Well, we got absolutely NOTHING for the Special LOA that Whiteford signed regarding the E170. The company came to Whiteford and said "we made a mistake by not having the language include airplanes that weigh as much as the E170. Not allowing the E170 into the mix will severely hamper Skywest, Republic, etc's ability to negotiate the best rate for the 70 seaters because they can't pit one manufacturer against another." So Whiteford said "Here ya go" and signed off on the E170 while getting NOTHING in return. Criminal
Here is the letter...
"In discussions leading up to the 2003 Agreement,
the parties agreed that the
Embraer 170, certificated to a maximum seating of seventy-eight (78), with a
maximum gross takeoff weight of less than eighty-two thousand one hundred
(82,100) pounds would be an exception to definition #22 of Section 1 of the 2003 Agreement. The Company further commits that should one or more of our Feeder
Carrier partners select this aircraft for operation, it will not be configured for
operation with more than seventy (70) seats.
If this letter accurately reflects our agreement, please sign and return two (2) copies
for our file."
Most guys on the line think he gave away the entire 70 seat scope, when in fact he gave away nothing. Definition 22 allows 80k lbs and certified for 70 seats. The EMB is 82K and certified for 78 seats. It was agreed to as an exception as long as it is flown with only 70 seats. End of story.
BTW, currently there are 115 CRJs flying UAL code and only 38 EMBs flying UAL code. These are the facts.
<THIS time, however, time is on our side, as the COMPANY announced that they want a S.O.C by the end of next year. If they want that, they need a single list. If they want THAT, they need a contract in place in time to finish the several month inevitable arbitration of the list. The fact that neither side has filed for mediation tells me that so far the company realizes they need to (finally) play ball. >
US Airways was able to get a SOC with neither a joint contract nor an integrated seniority list, which is disturbing to say the least. UAL may be striving for the same goal especially since the TA expires next year!
US Airways granted single operating certificate | ATW Online