to ALPA Executive Council
(EC) - May 21, 2007 provides Narrowbody and Widebody Captain
Expectancy Data for the Combined East and West pilots with Pre-
merger, Merged, and Impact Data.

For more information on the report:

http://www.unbiasedfacts.org/AAAMergerCommitteeToECMay2007.pdf

Fact #4 The Salamat Report Extract concludes 80 out of 136 East First
Officers from combined seniority numbers 4409 to 4768 were never
going to upgrade to Narrowbody Captain pre-merger or that the
Nicolau award had no effect on their career expectation. The non-
public version of the Salamat Report that the ALPA MEC and
USAPA BPR have not released to the pilot group is even more
revealing in that several hundred East pilots would never have
upgraded to Captain based on an age 60 retirement and that
“Narrowbody First Officer” was their career expectation and remains
their career expectation.

For more information on the report:

http://www.unbiasedfacts.org/AAAMergerCommitteeToECMay2007.pdf

Fact #5 The lowest seniority East active pilot when the merger was announced
with uninterrupted continuous service is Joe Monda, combined
seniority number 4768. The Salamat Report concluded that pre-
merger Monda would never upgrade to Narrowbody Captain and
would retire at age 60 as a First Officer and the Nicolau Award did
not effect his pre-merger Narrowbody Upgrade Career Expectation.

For more information on Monda’s position look at the 6 page of the
spreadsheet:

http://www.unbiasedfacts.org/AAAMergerCommitteeToECMay2007.pdf

Fact #6 The Salamat Report states the lowest seniority East active pilot when
the merger was announced with uninterrupted continuous service
who could have upgraded to Narrowbody Captain pre-merger is Jim
Ziegler, combined seniority number 4764.

The Salamat Report indicates pre-merger Ziegler’s expectation for
upgrade to Narrowbody Captain was 2015 and the Nicolau Award would
delay his upgrade to 2017 (worst case scenario is two years).

For more information on Ziegler’s position look at page 17 of the report:

http://www.unbiasedfacts.org/AAAMergerCommitteeToECMay2007.pdf

Fact #7 The Salamat Report indicates the Average pre-merger to merged East
First Officer Narrowbody Captain Upgrade was delayed about 22
months.

For more information on the report:

http://www.unbiasedfacts.org/AAAMergerCommitteeToECMay2007.pdf

Fact #8 Joint Negotiations - Spring 2007

In early 2007 US Airways provided the ALPA Joint Negotiating
Committee (JNC) their joint contract pay rate increase opening offer. This
was called the Kirby Proposal and provided East pilots a 17% and West
pilots a 3% pay raise along with the same percent increase for DC Plan
retirement contributions.

Fact #9 Leonidas Update - May 8, 2009

"Captain (Jack) Stephan did recall a conversation he had with company
negotiators that the company would be amenable to a 7-10% pay increase
(beyond the Kirby Proposal) for everyone in order to get a joint contract."

Fact #10 Current East Narrowbody First Officer Group II pay is about $85 per
hour.

Fact #11 The monthly gross pay for an East Narrowbody Group II First
Officer who flies 90 hours per month is approximately $7,650 per
month.

Fact #12 Current East Narrowbody Group II Captain pay is about $125 per
hour.

Fact #13 The monthly gross pay for an East Narrowbody Group II Captain at
76 hours per month short call guarantee is approximately $9,500 per
month.

Fact #14 Per Jack Stephan’s testimony under oath at the Addington trial the
US Airways East pilots could have obtained a 27% pay increase
during contract negotiations.

Unbiased Facts previously reported in an article regarding Mounting
Financial Loses that East Narrowbody First Officer’s are losing about
$2,277 (monthly) per former ALPA MEC Chairman Jack Stephan’s sworn
testimony at the Addington trial.

For more information on Mounting East Pilot pay Losses due to current
new contract negotiations that are at a stalemate due to the seniority
integration litigation look here:

http://www.unbiasedfacts.org/unrecoverablelossesJune2009Update.pdf


Fact #15 The Nicolau Award was released to both MEC’s on May 3, 2007 or
about twenty-five months ago.

If the Joint Negotiating Committee had reached a new contract agreement
in May 2007 that implemented the Nicolau Award Jim Ziegler and every
pilot senior to him would have earned more than $57,000 in pay and
retirement benefits than he has today.


Conclusion The Salamat Report indicates the worst case scenario for an East active
pilot is a two year Narrowody Captain upgrade delay.

The cumulative East pilot pay loses from May 3, 2007 through June 1,
2009 are listed in the table below with exact details on how these figures
were derived contained in the link below the table.

Cumulative Financial Loses for East and West pilots Effective June 1,
2009

Pilot Group Captain First Officer
US Airways East $84,150 $56,925
US Airways West $42,078 $34,650

http://www.unbiasedfacts.org/unrecoverablelossesJune2009Update.pdf


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End of the Unbiased Facts Update for June 24, 2009

Unbiased Facts Article 17, 2009