The NMB declared single carrier status as it pertains to the FA's.

If you read the update from the APFA https://www.apfa.org/hotline/hotline...s/3207-7-29-14, it's interesting how it will happen and the involvement of both unions after the APFA takes over.

Interesting read at the bottom. It says that AFTER the 30 days the APFA will become the new union. HOWEVER, the AFA will STILL represent the US Airways FA's until a JCBA. And even after that, the AFA will continue to process grievances that arose under US Airways.

I guess it's different for a pilots union opposed to a FA union. I mean how can the NMB allow another union to have ANY input after the APFA is declared the union? Unless that's how it's supposed to work... :)

I'm betting it's stuff like that which will be defined by a protocol agreement for the pilots.

The AFA is on the way out. But they will still be involved even after they are no longer the union. I guess it's not unheard of for USAPA to expect the same... And the NMB doesn't seem to object to this.

There is. and it's in effect now and during the JCBA and even after that while a new contract is worked on... So it seems it extends at least well into 2019 and beyond...

It's my understanding that the MTA is valid only for 18 months after SOC

The MTA is a transition agreement that gets us to a JCBA. Then the JCBA will be in effect. The only thing that had ties to an 18 month countdown was certain protections contained in paragraph 8 of the MOU. The no furlough clause is NOT one of those protections.

And it was 18 months after SOC OR a JCBA and SLI become effective, whichever is earlier. While it's possible a SLI will not be reached before the 18 month limit, I honestly believe it will. The mediation begins in less than a week. A lot will become known after that process runs its course.

Well that's nice, makes me feel quite a bit better now. At least we are seeing movement in the right direction. I can see both sides here, I have flown with guys who explicitly said had AWA merged the list like was supposed to happen they would've been completely screwed out of the left seat all together, with just a couple more years left to retire. I support those guys, they will be retired soon, the AWA guys have 20+ years to be a CA...

I understand why USAPA is dragging their feet but also at some point they need to have a come to Jesus moment.

I did read the article. It's the bigger picture. NMB says FA's are one, I highly doubt they will say pilots are not. With regard to grievences, it makes sense that the AFA should handle the grievences THAT AROSE UNDER US AIRWAYS. Why would the APFA handle US AIRWAYS grievences when they never were under US Airways contracts, nor the bargaining agent when those grievences arose. I can easily see the same thing happening with the pilots.

There are min block-hours flown for each list, as well as equal reduction language, etc.

The NMB didn't say McCaskill-Bond no longer applies at SOC, but the APA can always shoot for the moon. Delay in SLI helps them every bit as much as it helps east pilots.

The mediation is more red tape, but maybe, just maybe the APA will commit to abide by the law rather than telegraph their intention to flout it at SOC.

There is a lawsuit in D.C.... APA won't want to add evidence against themselves, but the delay is marvelous.... What a fine line..

I have no doubt the NMB will declare single carrier for the pilots as well. The question is when. They have only declared it for two groups now. For the pilots, they are continuing the investigation. I believe they will consider what happens at mediation next week. If an agreement is reached, the NMB will probably find single carrier almost immediately. The NMB isn't working in a vacuum, they are aware of what else is going on.

Some think USAPA MUST immediately dissolve once the NMB rules single carrier. That's just not how it works. They will have to remain for certain things until everything is settled. Namely grievances and SLI. That's what a protocol agreement will define...

The minimum block hours ARE a part of the protections that have the 18 month clock attached... But with no furloughs, they have to fly something, so giving the planes away isn't feasible.