April 20, 2018
During the MEC meeting that took place this week the Negotiating Committee updated the officers and reps on what talks had been taking place with the Company. The Company has yet to present an official offer with regards to a settlement on the flow through grievances. Your MEC leadership has determined that if an acceptable settlement offer is not presented imminently we will be required to move in a different direction.
We are also aware that many pilots are becoming anxious with regards to the summer staffing crunch that we seem to face each year. In February the Company approached the Negotiating Committee with a proposal to buy back vacation blocks from pilots at a substantial premium in order to ease their staffing crunch. We received draft language from the Company and we notified the Company that it would be beneficial to our pilots. Unfortunately, the Company has now decided not to sign this agreement. Although the Company has not given any indication of plans to cancel vacation at this time, we recommend that all pilots with vacations over the summer months review the vacation cancellation language in Section 8.K as staffing levels and block hour commitments to American Airlines are constantly changing.
As the industry evolves it is imperative that Envoy evolve as well. So far, the Company has shown no interest in following the rising industry pay standard, although we advocate for increased economics for our pilots regularly. We also continue to advocate for improved quality of life enhancements by means of work rule changes. While some pilots are nearing their flow through class date, numerous pilots will spend many more years at Envoy. Securing quality of life and economic improvements continues to be a top priority.
The Negotiating Committee will continue to meet with the Company in an effort to bring positive change for our pilots. We will continue to seek advancements for the pilots at Envoy, and attempt to solve problems and fix morale for the pilots, which we firmly believe will yield a more productive and efficient pilot group for the Company.
In Unity,
The Envoy MEC
[email protected]