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Typhoonpilot 03-07-2018 03:20 AM

Avianca ongoing pilot dispute
 
Global Pilots Condemn Avianca Airlines Management’s Union Busting Actions


March 02, 2018 05:00 PM Eastern Standard Time


MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) condemns the union busting conduct of Avianca Airlines management who terminated the President of the Colombian Pilots’ Union (Acdac), for carrying out his legitimate union activities. We understand that Avianca management is planning similar discipline for many more pilots in retaliation for supporting their union.

Captain Ron Abel, IFALPA President, stated that this outrageous anti-union conduct cannot be tolerated. Avianca pilots and workers are being denied their basic human right to collectively bargain salary and working conditions and not to be subject to discrimination based on union membership.

This behavior, in our view, also violates the Labor Action Plan in the current U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement and the International Labor Organization Fundamental Conventions 87 & 98 that Colombia has ratified, which protect the rights of workers to organize, bargain collectively, and engage in industrial action.

IFALPA is also concerned that the “non-punitive” or “Positive Safety Culture” recommendation from The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations Specialized Agency, has been undermined by the actions of Avianca management. Flight Safety is a pilot’s number one priority. Distractions, concerns about employment status, and difficult relationships with the employer, can adversely impact a pilot’s focus on his primary function, the safe operation of the aircraft.

IFALPA urges Avianca management to change its course and work to regain the trust of its pilots in order to reestablish a Positive Safety Culture environment.

Captain Abel pledges the full support of IFALPA to the Avianca pilots represented by Acdac to reinstate them to their positions with no retaliation by Avianca management. IFALPA will be communicating with the appropriate Colombian government officials to seek their intervention and bring this unfortunate matter to a mutually satisfactory conclusion.

Note to Editors: The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations represents more than 100,000 pilots in nearly 100 countries around the globe. The mission of IFALPA is to promote the highest level of aviation safety worldwide and to be the global advocate of the piloting profession; providing representation, services and support to both our members and the aviation industry.

Federation website Home - IFALPA

Typhoonpilot 03-07-2018 03:23 AM

Bogota, Mar 2 (Prensa Latina) The Colombia-based airline Avianca continues today with disciplinary hearings against Colombian pilots who participated in a strike last year, with the balance of almost a hundred of them fired so far.


In four days of disciplinary proceedings, 74 unionized pilots, belonging to the Colombian Association of Civil Aviators (Acdac), who had taken part in the strike that lasted more than 50 days between September and November 2017, were laid off.

When the company's courts began on Monday, one of the first dismissed was Captain Jaime Hernández, leader of Acdac, who denounced the illegality of Avianca's decision and said that he will lodge a guardianship against it.

According to Acdac, for this Friday, 34 pilots would be summoned for their respective audiences.

The Single Confederation of Workers of Colombia (CUT) described the mass dismissal of the pilot as a labor massacre for demanding a labor and salary improvement in a strike.

The Labor Minister of Colombia, Griselda Restrepo, said that the Government has no legal tools to reverse the dismissal process that will continue until March 7.

Typhoonpilot 03-07-2018 06:22 PM

Now up to 104 pilots dismissed as of yesterday, possibly more today.

Typhoonpilot 03-09-2018 08:15 AM

Wow, crickets.

Blatant union busting of a soon to be UAL joint venture partner that could have serious implications for the UAL pilot group in terms of all future South America growth getting outsourced to the far lower cost carrier.

Maybe a press release denouncing the actions of Avianca management or something to show solidarity with the Avianca pilots would be in order.

RJSAviator76 03-11-2018 07:56 AM

"Meh... it's not the ME3, so who cares?"

PowderFinger 03-12-2018 06:18 AM

Amazing.

I'm sure there are management types in the US that salivate when they read about this.

Hang in there.

Typhoonpilot 03-13-2018 05:18 AM

Allied Pilots Association: Pilots and Passengers of Avianca Airlines “Deserve Better”

FORT WORTH, Texas (March 12, 2018) – In response to deteriorating relations between Avianca Airlines management and the carrier’s pilots represented by the Colombian Pilots’ Union (ACDAC), Allied Pilots Association President Capt. Daniel F. Carey issued the following statement:

“Avianca management has engaged in blatant union-busting by subjecting union leaders and union members alike to arbitrary discipline proceedings. Management has even brought criminal charges against the union president. These heavy-handed tactics can only serve to distract and have no place in a highly safety-sensitive industry like ours. The dedicated professional pilots who fly for Avianca deserve better, and so do the passengers who place their trust in the airline.

“APA concurs with the assessment of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations that Avianca management’s conduct violates the Labor Action Plan in the current U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement and the International Labor Organization Fundamental Conventions 87 & 98. In accordance with these in-force agreements, the pilots of Avianca have the right to organize, bargain collectively, and engage in industrial action.

“We likewise concur with IFALPA that Avianca management’s conduct runs counter to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s recommendations regarding the need for a non-punitive safety culture.

“For these reasons and for the good of all concerned, we urge Avianca management to take a different approach — one that conforms to international norms and respects the legitimate rights of Avianca’s pilots.

“APA representatives will remain in close contact with our brother and sister pilots at Avianca, and we stand ready to help.”

Founded in 1963, the Allied Pilots Association — the largest independent pilots union in the United States — is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. APA represents the 15,000 pilots of American Airlines, including several hundred pilots on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces. The union’s website is AlliedPilots.org. American Airlines is the world’s largest passenger airline.

Typhoonpilot 03-13-2018 05:21 AM

Updating

There has been a lot of work behind the scenes by some ALPA committees (DAL and UAL specifically) and a letter sent by Tim Canoll to the President of Colombia. Would still like to see them issue a press release though.

marcal 03-13-2018 11:25 AM

Most people on here don't read outside their own individual airline forums. Perhaps get the mods to "sticky" this in each forum, or perhaps the Major and Regional Forums.

Typhoonpilot 04-01-2018 03:06 PM

From the March 28 ALPA Fast Read:

ALPA Urges Boeing to Respect Avianca Workers' Collective Bargaining Rights

In a March 27 letter to the Boeing Company, Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA's president, denounced a recent decision by the company that will adversely affect Avianca's airline pilots in their fight to bargain a collective agreement with their management.

Following a strike that has now concluded, Avianca management has reneged on a previously accepted agreement that forbids retribution against the striking pilots and has retaliated against the leaders of Asociación Colombiana de Aviadores Civiles, unjustly dismissing more than 100 union pilots.

Following Avianca's recent dismissal of 12 Boeing 787 pilots, ALPA understands that the Boeing Company has agreed to provide 12 Boeing 787 pilots to Avianca for a period of eight months. It appears this agreement would result in the replacement with foreign pilots of the 12 qualified and experienced Colombian airline pilots who honored their union's strike.

President Canoll makes clear in the letter that ALPA's support of the Avianca pilots is unequivocal. We urge the Boeing Company to reconsider its decision and respect international law and trade agreements as well as the collective bargaining rights of Avianca's union workers.

aiir 04-02-2018 03:32 AM


Originally Posted by Typhoonpilot (Post 2563004)
From the March 28 ALPA Fast Read:

ALPA Urges Boeing to Respect Avianca Workers' Collective Bargaining Rights

In a March 27 letter to the Boeing Company, Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA's president, denounced a recent decision by the company that will adversely affect Avianca's airline pilots in their fight to bargain a collective agreement with their management.

Following a strike that has now concluded, Avianca management has reneged on a previously accepted agreement that forbids retribution against the striking pilots and has retaliated against the leaders of Asociación Colombiana de Aviadores Civiles, unjustly dismissing more than 100 union pilots.

Following Avianca's recent dismissal of 12 Boeing 787 pilots, ALPA understands that the Boeing Company has agreed to provide 12 Boeing 787 pilots to Avianca for a period of eight months. It appears this agreement would result in the replacement with foreign pilots of the 12 qualified and experienced Colombian airline pilots who honored their union's strike.

President Canoll makes clear in the letter that ALPA's support of the Avianca pilots is unequivocal. We urge the Boeing Company to reconsider its decision and respect international law and trade agreements as well as the collective bargaining rights of Avianca's union workers.

I really hope Boeing does the right thing. Thanks for keeping us updated Typhoon.

BluePAX 04-02-2018 05:10 AM


Originally Posted by aiir (Post 2563206)
I really hope Boeing does the right thing. Thanks for keeping us updated Typhoon.

One would hope the pilots do the right thing. I’m not so trustworthy of a large corporation driven to generate profits for its shareholders.

UAL T38 Phlyer 04-02-2018 05:31 PM

I think in our (1st-world airline pilot) view, this was a legal and legitimate strike.

My question: was it legal under Columbian law?

From what I have gathered on this thread, the strike was legal, but unfortunately, so is Avianca’s retribution: there are no laws prohibiting what was done afterwards.

This is a foul move by Boeing. Their pilots are likely to be caught between the proverbial rock and firm abode: they are not ALPA, may not even be unionized, likely have no intentions of ever flying for a 121 carrier (ie, no stigma if labelled a “pseudo-scab”)...yet they are probably also sympathetic.

I think the only thing likely to put pressure on Boeing (which WOULD be a horrible precedent: a ready supply of factory fleet-qual strike breakers) would be large protests against Avianca AND Boeing...negative publicity, especially through social media.

But a one-time swarm is unlikely to make a dent.

Typhoonpilot 04-02-2018 06:17 PM

From the Boeing website:

At Boeing, ethical business conduct isn’t just a part of what we do—it’s at the very core of how we operate. Doing the right thing for our employees, customers, stakeholders and communities has helped us earn trust and build partnerships that will drive us forward in our next century, and beyond.

Each year, Boeing’s chairman hosts a live, company-wide broadcast event with employees across the globe to underscore the importance of intentional and ethical decision-making in everything we do.

While each employee is accountable for upholding the Boeing Code of Conduct, ensuring that our enduring values remain foundational to our work, and following all applicable laws, regulations and company policies, Boeing advances its unified approach to ethics and compliance through the integration of key functions: Corporate Audit, Ethics and Business Conduct, Global Trade Controls, Security & Fire Protection, and other enterprise-wide services. These functions and operating groups constitute the Boeing Office of Internal Governance and Administration and represent approximately 1,700 employees worldwide.

This structure creates a sustainable advantage for Boeing by enabling compliant company performance across all geographic locations—while also building on our legacy of integrity, transparency and an unwavering commitment to fair and ethical business practices.

Typhoonpilot 04-02-2018 06:25 PM


Originally Posted by UAL T38 Phlyer (Post 2563675)

From what I have gathered on this thread, the strike was legal, but unfortunately, so is Avianca’s retribution: there are no laws prohibiting what was done afterwards.


Great post UAL. As I understand it the ACDAC had a back to work agreement with Avianca management brokered by the government that included a clause for no retribution against the striking pilots. A few months after that was concluded the owner of Avianca used his lawyers and the courts to void that portion of the agreement. Once that was completed he started the disciplinary hearings and terminated (now) 109 pilots. Another 70 knew they were going to get fired and found jobs overseas prior to running out of currency. So the real total of terminated pilots is closer to 180.

BlueSkies88 04-02-2018 07:51 PM


Originally Posted by Typhoonpilot (Post 2563714)
Great post UAL. As I understand it the ACDAC had a back to work agreement with Avianca management brokered by the government that included a clause for no retribution against the striking pilots. A few months after that was concluded the owner of Avianca used his lawyers and the courts to void that portion of the agreement. Once that was completed he started the disciplinary hearings and terminated (now) 109 pilots. Another 70 knew they were going to get fired and found jobs overseas prior to running out of currency. So the real total of terminated pilots is closer to 180.

Might want to check the absurd request they were asking the company. I believe if you google it you’ll find it. Plus the strike was ruled illegal by the court of law.

Typhoonpilot 04-02-2018 07:56 PM


Originally Posted by BlueSkies88 (Post 2563750)
Might want to check the absurd request they were asking the company. I believe if you google it you’ll find it. Plus the strike was ruled illegal by the court of law.


You mean a pay raise from $7000/month as an A320 captain? Are you asserting that asking for something more is "absurd"?

BlueSkies88 04-02-2018 08:19 PM


Originally Posted by Typhoonpilot (Post 2563754)
You mean a pay raise from $7000/month as an A320 captain? Are you asserting that asking for something more is "absurd"?

Am not sure how much they make down there, but I was referring to the other stuff they were requesting. According to a friend who works there (non pilot) it was beyond stupid their demands.

Typhoonpilot 04-02-2018 08:53 PM


Originally Posted by BlueSkies88 (Post 2563766)
Am not sure how much they make down there, but I was referring to the other stuff they were requesting. According to a friend who works there (non pilot) it was beyond stupid their demands.

Without knowledge of what specifically your friend is referring to as absurd it is difficult to counter. The main point is that their pay is way below industry standard and their work hours are significantly above industry standard.

In all negotiations one must have a starting position. It may be more than is realistic, but it is the starting point for negotiation. To throw the Avianca pilots under the bus based on what a "friend" has stated is not really fair. The fact remains that the Avianca pilots have been unfairly treated. The only description I have after talking to some of them is "gut wrenching". I am glad that ALPA National and the United MEC have stepped up and made their plight public.

bdugovich3 04-04-2018 10:07 AM

Support for pilots
 
As the union that represents pilots, engineers and technical workers at The Boeing Company, the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), IFPTE Local 2001, assures ALPA and the Colombian Association of Civil Aviators (Asociation Colombiana de Aviadores Civiles) that our members are not involved in the Avianca support efforts.

Unfortunately, not all pilots at Boeing have union representation. In addition, Boeing uses outside contract pilots to perform some duties. We suspect this is the case for the Avianca support work.

PowderFinger 04-04-2018 06:05 PM


Originally Posted by BlueSkies88 (Post 2563766)
Am not sure how much they make down there, but I was referring to the other stuff they were requesting. According to a friend who works there (non pilot) it was beyond stupid their demands.

And I guess because your friend who works there (non pilot) says so it must be so.

Did he offer specifics? Give us some details.

Let me guess... Your friend likes kool-aid

BlueSkies88 04-06-2018 02:53 PM


Originally Posted by PowderFinger (Post 2565210)
And I guess because your friend who works there (non pilot) says so it must be so.

Did he offer specifics? Give us some details.

Let me guess... Your friend likes kool-aid

Here’s just a few!

1. Unlimited & positive space in first class for family members, with no restrictions on how many luggage’s they could bring.
2. 17 days off a month.
3. Company paid phone, iPad with internet connection.
4.ETC....

badflaps 04-06-2018 11:06 PM


Originally Posted by BlueSkies88 (Post 2566473)
Here’s just a few!

1. Unlimited & positive space in first class for family members, with no restrictions on how many luggage’s they could bring.
2. 17 days off a month.
3. Company paid phone, iPad with internet connection.
4.ETC....

Also company paid uniforms with two pair of pants, I heard later in negotiations, they dropped their pants.

PowderFinger 04-07-2018 11:05 AM


Originally Posted by badflaps (Post 2566716)
Also company paid uniforms with two pair of pants, I heard later in negotiations, they dropped their pants.

10 points!


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