ALPA: The Pilots Union

Local Council 171 – T-Minus 5
June 11, 2012


CONTRACT END GAME

Thought I'd try and get an update out as I am on an aircraft flying to EWR to help finish this past due contract. Today marks three years, six months and ten days past the amendable date of Contract 02. Your MEC and the United MEC will be in the NYC area all week to aid in this joint contract's completion.

By now I am sure all of you have seen management’s letter to both MEC's asking us to quit talking about June 15th as the target date for contract completion. All I have to say about that is T-Minus 5 and counting. We have the wherewithal to finish this contract this week. The question is, will the company live up to its obligation to this pilot group and finish what will be the first joint agreement at the new United?

We remain committed to finishing an industry leading contract for this combined pilot group. Your reps are committed to the four cornerstones of that new contract. It must include industry leading scope, pay, retirement and work rules.

I hope to see as many of my fellow pilots tomorrow on the picket line.


STRIKE VOTE:

While attending the special joint MEC meeting this week in New York, we will formalize our plan to call for a strike vote, as mandated by Resolution 0512-29R. We want to reiterate the significance of this vote.

A strike vote is perhaps the biggest indication of unity. It sends a strong message that we support using all available resources needed to secure a contract worthy of our pilot group. It sends a message to the company—loud and clear.

For those who are tentative, allow us to put you at ease. A strike vote does not guarantee that we will go on strike. Our goal is a contract, not a strike; however, we need to be prepared for all contingencies, and preparing for a strike is planning with foresight. A strike vote is also not a commitment that you will strike. While we hope (and fully expect) that you would stand with your brothers and sisters should our path lead to a full-on strike, you are not “signing your life away” by voting in favor of a strike.

In fact, the opposite is true—by voting against a strike or not voting at all, you are indicating that you are content with the current contract, are willing to accept whatever the company unilaterally offers, and, to be quite blunt, are willing to sell out your fellow pilots. That is what a vote not in favor, or a lack of a vote, means.

We will let you know as soon as the timetable for voting is formalized. Do your part to make sure our message is heard loud and clear.


WELCOME ON BOARD:

Remember Jeff hates this:
“Welcome on board Flight 223 proudly operated by the pilots and flight attendants of Continental Airlines.”

Captain "E.H."
Council 171-Chairman