Be careful what you say! You might get a Section 13 by hurting someones feelings by calling them names

 

Corporations and organizations send out press releases to media outlets all the time. If a newspaper or other media outlet thinks the story may be of interest to their subscriber/audience, they'll usually try to contact the other party mentioned in the press release to obtain their side of the story before publishing anything.

I don't envy the person at the Denver Post (or wherever) that has to sort through all these press releases because a large percentage of them are just puff pieces distributed in hopes of receiving free advertising. "Hey look!!!! Acme broom company has just released a new and exciting series of household sweeping devices. Visit their store to check out the new line of Sweepmaster 2000 brooms."

This being said, I would think we'll see mention of the story within the next day or two. The public seems to have a taste for airlines in general and who doesn't love labor vs. management? As a new ALPA member, I'm happy to see them kick off what I'm sure will be a multi-year media campaign. We'll need all the help we can get from anywhere we can get it!

 

No kidding. Straight to their bestie at the GO instead of pro-standards for getting called a name on Facebook. I'd say it was unreal, but I don't think any of the pilots here were surprised by that persons actions.

 

Isn't that the truth! It sure seems that the management minions have implemented their "rule by threats and intimidation program." I've heard of more Section 13 discipline hearings in the last month than cumulative over the last decade.

They're like a gang of wife beaters.

 

For sure. I've been impressed with the NC emails as well.

 

This press release addresses LOA 67, not section 6 negotiations. This grievance over LOA 67 is going straight to expedited arbitration - so it goes straight to an arbitrator who delivers a decision to which the company and the pilot group are legally bound.

Not to confused with the RLA process of establishing a record of negotiating in good faith, begging the NMB for a mediator, negotiating with a mediator present, reaching an impasse under mediation, then A)agreeing to arbitration and accepting that decision OR B) rejecting
arbitration, the 30-day cooling off period, then self-help ("strike").

Completely different, wouldn't you agree?

 

I wonder what the arbitrator will do. Make them "negotiate in good faith". The company will just continue to drag it out. Or could the arbitrator force them to give us what the union asked for? Somewhere in between? Thoughts.........

 

The same person who spearheads every controversy on the private Facebook group she created and moderates. The same person who went on a witch hunt to kick out anyone with management ties from that Facebook group so she could feel safe from company action after b!tching about the company. And then the same person who went straight to the company about a name calling on that private Facebook page - with the full intention of getting her co-workers fired after she bypassed Pro-standards and the chief pilot's office. She's probably reading this site. Did I miss anything?

 

Yes and no.

I understand people see it as the last resort, that's because that's what it is.
The process in reality undermines Union strength in an organization. Instead it sends a message that we need help, rather than management seeing, recognizing, then responsibly responding to an angry and unified labor group. I.e. resolving the issue at the workplace.
We're basically putting the decision on whatever it is, in the hands of a third party.
Even the Alpa letter indicates were not really sure what the company is earning. I think the place is profitable.
Problem is we only see what they want to share being a privately held company.
That could present a problem for us with the arbitrator, management paints a not so rosy financial picture to the arbitrator then it's over.
That in turn would weaken our spot with our contract negotiations.

Unfortunately arbitration is the next step in the process, it also shows they don't give two ****s about our union no matter what label it has.

I'm going to hang onto my bravado for the strike. That's the only thing I think this management team will in the end respond to.

How do you join that FB page?

 

But to your original post - We're never striking based upon a decision from an arbitrator in LOA67, this is completely SEPARATE from section 6 negotiations. The LOA67 and section 6 processes are happening in parallel but are only loosely connected. If we score more pay from an arbitration on LOA67, then that would effect our bargaining power in section 6 negotiations (because we would be at a higher pay rate).

There is no harm in pursuing expedited arbitration for the grievance over LOA67, in fact it could be our only ace in the hole to spurn productive section 6 negotiations (i.e. the arbitrator already gave us most of the pay, now we only have to iron out the other sections of the contract). Frankly, our pilots should be excited for the potential outcome an arbitration over LOA67 can bring. The pay sure as heck can't get worse!

You can't join FAP Facebook page unless you've been invited and approved by it's moderator, the woman in the high castle. It's a "super duper secret" group, and you can't find it in a search. But in the company's eyes, it's not secret, it's super duper public. I'd think twice about joining if you were invited.