SFO - Informational Picketing 7/10/07
 

Forwarding message:
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All Union Pilots:

United Airlines Pilots, represented by ALPA, will be conducting informational picketing at the San Francisco Intl Airport (SFO) to raise public awareness of contract issues facing the UAL pilots.

All pilots in uniform wishing to show support or participate should meet in front of the UAL domestic terminal, upper level, on July 10th, 2007 at 0930.

Go gettem' guys. Restore the profession.:)

This message was forwarded to me & I did edit a little - I do want to make it clear that participation and support from ALL union pilots is welcome.

If your a union member from any airline, please stop by and show your support!

Oh, and tell 'em you saw this on Airline Pilot Central!

Don't for one second think that the public cares.

what if you are trying to become a union member?

True, but companies hate press that questions their leadership and focuses attention on corporate short-comings. Pilots greeting passengers and explaining issues that could affect their flight attracts TV cameras and reporters - that is the real benefit of picketing.

I thought you knew this play book.

I wonder how many Go Jet and Skywest Pilots will show up? I'll keep my TV tuned to CNN for coverage!

Best of luck UAL guys/girls!

Don't forget Virgin....and they are just sitting around till start up.

At LAX too
 

There were several pilots in uniform at LAX today as well, holding up signs in front of the United terminal. I was in traffic and didn't get a chance to read the signs, but the impression that I got was, these guys look kind of lonely out there! Only two or three pilots, and nobody was talking to them.:(

As an ex-MEC member and Comm Committee Chair, I'm aware of the play book.

I'm also aware that the vast majority of passengers don't really care about pilots and their issues ..... unless an engine's on fire.

Its a shame that there was not a call for solidarity amongs all pilots of all walks of life when the pensions were taken away... pay was reduced while bonuses were issued to the members of the board of directors... sectors normally flown by the main liners transferred to the regionals... a little too late.

Public Perception
 

Well stated ! The public still has the perception, however misguided, that pilots are overpaid and underworked. After all, they make $125-200 K per year, fly 10-12 days a month and work about 6-7 hours a day. That mindset isn't going to change and informational picketing is marginally effective at best.

Perhaps if the pilot group had stood up during the initial wave of Chapter 11 fillings, drawn a line in the sand and said (and meant with their actions) "NO", things might be different now. It's a moot point and todays' pilot group will have to wait for the pendulum to swing back toward a decent compensation system, if it ever swings back.

Just my thoughts but the day to take a stand and possibly make a difference is gone.