Mon, Jun 28, 2010
ALPA Says Talks 'Stalled'
According to reports from the ALPA negotiations, the pilots of
United and Continental say they have run into a roadblock while
negotiating a transition agreement with the management of United
and Continental Airlines. The transition agreement "is an important
first step in the process that is designed to ultimately result in
a joint collective bargaining agreement (JCBA) and integrated
seniority list. Reaching an integrated seniority list allows the
new merged carrier to secure a single operating certificate and
reap the full potential of the merger."
The war of words has begun early in these negotiations...
“It is unbelievable that contract talks have stalled so early
in the process and for such a basic item as a transition
agreement,” said Capt. Jay Pierce, Chairman of the
Continental pilots unit of ALPA. “We are stalled because of
management’s unwillingness to compromise on matters that have
little financial impact. We have heard the recent statements by
Jeff Smisek, proclaiming the virtues of the upcoming merger,
touting the benefits coming to labor because of the expected
synergies and promising to work with labor in good faith to
complete our contracts. However, if this is an indication of
management’s approach, I have serious doubts about how long
it will be before any of the touted synergies can be
achieved.”
Capt. Wendy Morse, Chairman for the United pilots, said,
“As I’ve consistently said, there is a right path and a
wrong path. This merger could be simple if the right path is
chosen. Regrettably it appears the companies at this early juncture
are headed down the wrong path. Obviously, allowing talks to stall
over non-economic issues shows that management is once again
choosing the wrong path. Failure by management to choose the right
path will lead to very predictable results; results that will not
attain anywhere near the forecasted synergies that are being touted
about this transaction. Both Mr. Tilton and Mr. Smisek stated
recently before Congress the importance of recognizing labor in
this deal. At this juncture, their words ring hollow.”
Capt. Pierce added, “Since the merger announcement on May
3, I have expressed my opinion that it was possible to reach a
joint collective bargaining agreement by this fall, predicated on
the willingness of management to expeditiously recognize and reward
the contributions of pilots to the ultimate success of the merger.
As I have said before, this merger can provide many opportunities.
Those opportunities cannot be achieved if management refuses to
return to the table to negotiate in good faith. We have done our
part and are ready and willing to continue work toward a transition
agreement that meets the needs of both sides.”
“Fortunately, management has time to correct this misstep
in the merger process,” added Capt. Morse. “But time is
of the essence to show the employees and the world that this merger
will be successful. Management still has the opportunity to
recognize the value pilots bring to this process, and it will be
necessary they correct this in a timely manner. Success requires
that management continue to focus on getting past these initial
issues and allow us to move forward with the Joint Collective
Bargaining process.”
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