Did I miss something? I'm curious if WP upgraded or is planning on it out of seniority? IF that happens just add it to the list of things that the MEC didn't do anything about.[/QUOTE]

He upgraded first week of October.

We can't complain about that or E.F. flying as a captain when he's an F.O. on the seniority list, because we don't require our own MEC Chairman to be current or qualified on the aircraft our dues pay him to "fly."

If I were the MEC Chair, and had seen how much animosity was created by me getting paid 900 rates, living in MSP, and never flying the line, I'd go out and fly a trip every now and then, and voluntarily agree to remain current on the aircraft.

Ok great. He gets a job teaching recurrent an all of a sudden he is able to upgrade out of seniority? Just add it to te list of bs. Is there any union response to this? Higney can you shed any light on this? I can't believe this! This is a perfect example of what I've been talking about. Has our MEC addressed this?

There is no moral high ground though, FlapsFail...the comapny can invoke "Management Rights" to allow E.F. to fly as a CA and W.P. to upgrade, while our MEC allows Scott to ride the gravy train on 100+ credit buyout on an airplane he doesn't fly.

Let's call it even and say 70K salaried compensation for anyone who runs for MEC Chair, and full-time buy.

Or what about T. A. Upgrading out of seniority order and being listed as a 900 captain ... WHEN HE DOESN'T EVEN WORK FOR PINNACLE!!!! HE IS WORKA FOR COLGAN FOR WELL OVER A YEAR NOW!!!

Once again, another thing the union doesn't do jack squat over.

Higney you were right on that delta doesn't want any labor disputes. Take a step back and look at things. There is no labor disputes, we have the worst ALPA contract, we are one of the most ontime airlines......... And we never picket! So there is no problem. And no reason for a new contract from a labor dispute point of view. Until the union takes charge, there won't be a contract.

Staying current is a poor name for an email newsletter. I suggest "Highway Robbery from your MEC" as a more appropriate name.

EF does fly as a line CA but cannot fly open time. A line CA must be bought off for him to operate. This fact has come under pressure in the past by line pilots and the MEC and is now very rare. As far as WP- once again the line pilots hear something and don't even wait for facts. He is now the lead instructor, which requires a type rating. WP is typed in the A/C but does not and can not fly the line as a CA.

You all may want to be reminded that mgmt sees the message boards, including the internal board. Trying to burn your own house down from inside and take every name down with you will accomplish no positives. The strategy of causing infighting is a mgmt tactic since the beginning of time and was unleashed in MEM by some that could only wish to be mgmt. The ability for mgmt to have pilots vocal with complaints of their own group while criticizing everyone EXCEPT MGMT about the lack of a contract is perfect for them and ensures that they can have a contract when THEY want. Keep up the good work.

9E guys, you are lucky to have someone like higney85 giving it to you straight.

The joint MEC has decided to not picket while the company is bargaining in good faith, by all indications the company is doing their part to keep that bargain. That was a strategic decision by our union leaders, I don't think it shows weakness at all, as long as things keep progressing.

Like higney85 said, if they can't come to an agreement then polish your shoes and dust off your hats, and you won't be able to find an XJ guy not willing to do their part to walk in circles with you.

If they want it ugly, we've been through ugly.

Also, before burning the MEC Chair at the stake...

according to ALPA by-laws (or so I've been told - I'll read up on it), the MEC chair does not have to be "current" or "flying the line". They are entitled to full-time buy out.

Why waste time with him on the line?

I will praise Higney and the Memphis LEC for accurately representing the needs and wants of the Memphis pilots--you are the only LEC that actually tried to push for a currency requirement for our MEC chair.

I am disgusted at the folks who abstained, and wonder what explanation would be provided by those who voted against that proposal.

I honestly don't care if he stays current, or flies the airplane he's paid for--I want term limits on MEC chairs...that is all...

Without any legitimate fear of losing your position, and in a comfortable situation (being paid to fly a 900 but not having to commute MSP to ATL), there is really no motivation to get the contract done...

I mean, would you want the contract done if you were getting six figures and working out of an office 8-5 in your hometown??? Heck no you wouldn't...