aiir

I really hope Boeing does the right thing. Thanks for keeping us updated Typhoon.

BluePAX

One would hope the pilots do the right thing. I’m not so trustworthy of a large corporation driven to generate profits for its shareholders.

UAL T38 Phlyer

I think in our (1st-world airline pilot) view, this was a legal and legitimate strike.

My question: was it legal under Columbian law?

From what I have gathered on this thread, the strike was legal, but unfortunately, so is Avianca’s retribution: there are no laws prohibiting what was done afterwards.

This is a foul move by Boeing. Their pilots are likely to be caught between the proverbial rock and firm abode: they are not ALPA, may not even be unionized, likely have no intentions of ever flying for a 121 carrier (ie, no stigma if labelled a “pseudo-scab”)...yet they are probably also sympathetic.

I think the only thing likely to put pressure on Boeing (which WOULD be a horrible precedent: a ready supply of factory fleet-qual strike breakers) would be large protests against Avianca AND Boeing...negative publicity, especially through social media.

But a one-time swarm is unlikely to make a dent.

Typhoonpilot

From the Boeing website:

At Boeing, ethical business conduct isn’t just a part of what we do—it’s at the very core of how we operate. Doing the right thing for our employees, customers, stakeholders and communities has helped us earn trust and build partnerships that will drive us forward in our next century, and beyond.

Each year, Boeing’s chairman hosts a live, company-wide broadcast event with employees across the globe to underscore the importance of intentional and ethical decision-making in everything we do.

While each employee is accountable for upholding the Boeing Code of Conduct, ensuring that our enduring values remain foundational to our work, and following all applicable laws, regulations and company policies, Boeing advances its unified approach to ethics and compliance through the integration of key functions: Corporate Audit, Ethics and Business Conduct, Global Trade Controls, Security & Fire Protection, and other enterprise-wide services. These functions and operating groups constitute the Boeing Office of Internal Governance and Administration and represent approximately 1,700 employees worldwide.

This structure creates a sustainable advantage for Boeing by enabling compliant company performance across all geographic locations—while also building on our legacy of integrity, transparency and an unwavering commitment to fair and ethical business practices.

Typhoonpilot

Great post UAL. As I understand it the ACDAC had a back to work agreement with Avianca management brokered by the government that included a clause for no retribution against the striking pilots. A few months after that was concluded the owner of Avianca used his lawyers and the courts to void that portion of the agreement. Once that was completed he started the disciplinary hearings and terminated (now) 109 pilots. Another 70 knew they were going to get fired and found jobs overseas prior to running out of currency. So the real total of terminated pilots is closer to 180.

BlueSkies88

Might want to check the absurd request they were asking the company. I believe if you google it you’ll find it. Plus the strike was ruled illegal by the court of law.

Typhoonpilot

You mean a pay raise from $7000/month as an A320 captain? Are you asserting that asking for something more is "absurd"?

BlueSkies88

Am not sure how much they make down there, but I was referring to the other stuff they were requesting. According to a friend who works there (non pilot) it was beyond stupid their demands.

Typhoonpilot

Without knowledge of what specifically your friend is referring to as absurd it is difficult to counter. The main point is that their pay is way below industry standard and their work hours are significantly above industry standard.

In all negotiations one must have a starting position. It may be more than is realistic, but it is the starting point for negotiation. To throw the Avianca pilots under the bus based on what a "friend" has stated is not really fair. The fact remains that the Avianca pilots have been unfairly treated. The only description I have after talking to some of them is "gut wrenching". I am glad that ALPA National and the United MEC have stepped up and made their plight public.

bdugovich3

As the union that represents pilots, engineers and technical workers at The Boeing Company, the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), IFPTE Local 2001, assures ALPA and the Colombian Association of Civil Aviators (Asociation Colombiana de Aviadores Civiles) that our members are not involved in the Avianca support efforts.

Unfortunately, not all pilots at Boeing have union representation. In addition, Boeing uses outside contract pilots to perform some duties. We suspect this is the case for the Avianca support work.