Wed, Feb 28, 2007
Say Gift Cards, Bonuses "Unilaterally" Implemented
Programs intended to reward Northwest Airlines pilots for steady
improvement in the airline's financial outlook have had an opposite
effect. Last week, the Air Line Pilots Association hit the carrier
with a lawsuit in US Bankruptcy Court.
According to Dow Jones Newswires, ALPA states the incentive
programs violated collective bargaining agreements between the
union and the airline. In other words, the airline implemented the
program without telling the union about it beforehand.
We're not talking about a lot of money. Perks include a $100
gift card program for pilots who display a "can-do attitude," and
$50-per-day holiday bonuses for workers who continued to fly
between Christmas and New Years. Such "success-sharing" programs,
while appreciated, pale in comparison to the 23.9 percent pay cut
pilots approved in their new contract with the carrier.
"Of course, we are not against any kind of incentive program or
rewarding pilots for a job well done," said Northwest pilot Wade
Blaufuss. "What we are fighting for is the sovereignty of our
union. The core of it is that we expect the company to negotiate
with the union, who is the bargaining agent for the pilots at
Northwest."
ALPA claims the airline
"unilaterally determined" how its pilots should be rewarded for
Northwest's improved performance. The airline managed to post a
modest profit for 2006, despite being in Chapter 11 reorganization.
ALPA also slammed the airline's move to create "employee
involvement teams" to discuss working conditions, away from union
representation.
In a written statement, Northwest called the lawsuit "without
merit."
"We are disappointed that the Air Line Pilots Association is
opposing the company's efforts to enable our pilots to share in the
airline's success and to be recognized and rewarded for providing
great customer service," the statement said.
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