skypest

The following press release was issued by the MEC in response to the Company’s announced Transatlantic Partnership with Aer Lingus:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement from Captain Steve Wallach,
Chairman, United Master Executive Council Air Line Pilots Association
Regarding United’s ‘Innovative’ Partnership With Aer Lingus January 22, 2009

The day after reporting one of its worst quarterly financial results in history and after furloughing an additional 254 pilots (bringing the total to 606 pilots), United Airlines announced today that it has entered into what it calls an “innovative” partnership with Aer Lingus.

Aer Lingus has advised the Irish press that this joint venture will operate an Aer Lingus aircraft with neither United nor Aer Lingus employees, under a separate operating certificate and under newly established wages and working conditions. Obviously, this partnership will be accomplished at the expense of United’s and Aer Lingus’ own pilots and other employees. This development, where United attempts to establish an airline operation without the use of United aircraft or employees, is nothing less than the outsourcing of jobs to an international company, and clearly demonstrates that this management continues to make business decisions without regard to its pilots and other employees.

"The United pilots are exploring every option to put an end to the company’s blatant disregard and lack of loyalty to the United Airlines brand.”

contrail67

This is not just a slap but a negotiating tactic....several regionals played this game...less money for scope protections. I really think ALPA is helpless.

contrails

As long as the RLA is in effect I don't know how ALPA can fix this problem.

No strike ability, no leverage.

DAL4EVER

To bad Tilton doesn't have a shred of pride or loyalty in him. In fact, to bad he's not a leader in Japan. He'd have committed Hari Kari long ago due to the dishonor and disgrace he's brought upon himself and his family. UAL would definitely be no worse for that.

skypest

I'm not so sure-

The press release on skynet states:

"It is intended that both carriers will equally share the commercial and operating benefits and risk, with Aer Lingus managing the operational aspects of the new partnership services and United Airlines taking responsibility for managing revenue generation. The Partnership route structure will be operated and sold under both Aer Lingus and United Airlines codes and will leverage both parties’ network capabilities."

This to me "appears" to be a violation of the CBA.

From UAL's CBA-

1-A Recognition

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (the
''Association''), has furnished the Company evidence that a
majority of the airline pilots employed by the Company have
designated the Association to represent them and in their behalf
negotiate and conclude an agreement with the Company as to
hours of labor, wages and other employment conditions covering
the pilots in the employ of the Company in accordance with the
provisions of Title II of the Railway Labor Act, as amended and
the certification issued by the National Mediation Board in Case
No. R-3463.

1-B SCOPE

The pilots on the Pilots' System Seniority List (the "United
Pilots") shall have the sole and exclusive right to perform and be
trained to perform Company Flying and operate Company
Aircraft in accordance with the terms and conditions of this
agreement or any other applicable agreement or agreements
between the Company and the Association (together, the
"Agreement").

[LEFT]1-B-1 Company Flying
Except as provided in paragraph 1-B-2, ''Company Flying''
includes without limitation all commercial flight operations of
any sort whatsoever, whether revenue, nonrevenue,
scheduled or unscheduled, conducted (i) by the Company or
a Company Affiliate, or (ii) by the Company or a Company
Affiliate for other air carriers, or (iii) by an Entity managed by
or under the Control of the Company or a Company Affiliate,
or (iv) by an Entity in which the Company or a Company affiliate owns any Equity.

Seems plain enough to me, but what to I know. Here't to hoping we can nail them to the wall on this one and stand firm.

shfo

Can the Irish fight this on their end?

DAL4EVER

When I look back at my Irish ancestry it seems to me that the fight of the Irish is directly proportional to the amount of Jameson's 12 Year Special Reserve that you provide. As a kid, I watched countless fights between my grandfather and his brothers and cousins at reunions. Then they would all sit back down and continue to share the whiskey that created the brue haha.

newKnow

Unbelievable. Our profession is officially worthless. Furlough pilots then do this? I am speechless.

captscott26

I wish we could get a pilot group to forget about the outdated RLA and just walk. I know it would be a legal nightmare but it would be awesome to see the reaction of a jerk like Titlon.....and its about the only way we take back this business. This just makes me sick.

newKnow

We have UAL furlougees on another board looking to work for Amtrack and now this? Once again, unbelievable. We all should walk because this could happen to all of us.