Back in the day when an airline fired a pilot for no good reason ALPA stood up for that pilot and the pilot group stood behind ALPA demanding reinstatement. The power of the union was used to protect pilots. Today ALPA sends a disappointed email to the pilot group, then silence. Where’s Dave Behncke when we need him?

 

I only know the generalities of the situation, but having seen the fallout from some of these type of things at a regional I’d imagine if the CA was in fact wrongfully terminated it will take time making its way through the courts and then they’ll eventually get their job back with backpay plus maybe some extra etc etc... It’s just a process.

The reality is that an employer can let anyone go at any time for any reason they choose. Whether it was wrongful or not is then determined by the courts if that is the avenue the wronged party wishes to pursue. It stinks, but it’s the truth.

 

That is the case for employees at will and not under a labor contract. Unionized employees under a contract are not considered "at-will." The employer has to follow the termination process laid out in the CBA or they open themselves up to a lawsuit.

 

Correct. But none of that changes anything I just said.

 

I am very sure the Captain will indeed get his job back, the FO most likely not. This is a process that will take some time, but it will happen.

The optics of the situation forced the hand of the company and they know that it won't stand up through arbitration, however to appease the public they did what they did.

It sucks, it was wrong, but I have faith it will get rectified at some point, hopefully with a little bonus to go on top of it. In terms of ALPA, what would you have them do to rectify the situation other than go through the legal arbitration process? We can't strike, we cant refuse to fly, we cant break the status quo etc. The courts have time and time again sided with management when it comes to these options due to the RLA. It sucks, however I know that the union is doing everything they legally can to move this issue forward, it will just take some time.

 

Appease who? I doubt anyone in the general public has any idea that the pilots were fired.

 

Not entirely correct it was to appease AAG.

Still puts every pilot on notice. You better be perfect or else.

As pointed out arbitration is the only way which sucks for the FO as he was a probationary release which can’t be grieved.

 

Does anyone else feel a little afraid ever since this incident? It’s like the OP said, “you better be perfect or else.”

It’s just sad. Pilots make mistakes. We should all learn and move on. Now it’s a little nerve racking that you’re one mistake away from being fired and your career being ruined. Even when the CA gets his job back, it’s a big question mark on his career. I hope this pilot group can set their ego aside and really listen and slow down. If you aren’t a little concern or extra careful now, you need to be.

 

I am not willing to go into further detail about it but I will say the company had very strong reasons to distance themselves, regardless of our opinion on it.

 

Yes, its horrible, however this was a very unique experience and the termination was damage control.