geshields

As an Ex-Champion Employee I am watching this closely and here is the latest VARS message...Champion and NWA MEC have been in constant communication about this.

Hello Fellow Pilots,
This is Matt Marsh with a message regarding the potential for additional flying to cover Northwest Airlines’ flights. As we are all aware, Northwest Airlines and their mechanics, represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), are in a cooling-off period with a rapidly approaching deadline of 2301 CDT Friday, August 19th.
Champion Air management approached your MEC with information they received from Northwest Airlines regarding additional flying. Due to the fact that Northwest Airlines is experiencing a greater frequency of aircraft on the ground (AOG) due to mechanical reliability, they requested that Champion Air fly a limited amount of flights between
identified city pairs until Northwest is able to accommodate these flights. I have had several discussions with the Northwest MEC Chairman about the type of flying Northwest Airlines is requesting Champion Air to perform. This may be a violation of Northwest’s scope clause; however, the Northwest MEC made it very clear that they are
not asking the Champion Air pilots to refuse these flights. This situation is similar to any disagreement a union employee may have their management—we advise you to “fly now, grieve later.” If there is a violation of the Northwest Pilots’ Agreement, the Northwest MEC will make the decision to pursue a remedy under their grievance process. This potential violation has nothing to do with the Champion collective bargaining agreement. Therefore, we are advising all pilots to report for and fly any flights that are subcontracted from Northwest
Airlines. The flying could begin immediately, and it is unclear as to how long the subcontracting will continue. Remember, this is not struck work. There are no picket lines to cross. In addition, this work is not in violation of our Agreement. In the event of an AMFA strike at Northwest Airlines, the Northwest MEC, in consultation with the ALPA President, will make a decision as to whether or not they will engage in a sympathy strike, and, if so, will define what flights, if any, will be classified as struck work. At that time, the Champion MEC, in consultation with the ALPA President, will make a decision as to whether or not we will engage in a sympathy strike. When this decision is made, we will send out a message to all pilots via the VARS
hotline with explicit instructions with regard to the MEC’s decision.
Please check the VARS hotline frequently for updates, especially prior to reporting for work after 2301 CDT Friday, August 19th.
I would like to personally thank all of you for your professionalism during this very difficult situation.
Fly safe.