CAL MEC Chairman Update 11-19-10
CHAIRMAN'S UPDATE
On Monday I talked extensively with the UAL MEC Chairman Capt. Morse and am pleased to report that the UAL side of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is now free to develop and present a compensation proposal based on previous JNC work. As a result, the JNC made considerable progress this week in finalizing the compensation proposal and it is expected to be included as part of a comprehensive presentation and counterproposal on numerous sections to management that will be presented in early December. I want to thank both sides of the JNC for their persistence and patience in dealing with this obstacle in a professional manner despite the disagreement between the MECs. It is an unfortunate reality that throughout this process, as we work to find common ground with our brothers and sisters at UAL, there will be times when we disagree on the best course of action. I am disappointed that we lost so much time on this particular issue, but am pleased that the JNC can now do their work.
Sometimes when trying to find solutions in a deadlocked negotiation, I believe the best tack to take is to step back so that each side can reexamine not just its respective positions, but its underlying principles. This is particularly true when the discussions deteriorate from productive dialog on the issues into personal attacks and chest-beating with both sides tempted to respond in kind. Sometimes it is better to suffer the slings and arrows than to go tit-for-tat in a public communications war. As part of our commitment to working with the UAL MEC, at the special meeting on Thursday, your entire MEC issued and signed a position statement reaffirming our commitment to the fundamental principles that underlie ALPA Merger Policy, the Protocol Agreement and the Transition and Process Agreement. (click here to download the document) I am proud that as part of our commitment to these principles, the MEC has not responded to communications from UAL first officer representatives in Dulles, San Francisco and Denver. We believe these principles will enable us to work with our United brethren toward a JCBA, integrated pilot seniority list, and what both sides ultimately want, a unified United pilot group.
Finally this week, the scheduling and procedures for the expedited arbitration on the Scope violation have been finalized. The hearing will be held the second week of December, with a decision rendered no later than Dec. 30, 2010, well prior to the flight start dates. While your union staunchly defends our hard fought scope protections through this expedited grievance process, it is very important that you show your support and demonstrate your opposition to management’s position by participating in the SPSC picketing events during the Thanksgiving week in EWR and IAH and on Dec. 1 in ORD.
As always, fly safe and have a good weekend.
One Union. One Voice.
Capt. Jay Pierce
CAL MEC Chairman
It looks like we can finally move on with negotiations!!
One little side note, I didn't copy and paste the letterhead but for the last 2 years it has said 147 on furlough. It now says 134, it really caught my eye, welcome back guys!!! soon you all will be back on property!!