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December 05, 2004 |
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NEGOTIATIONS/ BANKRUPTCY COURT UPDATE
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AUTHORIZATION TO STRIKE VOTE
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INCREASED FLYING OBLIGATION
NEGOTIATIONS/BANKRUPTCY COURT UPDATE
The hearing regarding US Airway's motion to abrogate the collective bargaining agreements of the AFA, IAM and the CWA began December 2 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Arlington, VA. Attorneys for US Airways began presenting their case before Judge Stephen Mitchell by saying "the company is out of options, facing mounting losses, dwindling cash reserves and a high cost union work force." The hearing continued on Friday with US Airways presenting Company officials and experts as witnesses to their situation. The hearings are scheduled to continue December 9-10 and 16-17. Judge Mitchell has indicated he will probably not rule until mid January 2005.
Against this backdrop the negotiating committee has continued to meet with the Company in an effort to reach an agreement. The committee and the Company met this weekend via conference call and are scheduled to meet in Crystal City for several sessions beginning Monday. There has been some movement on the part of the Company in the last few days but there is still a gap regarding the overall coat target that is to be reached. The Company continues to ask for more than they need. I believe we will be better off negotiating a deal outside of court but AFA is prepared to defend our contract in court if necessary.
AUTHORIZATION TO STRIKE VOTE
Authorizations to Strike Ballots were mailed on November 26 and members should be in receipt of their ballots by this time. The voting is electronic or by telephone and closes December 13. You will need your AFA ID and PIN number to vote. If you have not received your ballot or have misplaced it contact the local office at 704 527-0325 and we can provide you with your ID and PIN numbers. Strike ballots were mailed to AFA members at United Airlines last week.
Please remember an authorization to strike will only be used if our contract is abrogated by the bankruptcy court. Perhaps some of the movement the Company has made recently is the result of the nationwide CHAOS strike planned by AFA should our contract be abrogated.
Rather than address competitive issues, improve efficiency and utilization, airline management would rather take the "easy way out" reducing the pay and benefits of workers to foster profitability. Rather than bargain in good faith management has given up and looked to the courts to avoid the obligation of collective bargaining they share with employees. If they are successful it will be more than a setback for the union; it will be a setback for each and every member. I believe it is vital for our membership to send a message to the Company that we will not let a court imposed solution go unchallenged. The legality of a strike will be decided by attorneys and courts not by the Media or the Company. The only thing we can do is stand together and give our leadership a chance to put the fate of our careers into our own hands and take it out of the court's. If you are like me there is certainly a degree of fear in taking this action. It is after all human nature to be afraid. The choice is fear or flight. Although there is some fear I choose to stand and fight rather than turn and flee. No one knows this job and all it entails better than you and me. No one person can defend it so we must speak with one voice. The message must be we are willing to do whatever it takes to survive. A vote FOR is needed to send this message.
INCREASED FLYING OBLIGATION
The Company has increased the flying obligation by five (5)hours for December and January. This was a result of the Company's plea to the court they may not be able to cover the flying schedule due to attrition or staffing shortages. Nothing illustrates how inept this Company and the Court are with regard to scheduling more than this. Reserves are sitting at home getting paid guarantee while block holders are required to pick up extra time. The Court granted the Company a 21% pay cut and I see it being partially squandered by the 5 hour increase and the mess it has created. Your union leaders have made this point to the Company with no credible response. This is the perfect example of what happens when the Company turns to the Courts for solutions.
As an aside, I have received numerous complaints from members regarding over flying. We are ALL suffering from the 21% pay cut therefore I ask that no one exceed their obligation. In other words we need to look out for each other during these difficult times.
Mike Flores
LEC President Council 89
AFA-CWA AFL-CIO
704-527-0325 OFFICE
704-576-3174 CELL
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