Mea Culpa.
I went ape**** here a while back when MSP elected a guy whose wife is in the CPO as their FO rep. I owe him a public and humble apology for questioning his integrity.
Fellow Council 1 pilots,
Two days ago, your MEC passed a resolution to approve sending the tentative agreement (TA) out to the pilot group for membership ratification. The final vote was conducted in open session on Wednesday in Atlanta. Results for the vote were 11 in favor and 8 against. I voted against the resolution because I felt the TA fell short in overall value and contained language that is not favorable to the pilots I represent. The purpose of the “no” vote was not to deprive you the pilots a chance to vote on this agreement, but rather an effort to fix the agreement before it was released. That’s my job as a representative!
The TA has many modifications to our current agreement. Many of them are pluses for the pilot group, and some favor the company. This is normal in negotiations and should be expected.
As your Council 1 first officer representative, I have done my best to listen to you and follow your direction as indicated in the Pilot Survey and through feedback on various issues. Based on the input and feedback of MSP pilots, I voted against the agreement because it did not meet your expectations.
I agree with many of the MEC representatives that an alternate path is achievable by reengaging the company to address the issues we have with this current TA. The environment we are in should be favorable to achieve a fair and balanced agreement that addresses pilot concerns as well as those of the company.
You will be receiving lots of information about modifications contained in the TA over the next 30 days. I ask that you read everything, study it, ask questions, attend the road shows, and then evaluate for yourself and vote!
Fraternally,
Eric