That's odd. I didn't know the NLRB (as a part of the NLRA), got involved with actions involving unions that don't fall under their jurisdiction. I would have thought that it would have been an arbitrator appointed by the NMB, pursuant to an RLA governed union.

 

Not exactly. ALPA maintains a list of approved independent arbitrators. The two pilot groups could either agree to an arbitrator or they could use alternate strike method (each side eliminates one person, alternating, until only one is left). I believe that the East pilots really wanted Nicolau and they actually delayed the arbitration to accomodate his schedule. Kind of funny that their hand picked guy was then called the "crazy old man" when he didn't rule in their favor. Worst example of leadership I have ever seen.

 

When you refer to the lack of leadership...what are you talking about? Thx

 

What a shame. If I were East I would fight, If I were West I would try to uphold the ruling. Point is, It is your fight, do what you think is right. Sucks to be junior.
WG

 

The East pilots have gone through several mergers before the America West merger. They knew ALPA merger policy and they knew that arbitration has risks. They failed to prepare their pilots for an outcome other than date of hire. Then they led the feeling of outrage and attempted to overturn an award they knew was final and binding. At every step, when faced with a choice, they took the wrong path. Some of the ALPA leadership actually led the drive to decertify the union.

They have now gotten themselves boxed into a corner where they have perhaps irretrievably split their pilot group. They are unable to obtain any contractual improvements for their pilots. They refuse to honor their committment to the seniority process that THEY AGREED TO. An LCC East A-320 captain makes about $30 an hour less than a Delta A-320 captain. How are they ever going to get another raise unless they accept the integrated seniority list? The one their management has already accepted.

That pretty much makes it the worst example of leadership I have ever seen.

 

You are correct, unfortunately when you have many divisions within the group...you're sunk...its managements wet dream to have a split work force. Not just among the pilot group, but all employees.

 

Wasn't Leonidas the leader of the 300 Spartans at the battle of Thermopylae? They fought heroically before being entirely wiped out, and their deaths are still entertaining us thousands of years later?

I'm just sayin'...

 

I,m curious as to why they chose the name Leonidas?
It did'nt end too well for him did it ?

Fred

 

Both ancient and modern writers have used the Battle of Thermopylae as an example of the power of a patriotic army of freemen defending native soil. The performance of the defenders at the battle of Thermopylae is also used as an example of the advantages of training, equipment, and good use of terrain as force multipliers and has become a symbol of courage against overwhelming odds.

 

Thanks for that answer.
Fred