Union at SkyWest??
04-03-2007 | 08:21 PM
#22
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,963
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From: SkyWest Capt.
I completely agree! I'm just glad our new SAPA president is on the union organizing committee. You can tell in his emails that he tells it like it is and doesn’t play the BS Mgmnt game.
04-03-2007 | 08:47 PM
#24
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 373
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From: Former EMB 120 Jr. Water Boy, CRJ newbee
Got a leaflet today comming out of the training center of an ALPA dinner with the ALPA President tonight. The guys were very nice but I didn't get a chance to go because of too much homework. I don't want to see a seniority merger of DOH between ASA and SkyWest (Only have 11 behind me on the list now) yet and understand I might not even be around here to see it go through? I need a lot more info before I send in my card which I am sure I will get. I am with JetJock here about being on the fence. Representation will be nice to have and am looking forward to getting more info on the ALPA side since my knowledge is limited. Thanks to all for the posts and information. Keep it coming!
04-03-2007 | 08:51 PM
#25
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 506
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From: rj 700/900
From www.skywestalpa.org
Question: People have expressed concern as to how ALPA would affect a merger with ASA. I get the feeling they fear a 1 for 1 merger if we are ALPA, yet believe they may fair better without ALPA?
Answer: As it is now we have no policy or procedure in place in case of a merger. Should management decide to merge SkyWest with another pilot group we will be solely represented by management. We have asked in the past for a "Durable Language Proposal" but that request has been denied.
In the case of a merger with ASA without us being represented by ALPA, the ALPA merger policy would not be in effect. ALPA would represent ASA and SGU would represent us.
If we vote in ALPA before a merger occurs, both SkyWest and ASA would be bound by ALPA merger policy. At that point we (the pilots) would have a say in the process. We would negotiate with the ASA pilot group to find a fair solution. If we were unable to "shake hands" on an agreement we would go to mediation. The mediator would use the ALPA Merger Policy to try to bring us together.
The ALPA Merger Policy basically states "Neither side shall benefit more than the other taking career expectations into consideration".
If after mediation we were still unable to reach an agreement, it would go to 3rd party arbitration, again using the ALPA merger policy. 3rd party means someone outside of SkyWest, ASA and ALPA.
In summary, if we are both represented by ALPA, we would have a process where we are invited to the table and a policy that is in place to protect both sides.
This is a link to an article discussing ALPA's merger policy in detail, and below are a couple Q and A's on the subject.
http://www.skywestalpa.org/documents...ut.Mergers.pdf
This month’s Spotlight focuses on ALPA merger policy and how it could affect a SkyWest / ASA merger. Organizing committee member Phil Alford (CRJ Captain, SLC) asked ALPA to answer some of the questions on pilots’ minds.
Merger Policy Question & Answer
Q. What is ALPA Merger Policy and how would it affect SkyWest pilots?
A. ALPA Merger Policy sets up a process for integration of pilot seniority lists. It does not prescribe or dictate the criteria or methods to be used in merging the lists. ALPA provides the procedures for integrating the lists in a fair and equitable manner. But ALPA maintains a completely neutral position on the merits throughout the process until a merged list is obtained by agreement or arbitration. The process contains specific time limits for each stage designed to lead to a merged list in a reasonable time. The elements of this process are reviewed periodically by ALPA’s governing bodies to ensure that the process continues to be efficient and fair.
Q. Why would SkyWest pilots be better off under ALPA merger policy?
A. SkyWest pilots would be better off for several reasons:
• If the SkyWest pilots join ALPA and thereafter SkyWest merges with an ALPA carrier, the SkyWest pilots would be guaranteed the integration process provided by ALPA Merger Policy. That Policy results either in a negotiated list or in an arbitration award that is final and binding. SkyWest pilots would not be guaranteed such a process if they remain outside ALPA.
• ALPA Merger Policy establishes procedural timelines that ensure a timely resolution of seniority issues.
• Under ALPA Merger Policy, ALPA sets up and oversees the process leading to the negotiated or arbitrated list to ensure compliance with ALPA Merger Policy. ALPA Merger Policy establishes a process for the selection of a mediator/arbitrator by the two pilot groups and offers resources including a peer group of pilots who can provide advice and assistance to you and your fellow pilots throughout the process.
Q. SkyWest management has promised to protect us. How would having ALPA here get us better protection?
A. Representation by ALPA ensures that management hears from you about what matters to you and your fellow pilots. Bringing ALPA on to the property means there will be a legal collective bargaining representative that management is required by law to negotiate with if a transaction occurs – not a well-meaning but legally ineffective group that management can consult with if it wants. Also, there will be an enforceable contract.
Question: People have expressed concern as to how ALPA would affect a merger with ASA. I get the feeling they fear a 1 for 1 merger if we are ALPA, yet believe they may fair better without ALPA?
Answer: As it is now we have no policy or procedure in place in case of a merger. Should management decide to merge SkyWest with another pilot group we will be solely represented by management. We have asked in the past for a "Durable Language Proposal" but that request has been denied.
In the case of a merger with ASA without us being represented by ALPA, the ALPA merger policy would not be in effect. ALPA would represent ASA and SGU would represent us.
If we vote in ALPA before a merger occurs, both SkyWest and ASA would be bound by ALPA merger policy. At that point we (the pilots) would have a say in the process. We would negotiate with the ASA pilot group to find a fair solution. If we were unable to "shake hands" on an agreement we would go to mediation. The mediator would use the ALPA Merger Policy to try to bring us together.
The ALPA Merger Policy basically states "Neither side shall benefit more than the other taking career expectations into consideration".
If after mediation we were still unable to reach an agreement, it would go to 3rd party arbitration, again using the ALPA merger policy. 3rd party means someone outside of SkyWest, ASA and ALPA.
In summary, if we are both represented by ALPA, we would have a process where we are invited to the table and a policy that is in place to protect both sides.
This is a link to an article discussing ALPA's merger policy in detail, and below are a couple Q and A's on the subject.
http://www.skywestalpa.org/documents...ut.Mergers.pdf
This month’s Spotlight focuses on ALPA merger policy and how it could affect a SkyWest / ASA merger. Organizing committee member Phil Alford (CRJ Captain, SLC) asked ALPA to answer some of the questions on pilots’ minds.
Merger Policy Question & Answer
Q. What is ALPA Merger Policy and how would it affect SkyWest pilots?
A. ALPA Merger Policy sets up a process for integration of pilot seniority lists. It does not prescribe or dictate the criteria or methods to be used in merging the lists. ALPA provides the procedures for integrating the lists in a fair and equitable manner. But ALPA maintains a completely neutral position on the merits throughout the process until a merged list is obtained by agreement or arbitration. The process contains specific time limits for each stage designed to lead to a merged list in a reasonable time. The elements of this process are reviewed periodically by ALPA’s governing bodies to ensure that the process continues to be efficient and fair.
Q. Why would SkyWest pilots be better off under ALPA merger policy?
A. SkyWest pilots would be better off for several reasons:
• If the SkyWest pilots join ALPA and thereafter SkyWest merges with an ALPA carrier, the SkyWest pilots would be guaranteed the integration process provided by ALPA Merger Policy. That Policy results either in a negotiated list or in an arbitration award that is final and binding. SkyWest pilots would not be guaranteed such a process if they remain outside ALPA.
• ALPA Merger Policy establishes procedural timelines that ensure a timely resolution of seniority issues.
• Under ALPA Merger Policy, ALPA sets up and oversees the process leading to the negotiated or arbitrated list to ensure compliance with ALPA Merger Policy. ALPA Merger Policy establishes a process for the selection of a mediator/arbitrator by the two pilot groups and offers resources including a peer group of pilots who can provide advice and assistance to you and your fellow pilots throughout the process.
Q. SkyWest management has promised to protect us. How would having ALPA here get us better protection?
A. Representation by ALPA ensures that management hears from you about what matters to you and your fellow pilots. Bringing ALPA on to the property means there will be a legal collective bargaining representative that management is required by law to negotiate with if a transaction occurs – not a well-meaning but legally ineffective group that management can consult with if it wants. Also, there will be an enforceable contract.
04-03-2007 | 08:53 PM
#26
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 373
Likes: 0
From: Former EMB 120 Jr. Water Boy, CRJ newbee
From www.skywestalpa.org
Question: People have expressed concern as to how ALPA would affect a merger with ASA. I get the feeling they fear a 1 for 1 merger if we are ALPA, yet believe they may fair better without ALPA?
Answer: As it is now we have no policy or procedure in place in case of a merger. Should management decide to merge SkyWest with another pilot group we will be solely represented by management. We have asked in the past for a "Durable Language Proposal" but that request has been denied.
In the case of a merger with ASA without us being represented by ALPA, the ALPA merger policy would not be in effect. ALPA would represent ASA and SGU would represent us.
If we vote in ALPA before a merger occurs, both SkyWest and ASA would be bound by ALPA merger policy. At that point we (the pilots) would have a say in the process. We would negotiate with the ASA pilot group to find a fair solution. If we were unable to "shake hands" on an agreement we would go to mediation. The mediator would use the ALPA Merger Policy to try to bring us together.
The ALPA Merger Policy basically states "Neither side shall benefit more than the other taking career expectations into consideration".
If after mediation we were still unable to reach an agreement, it would go to 3rd party arbitration, again using the ALPA merger policy. 3rd party means someone outside of SkyWest, ASA and ALPA.
In summary, if we are both represented by ALPA, we would have a process where we are invited to the table and a policy that is in place to protect both sides.
This is a link to an article discussing ALPA's merger policy in detail, and below are a couple Q and A's on the subject.
http://www.skywestalpa.org/documents...ut.Mergers.pdf
This month’s Spotlight focuses on ALPA merger policy and how it could affect a SkyWest / ASA merger. Organizing committee member Phil Alford (CRJ Captain, SLC) asked ALPA to answer some of the questions on pilots’ minds.
Merger Policy Question & Answer
Q. What is ALPA Merger Policy and how would it affect SkyWest pilots?
A. ALPA Merger Policy sets up a process for integration of pilot seniority lists. It does not prescribe or dictate the criteria or methods to be used in merging the lists. ALPA provides the procedures for integrating the lists in a fair and equitable manner. But ALPA maintains a completely neutral position on the merits throughout the process until a merged list is obtained by agreement or arbitration. The process contains specific time limits for each stage designed to lead to a merged list in a reasonable time. The elements of this process are reviewed periodically by ALPA’s governing bodies to ensure that the process continues to be efficient and fair.
Q. Why would SkyWest pilots be better off under ALPA merger policy?
A. SkyWest pilots would be better off for several reasons:
• If the SkyWest pilots join ALPA and thereafter SkyWest merges with an ALPA carrier, the SkyWest pilots would be guaranteed the integration process provided by ALPA Merger Policy. That Policy results either in a negotiated list or in an arbitration award that is final and binding. SkyWest pilots would not be guaranteed such a process if they remain outside ALPA.
• ALPA Merger Policy establishes procedural timelines that ensure a timely resolution of seniority issues.
• Under ALPA Merger Policy, ALPA sets up and oversees the process leading to the negotiated or arbitrated list to ensure compliance with ALPA Merger Policy. ALPA Merger Policy establishes a process for the selection of a mediator/arbitrator by the two pilot groups and offers resources including a peer group of pilots who can provide advice and assistance to you and your fellow pilots throughout the process.
Q. SkyWest management has promised to protect us. How would having ALPA here get us better protection?
A. Representation by ALPA ensures that management hears from you about what matters to you and your fellow pilots. Bringing ALPA on to the property means there will be a legal collective bargaining representative that management is required by law to negotiate with if a transaction occurs – not a well-meaning but legally ineffective group that management can consult with if it wants. Also, there will be an enforceable contract.
Question: People have expressed concern as to how ALPA would affect a merger with ASA. I get the feeling they fear a 1 for 1 merger if we are ALPA, yet believe they may fair better without ALPA?
Answer: As it is now we have no policy or procedure in place in case of a merger. Should management decide to merge SkyWest with another pilot group we will be solely represented by management. We have asked in the past for a "Durable Language Proposal" but that request has been denied.
In the case of a merger with ASA without us being represented by ALPA, the ALPA merger policy would not be in effect. ALPA would represent ASA and SGU would represent us.
If we vote in ALPA before a merger occurs, both SkyWest and ASA would be bound by ALPA merger policy. At that point we (the pilots) would have a say in the process. We would negotiate with the ASA pilot group to find a fair solution. If we were unable to "shake hands" on an agreement we would go to mediation. The mediator would use the ALPA Merger Policy to try to bring us together.
The ALPA Merger Policy basically states "Neither side shall benefit more than the other taking career expectations into consideration".
If after mediation we were still unable to reach an agreement, it would go to 3rd party arbitration, again using the ALPA merger policy. 3rd party means someone outside of SkyWest, ASA and ALPA.
In summary, if we are both represented by ALPA, we would have a process where we are invited to the table and a policy that is in place to protect both sides.
This is a link to an article discussing ALPA's merger policy in detail, and below are a couple Q and A's on the subject.
http://www.skywestalpa.org/documents...ut.Mergers.pdf
This month’s Spotlight focuses on ALPA merger policy and how it could affect a SkyWest / ASA merger. Organizing committee member Phil Alford (CRJ Captain, SLC) asked ALPA to answer some of the questions on pilots’ minds.
Merger Policy Question & Answer
Q. What is ALPA Merger Policy and how would it affect SkyWest pilots?
A. ALPA Merger Policy sets up a process for integration of pilot seniority lists. It does not prescribe or dictate the criteria or methods to be used in merging the lists. ALPA provides the procedures for integrating the lists in a fair and equitable manner. But ALPA maintains a completely neutral position on the merits throughout the process until a merged list is obtained by agreement or arbitration. The process contains specific time limits for each stage designed to lead to a merged list in a reasonable time. The elements of this process are reviewed periodically by ALPA’s governing bodies to ensure that the process continues to be efficient and fair.
Q. Why would SkyWest pilots be better off under ALPA merger policy?
A. SkyWest pilots would be better off for several reasons:
• If the SkyWest pilots join ALPA and thereafter SkyWest merges with an ALPA carrier, the SkyWest pilots would be guaranteed the integration process provided by ALPA Merger Policy. That Policy results either in a negotiated list or in an arbitration award that is final and binding. SkyWest pilots would not be guaranteed such a process if they remain outside ALPA.
• ALPA Merger Policy establishes procedural timelines that ensure a timely resolution of seniority issues.
• Under ALPA Merger Policy, ALPA sets up and oversees the process leading to the negotiated or arbitrated list to ensure compliance with ALPA Merger Policy. ALPA Merger Policy establishes a process for the selection of a mediator/arbitrator by the two pilot groups and offers resources including a peer group of pilots who can provide advice and assistance to you and your fellow pilots throughout the process.
Q. SkyWest management has promised to protect us. How would having ALPA here get us better protection?
A. Representation by ALPA ensures that management hears from you about what matters to you and your fellow pilots. Bringing ALPA on to the property means there will be a legal collective bargaining representative that management is required by law to negotiate with if a transaction occurs – not a well-meaning but legally ineffective group that management can consult with if it wants. Also, there will be an enforceable contract.
04-04-2007 | 06:14 AM
#27
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 45,167
Likes: 803
From: Engines Turn or People Swim
Rick you usually are spot on, but in this post you are incorrect on several points. First JA will NEVER merge the two companies because it will remove the ability to whipsaw the two pilot groups against each other. We can end any other discussion here for that reason, but I want to correct you on another points. Should SKW pilots vote ALPA to represent them, there WILL NOT be an automatic integration into one large seniority list without SKW management agreeing and they won't do that because of the first point I made. The only way to get one list without ASA and SKW companies being merged would be to sue for single carrier status with the National Labor Relations Board. This would be done by the pilots of both groups because they feel they would be stronger in dealing with management with a larger unified group. Should the board agree the two companies are a de-facto single entity they could award single carrier status at which time the two groups could join together. An example of this happening is when the different Eagle groups forced AMR to treat them as a single group. Lastly you are wrong about ALPA policy requiring DOH integration in the event of a merger. Point in fact is ALPA merger policy says one group can not be given a windfall over another group. The most common integration will have a pilot at the 50% of his list end up at the 50% of the merged list. At the big airlines this would be adjusted for aircraft size if one airline had bigger planes than the other airline. The sky will not fall for SKW pilots if they vote ALPA in.
04-04-2007 | 07:11 AM
#28
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,838
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04-04-2007 | 07:22 AM
#29
Line Holder
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 441
Likes: 15
From: 30 West
Getting single carrier status when management does not want it can be a very arduous and difficult road. Even if both pilot groups fought for single carrier status, I doubt it could happen at SKW / ASA for many years. It was a big long drawn out fight before Eagle was granted single carrier status.
04-04-2007 | 09:04 AM
#30
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
I've said it before, and I'll say it again regarding unions as an 'evil':
BS. Unions are nothing more than the collective voice of the represented workers. A given union is no more 'evil' per se than the 'evilness' of the employees it represents. Now, of COURSE management will almost always cast unions as the antichrist; They frequently oppose managements tactics and force THEM to work harder to remain competitive.
When you call unions, in general, 'evil' you are simply calling yourself evil, as well as any other union member. The same usually applies to representative governments, but that's another beehive, and I'm out of sticks.
BS. Unions are nothing more than the collective voice of the represented workers. A given union is no more 'evil' per se than the 'evilness' of the employees it represents. Now, of COURSE management will almost always cast unions as the antichrist; They frequently oppose managements tactics and force THEM to work harder to remain competitive.
When you call unions, in general, 'evil' you are simply calling yourself evil, as well as any other union member. The same usually applies to representative governments, but that's another beehive, and I'm out of sticks.
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