APA DFW Vice Chairman Update: November 19, 2014
DFW Line Pilots,
We find ourselves in the midst of JCBA negotiations with AA. As all of you know, I ran on a platform of my past business experience and changing the way we do business at APA. While my job as your Rep often entails finding myself in roles in which I have little experience, the JCBA position we find ourself in-is NOT one of those. I am completely at ease with the process.
I am getting many emails from members wanting to know what is happening. We are in the midst of developing/implementing negotiating strategy- "I simply will not respond". This being said, I will work for you and will provide regular updates.
1.SCOPE- AA made us concentrate on 81 seats & asked for 5. DFW guys sent countless emails a day. You were heard and apparently the amount of messages caused some concern. We countered AA with a Scope offer of our own. They withdrew Scope from Table. THANKS DFW!
2. WHERE ARE WE NOW? Not going to discuss strategy! However, I strongly feel that the current offer is lacking in some critical areas that are industry standard-AA knows this. We have further to go before we get a deal and can continue concentrating on making AA the # 1 airline in the world. Many of the items are a win/win for both sides. Those few of you that want me to send the current offer to membership for a vote -- "Recall me if you want, but NO!" (There is more work to be done).
3. ARBITRATION-I am NOT afraid of Arbitration. That being said it is NOT the optimal outcome for either the Line Pilots or AA. Should AA mistake my willingness to a deal that benefits both AA and the Line Pilots as weakness to expolit, would be a HUGE mistake.
4. AA's NEGOTIATING COMMITTEE-I hope Mr. Parker and Kirby read this blast. I wonder if they really know wht is going on in that room. If not-"I suggest they take a leadership role". Constant replies from AA negotiators of "THAT IS PROBLEMATIC," with no explanations as to why is not indicative of Culture Change.
As your elected Domicile Representatives, We are dedicated to keeping the DFW Line Pilots informed and updated. As a key stakeholder in AA, recognize that we have, and will continue, to play a major role in the success of The NEW AA. I truly hope, that unlike past AA Management, Mr. Parky & Mr. Kirby recognize the value of a Stakeholder relationship with the pilots. The success of the NEW AA depends on it!
I am including a recent Bloomberg article. I ask that all of the DFW Line Pilots AND MR. PARKER/KIRBY and AA Management read it. THIS is culture change!
Rest assured your DFW Representatives will keep you updated. Keep your schedule clear for domicile meetings to be scheduled the first week of December - details as soon as we have them.
Josey
F/O Josey Wales, DFW Vice Chairman