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Old 11-13-2007 | 07:43 PM
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ClipperJet
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I actually went and read the website. Having no dog in this fight, I think I'm pretty unbiased. At least I'm trying to be.

A pretty strong indictment of ALPA. Can't say how much is true, since I'm not in ALPA, but ALPA is slammed pretty hard.

There is absolutely no recognition that USAir was in serious financial straights when the East-West merger occurred. They talk only of the problems at AWA, with no acknowledgement of an impending bankruptcy at USAir.

There was also little mention of how the West pilots would be represented. In the FAQ, here's what USAPA says they would do for you. You can decide for yourself if this sounds good or bad:

26. What can USAPA do for a West pilot that's better?

"More democratic, Direct election of officers, More control over financial matters, and pilot ratification of all contracts and side letters is required; more thorough and timely communication, Constitution with a pilot Bill of Rights, that mandates professional negotiators, better, more efficient services provided, representative from your seniority group, a merger policy that preserves each pilot’s un-merged career expectations. Simplified committee structure. No more gravy train for Reps; pay no more than what seniority can hold, union uses same hotels as crews, no more limos & resort hotels. No roll call voting. Meetings held at bases, in the terminal, so it is easy for pilots to attend. As soon as possible, web cams and conference calls for virtual attendance and later viewing. Negotiating/merger committees cannot TA. And most importantly, an independent, carrier-specific union with only the interests of US Airways pilots in mind. Finally, bearing in mind that the Nicolau award could be precedence setting, and based upon that precedence West pilots will be severely impacted in the next merger (which is likely coming within a year), the fact that USAPA is constitutionally committed to using its full resources to obtain seniority integration on a date of hire basis and has a merger policy that preserves each pilot’s un-merged career expectations, is good for a West pilot"


The bold is mine. The first part sounds more anti-ALPA than a "West specific" benefit. It sounds like USAPA is very highly (but maybe not exclusively) focused on getting a date of hire seniority system. Probably not a big surprise.
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