'Get Your Own House In Order First'
Aero-News has learned
pilot groups for the recently merged US Airways and America West
will conduct informational picketing Thursday to demonstrate what
they term their increasing frustration with management's
unwillingness to fully participate in negotiations for a fair,
single contract that addresses the pilots' basic needs... and
allows the company to realize the full benefit from merging US
Airways and America West Airlines.
The pilot groups -- both of whom are represented by the Air Line
Pilots Association -- will picket at two of US Airways' largest
hubs -- Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, NC
and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, AZ.
The pilots are also commenting on US Airways' announcement
Wednesday of a proposed merger with Delta Air Lines to create one
of the world's largest airlines... although US Airways has yet to
complete the integration of the pilot groups that is required as
part of the terms of the 2005 America West/US Airways merger.
"The billions of dollars that the US Airways and America West
pilots have committed to US Airways propelled our airline to
profitability and opportunity. But like the planes we fly,
management's grandiose plans will not take off without the pilots
on board," said Captain Jack Stephan, chairman of the US Airways
Master Executive Council. "So far, the company's empty promises
have failed to capture all the synergies that just the US
Airways/America West merger can provide."
"We recognize US Airways senior management's enthusiasm for a
merger with Delta; however, before it can be successful, management
must first focus on fulfilling the promises made to their
investors, customers and employees for the America West-US Airways
merger," said Captain Kevin Kent, chairman of the America West
Master Executive Council. "Regardless of whether or not another
airline is in the mix, the pilots will no longer be exploited to
make such a transaction occur."
Despite the
announcement of the merger, the pilots at US Airways and America
West remain focused on the issue of achieving a fair single
contract, one that is commensurate with US Airways' position in the
marketplace. Joint negotiations with US Airways management have
been ongoing for one year, and during this time, the pilots have
received only concessionary proposals that resemble the
bankruptcy-driven contracts that were made as pilot investments in
the airline.
"US Airways management will unravel all that we have
accomplished if they insist on propagating their bankruptcy
mentality at the negotiating table. The sooner they realize that
those days are over, the sooner this management can make good on
their promises to all employees and stakeholders alike," said
Captain Stephan.
"US Airways has posted remarkable profits for three consecutive
quarters due to the efforts of front-line employees such as the
pilots, yet they refuse to fully engage in negotiations for a
contract that recognizes our contributions. Management's decision
to not focus on putting the America West/US Airways operations
together for one seamless airline is bad news for our customers,"
said Captain Kent.
Founded in 1931, ALPA represents 61,000 pilots at 40 airlines in
the U.S. and Canada.
ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (04.15.24)
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