Originally Posted by
RegionalRetread
According to the ALPA rep that talked to us after we were informed of the companies decision, we aren’t. He said we are only fully covered by the CBA after IOE. “We are in the greyest of grey areas” right now. The only thing the union has guiding them is the RLA. Believe me I was just shocked to hear that little tid bit too. I’m no lawyer but that exactly what we were told by the union.
I’ve heard this as well, which is also why we have a newhire who got hurt at the lodge in initial playing volleyball, is out for several months, and was told to reapply. His case is still pending.
I don't understand how pre-IOE complete guys are in a gray area, other than maybe the way the definition of first officer reads in the CBA (ie meeting the regulatory and contractual criteria to hold such status). But I contend that if anyone accepts a position as a first officer and begins training, they are added to the PILOT seniority list on day 1, and therefore should be covered as a probationary pilot. Furthermore, the probationary period in the CBA is defined as 365 days from date of employment. If they aren’t a “probationary pilot” for the first month or two while in training, then what are they? Because there is no other definition, title, or position that I can see that would fit.
Hopefully this “gray area” is resolved in CBA 2.0. It’s ridiculous and petty that JB would try to pull this. And B6ALPA sounds like they are just as much to blame. There should be no “gray area” as to employment status, and they should be fighting tooth and nail to protect EVERY pilot here, even if probationary. They should be publicly denouncing JB’s treatment of newhires and this now disputed “gray area.”