Originally Posted by FSUpilot

Just an update from the local LEC... so concessions need to be made on the backs of labor huh? How bout a concession from the 2nd unneeded management group in ATL that makes over 2 mil combined???? That may save a few bucks. How about controlling all the daily inefficiencies? And union... how about giving a big middle finger to management like Eagle did. We are already on a cocessionary contract. I refuse to do this job for any less. I'll get out and find something elsewhere. NO!!!!


August 2, 2013

The last few weeks have been busy for our pilot group. Since the announcement of the Company’s intent to pursue a concessionary contract, we have received many phone calls, e-mails, text messages, and XJT My Messages from you. We hear you. You are not interested in accepting anything concessionary. Not surprisingly, we haven’t heard from a single pilot who is interested in taking further cuts in quality of life, pay, or benefits. Thank you for communicating with your representatives. This is how it is supposed to work.

As many of you know, the joint XJT/ASA MEC met in Atlanta this week. We heard from Brad Holt, Brad Rich, and Charlie Tutt about their vision for going forward in this extremely competitive industry. It seems the bottom line is the only thing that matters to our airline partners. It is an economic reality that over the next decade or so, 50-seat flying profitability will diminish. Fighting to secure flying for >50-seat jets depends solely on the airline’s ability to control our cost. Our management must figure out from where that cost control comes. Their feeling is that it needs to start on the backs of labor.

In addition to hearing from the Company, we heard reports from the Negotiating Committee and the Scheduling Committee. The Negotiating Committee updated us on the specifics of the Company’s economic proposal. The Scheduling Committee educated the MEC on the new flight-time/duty-time rules and the value of duty rigs and minimum day credits. We also had the opportunity to continue to develop our relationship with our colleagues from the ASA MEC. After the MEC meeting wrapped up, the XJT MEC met over the next two days discussing strategy, reviewing committee reports, and collecting feedback and input from many sources. At the end of this, we have a clearer picture of what needs to be done going forward.

We have made it clear to the Company that this pilot group has endured hardships over the years, and an attempt to further gut our hard-fought contract through economic concessions will be an extremely tough task.

What’s next? The Negotiating Committee will prepare our economic proposal in an attempt to move negotiations toward a conclusion. Meetings with the Company resume in mid-August, and the NC-Updates will update the pilot group when progress is made. (Does this mean you are going to consider concessions now???)

Locally, our secretary-treasurer for LEC 175, has left this airline and thereby vacated his position in our council. We appreciate his service to the pilot group. Anybody interested in filling the vacancy, please give us a call or e-mail us. Our next local council meeting will be in September, and during that meeting we will elect an interim S/T.

Again, thank you to everybody who called and e-mailed us. Negotiations is a long and difficult process rife with rumors and misinformation. If you have any questions or if you would like us to know your opinion, please call or e-mail.