On Friday, February 6th, management began distributing Employee Safety Vests to all pilots. This is a green vest with the word “FLIGHT” imprinted on the back and is to be worn whenever a pilot is working on the Airport Operations Area.
ALPA was alerted to management’s intention a few months ago and so long as management complies with our collective bargaining agreement, ALPA does not usually object to enhanced safety mechanisms. But because ALPA was not aware of the start date nor the required acceptance letter, we are advising pilots that they should not sign for these vests until ALPA has had an opportunity to engage management on the acceptance letter, the program, and all potential implications. We are aware that the program is scheduled to begin on February 15th and will get back to you with more information as soon as possible.
I'm not going to pick up mine until I have to!