On January 15, 2015, the Association received the Final Award in case 2014-U-005-031R (FBO). After the Neutral issued his Final Award, the Company decided to write an optional dissenting opinion and delayed submitting it for three weeks. That dissent was received on Friday, February 6, 2015.

In his decision, Neutral LaRocco found that the Company violates Sections 20-C-2-a and 20-Q-I5-a of the UPA when it changes the positions of First Officers on augmented crews. Captains retain all Captain’s Authority.

Neutral LaRocco ordered the Company to cease and desist from violating UPA Sections 20-C-2-a and 20-Q- I5-a. The Board remanded this case to the parties to determine if any other remedy is appropriate and, if so, to fashion an appropriate remedy (or remedies). This Board retained jurisdiction over this grievance should the parties have a dispute over the remedy. The Association has attempted to schedule a meeting with the Company to fashion an appropriate remedy and has booked remedy jurisdiction dates with the Neutral.

In his decision, Neutral LaRocco ordered the Company to comply with the cease and desist order within 30 days of January 15, 2015. The Company disagrees with this timeline and intends to bring this timeline compliance issue back to the Neutral, attempting to further delay compliance with his Award.

We are aware that the Managing Director - Flight Standards has already communicated his interpretation of the Award to the Line Check Airmen (LCAs).

MEC Chairman Captain Jay Heppner has engaged Flight Operations in order to determine the exact role of the LCAs while conducting training. Our goal is to ensure a positive Crew Resources Management (CRM) environment in our cockpits.