Originally Posted by Pilot7576
2cylinder...
This is not a main battle in the IPA ta. ... The iro issue was handled poorly a few years ago by the previous administration and we are seeing the results of that now.
Pilot7576
When you say administration, you mean management right? The FACT that the previous IPA EBoard put language restricting FO IROs was a masterful stroke. Way back then (EARLY 90's), when we wanted to negotiate language for the new 767ER's coming on property, the company assured us the aircraft would NEVER be utilized in a manner that would require an IRO. So the previous EBoard put a hook in the contract, restricting the company from forcing FOs to get or maintain a class one medical. A few years later, when the company originally tried to skirt our 1993 "no FO can be required to maintain a class one physical" language," they were stuck negotiating for FO IROs on each fleet type as it was introduced. Otherwise the Union would "allow" Captain IROs until an agreement could be reached.
Having Captain IROs is more expensive, of course, but does allow the company additional flexibility for contingencies on our global flights. To say that the industry standard is 1 Captain and 2 FOs, is the standard for most airlines that generally fly from domicile to an international point, then back to domicile. As the MD11 IRO, I've been resceduled MANY times to operate as the Captain while on the other side of the world, far far away from any reserve coverage in a domestic domicile. We just don't operate in a manner similar to most airliines, so the added flexibility could be useful, unless you're a beancounter.
The FACT that we currently operate with MD11 Captains as IROs does mean that the current FO upgrades will be slowed IF the TA that allows FO IRO passes.
BUT, remember, many FOs realized an accelerated upgrade to Captain when the company was forced by our old EBoard to operate only with Captain IROs, so it's kind of a wash, if you step back and look at the historical big picture.
If you're referring to the side letter of agreement that allows the company to even staff the MD11 with an IRO after we turned down the mid-term TA, I might have to agree with you on that one. That was probably one of the bigger straws that got BM voted out of office....