Originally Posted by
CaptainCarl
This part makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside; "...the right to discipline and discharge non-probationary Pilots for just cause." (Note that "non-probationary" is the same as "every pilot on property."
You've skipped over some important language in the section you're referencing. The very first sentence in the section in question (Section 3):
Unless expressly abridged by a specific provision of this Agreement, the management of the Company...
Emphasis mine.
You'll find the applicable sections that entitle pilots to union protection in the contract (i.e., "this Agreement"). Those sections are:
Section 12 - Probation
Section 23 - Discipline and Discharge
Section 25 - System Board of Adjustment
Section 12(b):
A Pilot on probation shall not be entitled to utilize the grievance and System Board of Adjustment procedures of this Agreement with respect to any disciplinary action taken against him, including discharge for just cause, e.g., training failure, misconduct, etc.
Again, emphasis mine.
Section 23 entitles a pilot to union representation at any company meeting, allows a the union to file a hearing/grievance, and if necessary, utilize Section 25.
While I don't argue that IBT Local 618 (aka, Rent-a-Car Attendants of St Louis) is a fairly worthless union, the contract does have some language to protect a pilot. Whether or not the union actually goes to bat for said pilot is an entirely different story/conversation.