From
www.skywestalpa.org
Question: People have expressed concern as to how ALPA would affect a merger with ASA. I get the feeling they fear a 1 for 1 merger if we are ALPA, yet believe they may fair better without ALPA?
Answer: As it is now we have no policy or procedure in place in case of a merger. Should management decide to merge SkyWest with another pilot group we will be solely represented by management. We have asked in the past for a "Durable Language Proposal" but that request has been denied.
In the case of a merger with ASA without us being represented by ALPA, the ALPA merger policy would not be in effect. ALPA would represent ASA and SGU would represent us.
If we vote in ALPA before a merger occurs, both SkyWest and ASA would be bound by ALPA merger policy. At that point we (the pilots) would have a say in the process. We would negotiate with the ASA pilot group to find a fair solution. If we were unable to "shake hands" on an agreement we would go to mediation. The mediator would use the ALPA Merger Policy to try to bring us together.
The ALPA Merger Policy basically states "Neither side shall benefit more than the other taking career expectations into consideration".
If after mediation we were still unable to reach an agreement, it would go to 3rd party arbitration, again using the ALPA merger policy. 3rd party means someone outside of SkyWest, ASA and ALPA.
In summary, if we are both represented by ALPA, we would have a process where we are invited to the table and a policy that is in place to protect both sides.
This is a link to an article discussing ALPA's merger policy in detail, and below are a couple Q and A's on the subject.
http://www.skywestalpa.org/documents...ut.Mergers.pdf
This month’s Spotlight focuses on ALPA merger policy and how it could affect a SkyWest / ASA merger. Organizing committee member Phil Alford (CRJ Captain, SLC) asked ALPA to answer some of the questions on pilots’ minds.
Merger Policy Question & Answer
Q. What is ALPA Merger Policy and how would it affect SkyWest pilots?
A. ALPA Merger Policy sets up a process for integration of pilot seniority lists. It does not prescribe or dictate the criteria or methods to be used in merging the lists. ALPA provides the procedures for integrating the lists in a fair and equitable manner. But ALPA maintains a completely neutral position on the merits throughout the process until a merged list is obtained by agreement or arbitration. The process contains specific time limits for each stage designed to lead to a merged list in a reasonable time. The elements of this process are reviewed periodically by ALPA’s governing bodies to ensure that the process continues to be efficient and fair.
Q. Why would SkyWest pilots be better off under ALPA merger policy?
A. SkyWest pilots would be better off for several reasons:
• If the SkyWest pilots join ALPA and thereafter SkyWest merges with an ALPA carrier, the SkyWest pilots would be guaranteed the integration process provided by ALPA Merger Policy. That Policy results either in a negotiated list or in an arbitration award that is final and binding. SkyWest pilots would not be guaranteed such a process if they remain outside ALPA.
• ALPA Merger Policy establishes procedural timelines that ensure a timely resolution of seniority issues.
• Under ALPA Merger Policy, ALPA sets up and oversees the process leading to the negotiated or arbitrated list to ensure compliance with ALPA Merger Policy. ALPA Merger Policy establishes a process for the selection of a mediator/arbitrator by the two pilot groups and offers resources including a peer group of pilots who can provide advice and assistance to you and your fellow pilots throughout the process.
Q. SkyWest management has promised to protect us. How would having ALPA here get us better protection?
A. Representation by ALPA ensures that management hears from you about what matters to you and your fellow pilots. Bringing ALPA on to the property means there will be a legal collective bargaining representative that management is required by law to negotiate with if a transaction occurs – not a well-meaning but legally ineffective group that management can consult with if it wants. Also, there will be an enforceable contract.