Word is...

[gunfyter]

cards were returned by over 2/3 of the Flight Options pilot group to facilitate a representation election under the supervision of the NMB.

 

[Grizz]

They were presented to the NMB today.

 

[angryoneincher]

Hope the pilot group at Avantair follow suit.

 

[FracCapt]

They were presented to the NMB today.

Good to know! I'm assuming a vote will occur in about 90 days....so the next 90 days should be interesting in terms of what the company will try. Of course, we know the first announcement will be "no raise because the Union won't let us do it!". This is not mere coincidence that they delayed this "new compensation package" until the end of the month...they knew the NMB would be petitioned for a vote before then.

 

[ghostrider64]

WEll good luck to FLOPS. But remember there are no freebies. You must have a very solidified group in order to be effective during negotiations. It will be a very painful experience and I hope you learned from our ordeal how not to go.

My little lessons for a good contract in a reasonable time period.

1) Zero Favors
2) Never carry a single write up. If it is MEL'd cool if it's broken you do not fly.
3) Never extend.

Those simple rules worked for us. But beware you will see amongst yourselves where the real company folks lay. They will be bad mouthing the Union and receiving "special" handling from management and they will be working many extra days and hours at the collective whole's expense.

Good luck and feel free to ask the line pilots at NJA for help if you need it.

 

[Semore Butts]

Good Luck Flight Options

I know I speak for a majority at Netjets when I say, Great job!

Your work has just begun.

Good luck to you, and thanks for all those of you that supported us at NJA.

Take care,

 

[LAZYB]

Workers Seek Voice in Workplace Rules, Fair Treatment and Wages

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately 830 pilots from Raytheon-
owned business jet operator Flight Options filed for Teamster representation
today at the National Mediation Board, taking the first step toward securing a
voice at the Cleveland, Ohio-based company.
The pilots' concerns include securing a contract with wages, benefits and
working conditions comparable to industry standards, along with enhancements
to existing job security and workers protections.
"These are some of the best pilots in the industry and they deserve
nothing less than industry standards," said Bill Olsen, President of Teamsters
Local 1108 in Columbus, Ohio. "They deserve a strong voice in their workplace
that will represent their collective interests regarding their working
conditions and quality of life."
Flight Options is one of the largest fractional jet-ownership airlines in
the U.S. The company's pilots are based across the country and operate one of
the largest business aircraft fleets in world, flying some of the world's
wealthiest and well known individuals in corporate America, sports, and
entertainment.
Local 1108 is comprised of approximately 2,400 pilots for NetJets Inc.,
the country's largest fractional jet-ownership airline. In November, the
NetJets pilots overwhelmingly ratified an industry-setting contract, which
secured, on average, a 40 to 60 percent increase in pay based on years of
service and equipment operated, as well as quality of life improvements.
"With Local 1108's agreement, a better future for the pilots and families
is assured," said Don Treichler, Teamsters Airline Division Director. "Pilots
at Flight Options deserve the same."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents
more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States
and Canada.


SOURCE Teamsters Local 1108
Web Site: http://www.teamster.org

 

[netjetwife]

Excellent news!

My admiration and congratulations to all involved.
A card to the Options group---

http://www.bluemountain.com/view.pd?i=134294629&m=1932&rr=y&source=bma999

 

[p3hawk]

Talk about a LEAP of faith,Whew

 

[leardawg]

It's about time! I'm not by nature someone who gravitates to the idea of a union, but in the 3 years I was at FLOPS I went from a "Do we really need a union and does it have to be the Teamsters?" attitude to one of "This sh*t's gotta stop!" I sent my card in before I left, and I hope it helped in a little way. Good luck to you guys; you deserve a break in the form of an outstanding contract. You've earned it in spades!

 

[netjetwife]

What's the alternative? Stick with a status quo that isn't working? When the NJ pilots voted down the pathetic TA, they did so because taking a chance on gaining something better was seen as preferable to sticking with something they knew wasn't right. When people feel that they have little to lose, a leap of faith is the smartest move. When the group ahead of you has made the jump and landed safely, you're not acting on blind faith. The NJ pilots finished their marathon and came out winners. Flex pilots are "on the mark". Those at Options are "getting set" and it sounds as though the Avantair pilots are warming up. Everyone deserves the chance to run the race/negotiate their own contract. They've all been on the bench long enough. Time to take the field and fight back.

Cheering from the sidelines,
Netjetwife

 

[netjetwife]

Leardawg, that's what amazes me the most about the negative attitude some have about the pilots standing up for themselves. They are only asking for what they have already earned! The past years have been spent growing the frac companies at the expense of the pilots and their families. All other costs are absorbed and seen as just the "cost of doing business". Why should pilots wages be viewed any differently? Sending in your card was the right thing to do but some may not have bothered. Good for you! Certainly it helped--every card counts! NJW


A RISING TIDE SHOULD LIFT ALL BOATS


PILOTS ARE PROFESSIONALS AND SHOULD BE PAID ACCORDINGLY

 

[gunfyter]

I am starting to get the impression some people think al they have to do is vote in a union and the company will roll over.... NOT.

You have a long hard fight after that. Start reading "Confessions of a union buster" NOW.

 

[FracCapt]

I am starting to get the impression some people think al they have to do is vote in a union and the company will roll over.... NOT.

I don't think anybody is under that impression. I think we all know it will be a long, hard fight, fraught with attempts to bust the Union and everybody with a voice.

 

[Tommy Boy]

Bottom line....

We finally drew a line in the sand.

 

[Diesel]

No a line in the stand is a strike vote.

You guys just started sharpening the weapons.

Fly the pledge! Make them know you are there!

 

[FLYLOW22]

You have just started to contemplate drawing a line in the sand. You have a ways to go but the journey WILL be worth it if you guys proove your metal. Stay tight. We are behind you but we can't push you.

Go easy. Stay the course. Be strong. Kick some ass.

 

[leardawg]

You have just started to contemplate drawing a line in the sand. You have a ways to go but the journey WILL be worth it if you guys proove your metal. Stay tight. We are behind you but we can't push you.

Go easy. Stay the course. Be strong. Kick some ass.

"Wax On....Wax Off...."

 

[netjetwife]

It is my belief that tough times can bring out the best in people. Sometimes you don't see a group fight back until they've been knocked to their knees too many times to take it any more. I'm proud of the NJ pilots, but let's be fair--you guys were pretty apathetic for awhile also. I know we had a number of strong pilots that just needed to be organized and led, but we had our share of Kool-aid drinkers, too. I talked to some of them myself!

It may also be that the NJ pilots are overlooking the infusion of hope and confidence that has been generated (the byproduct of a positive outcome) for the pilots wanting to follow their example. Don't discount the power of momentum. Who hasn't had to push a car? Remember, the hardest part was getting it rolling? After that, it just required a steady effort and someone to steer. That's where 1108 comes in. They know the course and can guide you through the rough spots. Stay on the path--(fly the Pledge)--follow in their footsteps--(avoid the company traps)--and you'll make it!

How can I be so sure? Because now is the time and the status quo isn't worth keeping. I saw the NJ pilot group at this low point 2 years ago. An observant person can spot the signs. The discontented muttering at the other fractionals has gotten louder and angrier! I'm not a bit surprised. If anyone doubts my support, let them read my early posts. I was encouraging all of the frac pilots to make a stand back when the StrongUnion movement was just taking root.

It has always been a matter of principal,
Netjetwife

U NITED IN A COMMON CAUSE
N OW IS THE TIME TO STAND UP
I NVESTING IN YOUR OWN FUTURES
O RGANIZING YOUR INDIVIDUAL EFFORTS
N EARING THE FINAL GOAL WITH EACH CARD
S ECURING A BETTER LIFE FOR PILOTS/FAMILIES

 

[FLYLOW22]

"Wax On....Wax Off...."

I prefer painting the fence but above all of that I enjoy walking the line.

 

[ultrarunner]

What are the main reasons FLOPS chose Teamsters as opposed to their own union?

 

[Fozzy]

My opinion.
Resources.

For the 25% that goes to National, we get A LOT for our money. It is a very good investment.

Again, my opinion.

 

[FLYLOW22]

What are the main reasons FLOPS chose Teamsters as opposed to their own union?

The choices for Union representation in the Frac field are few.

1> ALPA.... um no. They have too many of their own issues to worry about our line of business.

2> Independent. Good for plotting the individuals group's course but income is denpendant upon 1 income stream. It's easier to squash a Union with limited income and spending potential. Also, there is less infrastructure to utilize. ie. political, general council, press connections, etc. It truly is what you make of it or have.

3> Teamsters. Already established. Has money and connections. Allows for a Local to plot it's own course and stays out of the way. If the 1108 needed any resources from IBT, we just asked. The don't dictate terms, they ask how they can help. Local 1108 is an extension of the Teamsters but is far from the usual "Local" one would find at a Teamsters convention.

Teamsters Local 1108. For Fractional Pilots, by Fractional Pilots.

 

[gunfyter]

Probably the best reason to go TEAMSTERS is to get into 1108. Thats where you will be doing yourself a huge favor.

They won't do it for you... They will teach you though.

Kinda of like having Ted Williams teach you to hit. You still gotta go up to the plate and swing the bat though....

 

[Tommy Boy]

We went with 1108 because it already has over 2k fractional pilots in it and it is run by fractional pilots for fractional pilots and if we join it will only grow stronger. They also have the financial strength and established structure of the Teamsters.

We were tired of the cuts and disrespect and trusting our fate to a bunch of nimrods who take everything from us and laugh about it behind our backs. Raytheon is making loads of money, don't be fooled by what they say, and a big chunk of it is on our backs. They obviously would like to get us as cheap as they can and work us as much as they can...the only way for us to have a say is through unity.

We said no more. We are taking the controls. We are going to do something about it. We want a voice in our lives and our futures.

We also don't make 200k a year so starting an in house union is very expensive. Most of them fail because there are very little resources to fight management with. That is actually one of the tactics management uses in an organizing drive...get guys to write "in house" union on their card so the yes vote is decreased for the group you are trying to organize under and thereby possibly not getting enough votes to get the union on the property.

 

[XPGuy]

...get guys to write "in house" union on their card so the yes vote is decreased for the group you are trying to organize under and thereby possibly not getting enough votes to get the union on the property.

Just a point of order, although that is a common misconception, that's actually not totally true.

It is true that any voter can add a write-in of any kind of union. Voters could add a write-in for ALPA, the under water basket weaver's Union, or the Mickey Mouse Club on the ticket and choose that as their choice.

If they do so, it will only help our cause.

The way the RLA works is this way:

The only "vote" that counts is whether a pilot voted "for" representation, or NOT for representation... and if a pilot chooses not to vote, that is a "no" vote.

However. Let's say that the above happens. For example's sake, let's say the ballot ends up being a vote for:

a) IBT 1108

b) ALPA

c) Under Water Basket Weavers association

d) Mickey Mouse club (in-house union)

e) No representation

It doesn't matter which representation is voted for... if 50% plus 1 pilot votes for ANY of the above choices besides option (e), then the pilots win representation... but representation from whom? The choice with the most votes.

So splitting up the votes is possible, but it is very VERY unlikely that the majority of pilots would pick anything other than the IBT 1108, and therefore, any vote for ANY representation will actually HELP us.