In the first of a two part series, I wish to offer my perspectives and positions about current critical issues. This is in response to the vetting process expressly sought by many members. My intent is to provide you, the line pilots of Council 44, information you are seeking as you make your considered decisions about whom will represent you.

RECALLS AND RESIGNATIONS

I fully support the recall process convened in our and various other Local Councils. The resignations of MEC Officers and Committee Members are proper and appropriate. This is not a “witch hunt” nor is it an act of revenge upon those who voted affirmatively for MEMRAT. It is a consequence when those who represent us appear to be no longer doing so. It is accountability. The concept may or may not be “fashionable”, but it certainly comes with the job of being your Representative. Let’s not duplicate the MEC’s reaction to the failure of the TA by committing parallel acts because we didn’t like the outcome of the recall meetings. Our engagement and resolve can be channeled more productively in the upcoming elections for new Representatives.

THE REJECTED TA

We are all familiar with the term “fifty plus one” as it pertains to the successful passage of negotiated agreements. My fellow aviators of Council 44, I submit to you that such a metric is a prescription for rejection, and based upon the most recent survey questions reported via social media, I fear the groundwork is being established for another disappointment. You see, I was taught that anything less than 70% (sometimes 80%) is considered a failure. The bar is set too low. Questions from the latest survey, suggesting a minor tweak here or there to change a “no” vote to a “yes” vote tells me that our feedback is not being acknowledged correctly. Let’s raise the bar. If a 65% rejection can send a message imagine what will resonate throughout our Company, the industry and Wall Street if we achieve an even higher rating of approval with a quality TA worthwhile of MEMRAT. I will work toward that goal as your Representative.

MOVING FORWARD—AN ALTERNATIVE

While I am not privy to survey results used to construct Section 6 openers, I can provide some insights as to what I would be looking for when assessing the merits of a TA and what I think an acceptable TA must look like. While it has been proposed we need to provide updated input to survey results, I believe the postings provided in social media outlets offer a wealth of fresh data useful in evaluating the worth of a TA. The current PWA plus improvements is my baseline. A TA will have to reflect the current state of our industry and our Company. We are recognized for our professionalism and frequently distinguished from our competitors so any subsequent TA will need to account for the distinctions routinely bestowed upon us.

Certain Quality of Life (QOL) issues must be honored and respected as sacrosanct. Investments in the line pilots (Profit Sharing) must be protected and maintained. Global growth and route expansion should benefit the line pilot and not be a reason to liberate Scope or JV Agreements. The PWA is not a venue to engage in what I will call the “bull in a china shop approach to the perceived elephant in the room” remedy offered for Sick Leave. Proposals made to us during negotiations that conflict with Mr. Woolman’s philosophies published in his “Rules of the Road” should be deemed detrimental to our Culture and denied consideration.

Ultimately, we must share in, but not become victims of our own Company’s success.

In the second of this two part series, I will address and share my positions about DPA vs. ALPA, Restoration, ethics, transparency and technology. I will also offer my strategies for advancing our profession and how DALPA must evolve or face extinction.

I will be attending the meeting of 28 September and plan to utilize the limited floor time offered by our current LEC to directly engage in conversation with you. You can also contact me via email with your questions, ideas, comments and, yes, your criticisms. Feedback is something I welcome, not something to be banned, syphoned or otherwise curtailed.

I am Christopher Kern and I humbly request your consideration and vote to become your next LEC 44 First Officer Representative.

Christopher Kern
ATL717B in transition to ATL7ERB

[email protected]