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.

FMI: www.alpa.org, www.nwa.com