sfx104

Hete's statement in 3rd quarter filing:
ATSG is reorganizing its two airlines that served Schenker, Air Transport International (ATI) and Capital Cargo International Airlines (CCIA). CCIA's operations will merge into ATI, generating significant savings in these operations beginning in 2013.

FlyAstarJets

Yes they have. And I'll tell you why.

At the time we thought we were very close to a deal with mgt. Only the money issues were holding things up. The story at first was that the pay offset was to be paid out of ATI coffers and go against ATI's books. I did not want mgt to use this as an excuse against us in negotiations. Only later did we find out that this was not the case.

Frankly, if 1224 was open about the side letter from the beginning, these misunderstandings could have been avoided.

If you're looking for an apology, I can't do that. With the information we had at first, that is how I felt. Since 1224 felt it had to keep the details of the side letter secret, that only exacerbated the problem. I will say that I was mistaken and I have since welcomed the ABX crew members to our property.

The guys that have come over have been great. I've actually learned alot about the 767 from some and they all drink copious amounts of beer which is cool. During this merger/ISL process with CCI, I have been very vocal about recalling so as to better their position on a merged list. But Like everything else, mgt doesn't listen to me.

While they do hold a seniority number with ABX and could someday leave our merry band of flying misfits, I still consider them part of my ATI family. And I will always fight for family.


FAJ

b707guy

Yep, seen that one - so hideous it's actually beautiful!

Just to be clear, I was referring to FAJ's N761CX avatar. She's the only 767 painted in our colors, and I think she's the best looking 767 out there.

Even 317CM is only painted in basic white, with an ABX bumper sticker affixed to the side (similar to "ours"), but even she has a red stripe down her length. Sure wish we'd paint the rest of the planes we fly, but my confidence in ever seeing that day is pretty much zero.

And very well said, above, FAJ!

wetpish

Night Freight Dog. I think I know where you're going with this but let me make sure.

There is a possibility that ATSG will move to merge ATI and ABX at some point in the future. Since they project the ATI/CCIA merge will be complete by the end of the year, the ATI/ABX portion will likely happen some time after December.

If ATI and ABX merge, the pilots will get to chose their representation. They could chose APA1224, ALPA or some other entity. The decision will be made by a simple majority vote of eligible employees at the time the voting takes place. It is likely that ABX pilots will want to continue to be represented by APA1224 and ATI pilots will want to continue to be represented by ALPA. So it could come down to which pilot group has more members. It looks like, after CCIA is folded into ATI, the two groups will be very close in size.

I think we can all guess which union ATSG management would prefer to work and negotiate with, but ATSG management doesn't get to vote. However, ATSG management can have an influence on the number of eligible voters in each camp. ATSG management can make decisions about which company bids on new work, which company hires/recalls and which company furloughs.

I assume your comment is about a strategy that involves ABX pilots trying to force the issue now while the ABX pilot group might still have the higher number of eligible voters. Is that what you're getting at?

nitefr8dog

I think just about anything is on the table.....ABX pilots including those on furlough (until the 7 yr clock ticks by...at which point they fall off the seniority list.... and we are 4 or so yrs into that for around 400 of them) still get to vote. So anything could happen. As the beacon turns....

wetpish

This statement is not correct. Merging is controlled by a completely different set of rules. Don't take my word for it. This is easy to verify. Your furloughed pilots will NOT get to vote.

It doesn't matter anyway because your union leader is not going to be involved in efforts to preempt the merger or to mitigate the concessions. SJ and pals are focused on a different end game strategy. They have known about the merger plans for some time. They are focused on retirement enhancements in exchange for cooperation on concessions.

Remember what they tried to do with the severance money?

blogwth

By this time next year, ATSG will be operating one airline and the pilots will be working under the current ATI contract.

nitefr8dog

I do not agree...until ABX pilots are not on the list due to how long they have been furloughed...they get to vote on anything up for a vote. As far as SJ and pals focused on retirement enhancements....tough to get more than 50% final pay last high 5 which is what they agreed to on the current contract....that is as good as it gets and the same as previous contracts.

wetpish

As you say, anything is possible. Maybe a nice signing bonus with distribution decisions to be made by 1224 leaders? With the lions share will go to the most senior guys to supplement their departure to retirement. do you remember the severance pay money that was distributed in 2009? The furloughed pilots didn't get to vote on how that went down. $31 million dollars went to the pension fund! How many of those furloughed guys are going to be enjoying that pension? Or, maybe SJ and pals can include some nice early out options in the package.

The union leaders are already involved in negotiating this and they will make sure they take care of themselves. By the time everyone else learnes the details, it will be too late.

borismud

ATI and Capital management and union leaders were working on their merger plans for at least 6 months before the plans were announced to the public on May 10, 2012. The same thing is happening now with ATSG management and 1224 leaders.