WOW...BIG change at Teamsters
04-15-2009, 08:09 PM
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WOW...BIG change at Teamsters
Teamsters takes over local pilots’ union
By L.M. SIXEL Copyright 2009 HOUSTON CHRONICLE
April 15, 2009, 6:03PM
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters took over one of its local unions in Houston Wednesday morning, alleging that it failed to properly represent its members and was unresponsive to their complaints.
Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa put Teamsters Local 747 under trusteeship after several union members sought to drop the union as its bargaining representative and in some cases join another union, according to the notice posted at the local union headquarters.
The local is based in Houston and represents 4,000 pilots who work for cargo shippers and regional airlines nationwide. The pilots fly for Republic Air, Gulfstream International Airlines, North American Airlines, Great Lakes Airlines and Cape Air as well as others.
“We are working to ensure our members’ contracts are enforced and their assets are protected,” said Bret Caldwell, spokesman for the international in Washington, D.C.
The former president of Teamsters Local 747, who also serves as the local’s general counsel, could not be reached for comment.
By L.M. SIXEL Copyright 2009 HOUSTON CHRONICLE
April 15, 2009, 6:03PM
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters took over one of its local unions in Houston Wednesday morning, alleging that it failed to properly represent its members and was unresponsive to their complaints.
Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa put Teamsters Local 747 under trusteeship after several union members sought to drop the union as its bargaining representative and in some cases join another union, according to the notice posted at the local union headquarters.
The local is based in Houston and represents 4,000 pilots who work for cargo shippers and regional airlines nationwide. The pilots fly for Republic Air, Gulfstream International Airlines, North American Airlines, Great Lakes Airlines and Cape Air as well as others.
“We are working to ensure our members’ contracts are enforced and their assets are protected,” said Bret Caldwell, spokesman for the international in Washington, D.C.
The former president of Teamsters Local 747, who also serves as the local’s general counsel, could not be reached for comment.
04-16-2009, 09:31 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: Standing in front of the tank with a shopping bag
Posts: 924
Like I have been saying for 10 years....
Hey 15,
Not to say "I told you so".... But I have been saying this for the last ten years.
First unrepresented, then IBT 747, then In House, then ALPA, I can tell you that ALPA is the best in my experience by several orders of magnitude.
After becoming ALPA, my small group was on Capital Hill pressing the flesh with FAA, TSA, NTSB, and House and Senate members. The Teamsters never even responded to our "what should we do" calls during the UPS IBT strike 12 years ago. We only heard from them after the IPA pilots complained to IBT DC HQ that we were getting no support at all and we were the only IBT carrier based out of SDF! To top that off, they were MAD at US for going over their heads. What a joke they were..
Later, I visited the IBT office in IND. It was about the size of 2 hotel rooms and only had 3 or 4 full time staffers (I know that people like to poke fun at ALPA's staff numbers and pay, but boy are they nice to have when you need them.) Good luck with IBT as the staffers are mostly part time, working their best when they are not flying.
Finally, we publicly challenged IBT 747, Teamsters Airline Division, and Mr. Hoffa himself to be a better union for pilots and whether they were actually ready and willing to put forth the effort and resources to properly represent pilots. Sadly, our letters were never answered and IBT 747 spent its time, efforts, and resources to try to force themselves on pilot groups that didn't want them or that had already decertified them (UPS, ATA, NetJets). They would always brag about pay and working conditions at ABX, World, and NetJets, but convienently forgot to mention that none of these pilot groups were represented IBT 747. To the best of my knowledge, IBT 747 never negotiated an industry leading or industry standard contract. In my humble opinion, this second trusteeship was a long time in coming.
15, I have read many of your posts that often make excellent negative points about ALPA... But I challenge you to name a union, or confederation like CAPA, that has done more for all pilots in the last 75, 40, 30, 20, 10 years (aside from the IPA, which does truly do a great job). As a fellow trade unionist, I truly hope that this house cleaning benefits the pilots at those IBT carriers and that they start doing a better job of representing those pilots they represent. They sure have a long way to go.....
In Unity,
B727DRVR
PS- Here is some interesting background on IBT 747:
(Type a title for your page here)
Not to say "I told you so".... But I have been saying this for the last ten years.
First unrepresented, then IBT 747, then In House, then ALPA, I can tell you that ALPA is the best in my experience by several orders of magnitude.
After becoming ALPA, my small group was on Capital Hill pressing the flesh with FAA, TSA, NTSB, and House and Senate members. The Teamsters never even responded to our "what should we do" calls during the UPS IBT strike 12 years ago. We only heard from them after the IPA pilots complained to IBT DC HQ that we were getting no support at all and we were the only IBT carrier based out of SDF! To top that off, they were MAD at US for going over their heads. What a joke they were..
Later, I visited the IBT office in IND. It was about the size of 2 hotel rooms and only had 3 or 4 full time staffers (I know that people like to poke fun at ALPA's staff numbers and pay, but boy are they nice to have when you need them.) Good luck with IBT as the staffers are mostly part time, working their best when they are not flying.
Finally, we publicly challenged IBT 747, Teamsters Airline Division, and Mr. Hoffa himself to be a better union for pilots and whether they were actually ready and willing to put forth the effort and resources to properly represent pilots. Sadly, our letters were never answered and IBT 747 spent its time, efforts, and resources to try to force themselves on pilot groups that didn't want them or that had already decertified them (UPS, ATA, NetJets). They would always brag about pay and working conditions at ABX, World, and NetJets, but convienently forgot to mention that none of these pilot groups were represented IBT 747. To the best of my knowledge, IBT 747 never negotiated an industry leading or industry standard contract. In my humble opinion, this second trusteeship was a long time in coming.
15, I have read many of your posts that often make excellent negative points about ALPA... But I challenge you to name a union, or confederation like CAPA, that has done more for all pilots in the last 75, 40, 30, 20, 10 years (aside from the IPA, which does truly do a great job). As a fellow trade unionist, I truly hope that this house cleaning benefits the pilots at those IBT carriers and that they start doing a better job of representing those pilots they represent. They sure have a long way to go.....
In Unity,
B727DRVR
PS- Here is some interesting background on IBT 747:
(Type a title for your page here)
Last edited by B727DRVR; 04-16-2009 at 09:55 PM.
04-17-2009, 12:39 PM
#3
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Joined APC: Feb 2009
Position: Facing forward, punching buttons
Posts: 88
727...
I could not agree with you more! Local 747 has been a train wreck and embarrassment to labor for a long time. Don Treichler allowed Gene Sowell to run a personal fifedom with pilots paying for it and getting squat in return. I was a 747 member myself for awhile. After having been ALPA for years, it churned my gut and was happy to be back at an ALPA carrier.
Hoffa's choice of Bourne to lead the Airline Division was a good one. It's pretty apparent that he's been given the green light to get in there and fix things. Let's face it, Treichler gave Sowell anything he wanted and at the same time, from what I've been told by some of his elected people who were not in the "clique" that both of them refused to let Hoffa's people in or let them communicate to the membership. Seems odd, but apparently true. Treichler even refused to put Hoffa's messages in the newsletter. And you are 100% dead on with how Sowell used to brag about properties other than his own. Funny how the one he couldn't get his paws on, ABX, did OK.
So Bourne and his folks have a lot of things to fix. I think he's sent a pretty clear message that "business as usual," won't be happening any more. I talked to one of the office staff down there yesterday...they REALLY answered the phone! She was a bit reserved, which made sense, but was also really happy about what was going on. Seems that he ran that office like his own shop too. Said these new guys are no nonsense and already working pretty hard to try and turn things around for the pilots. Best of all...they're all SEASONED AIRLINE PILOTS!
She said Sowell was really PO'd about Cape Air and trying to start a revolt. Hell, guess he would. Bourne had already given Kalitta the green light to move to Local 1224. Bet THAT was gonna cut into his $$$.
If Bourne turns out to be half the trade unionist he was for his pilots when he was MEC Chairman at Atlas, I'd be looking for big things over there. All of which is good for those guys and our collective profession.
About my posts regarding ALPA. I'm a long time member. And been involved for many years, not a bench warmer at all. ALPA has for many years done a tremendous job for us. But in recent years, the leadership has been sorely lacking. We have guys who want to be politicians and get invited to Washington parties, play golf, drink expensive scotch and smoke fine cigars instead of being the leaders we need. Who say they have "Potomac fever" and need to be near the "big players." That's what PO's me.
There has been financial mismanagement there too. Call up to DC and ask for a copy of the "Fagone report," written by the FDX EVP of the same name who was asked to investigate the allegations and what he uncovered about some folks on the Executive Council who double dipped at their MEC and National and got it covered up by the ALPA President from the same carrier...by letting other pilots fly OT to pay back the money...a HOU based carrier...
To me the ALPA Code of Ethics means something. They have tarnished it and the hard work of so many who came before. And of the tremendous staff of people who are so dedicated to us on the line.
ALPA has done a lot for so many years. It kills me to see what is going on. It stains our reputation. We deserve better.
What really got me was when a recently retired ALPA lawyer who still works there said, "under Dave Bournes leadership as a trade unionist, the IBT will be better equiped to serve the needs of airline pilots than ALPA currently is."
Despite what I'm sure another frequent writer will say about that quote, I heard it myself at 1625 Mass Avenue when a senior staffer asked the question. The man who said it is no rookie. He had over 30 years before he retired to consult to ALPA. He is as concerned as myself and many others.
Look, I want ALPA to be back up there. Two decerts because of lousy national leadership...USAir and Atlas/Polar...THREE failed election drives in '07-'08...JetBlue saying "no thanks"...
Yes, we got Colgan (finally!) and AirTran. Until DAL decides they don't like AirTran.
And Bourne has lost GLA and NetJets (though in fairness they were way down that road before he arrived, so it's on Sowell and Treichlers heads)...he may lose more, who knows?
But I have to give the man credit for doing the right thing. If he keeps it up, it will be nothing but good for all.
Wanna know what's sad? I got an email from a USAir guy today. It was a forward from ALPA about one of the guys down there, a former ALPA EVP who was a superb EVP and MEC Chairman. When ALPA found out he was now helping fix the mess, did they say "good job?"...nope. Here's what they said:
(I blocked out the sender and recepient for obvious reasons)
From: Representation [mailto:@alpa.org]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 9:45 AM
To:
Subject: Brannan
Look who’s hooked up with the IBT. What a tool.
I know the sender. We've worked together for years on many things. My only hope is that he was ordered to send this. If not, I'm very sadly disappointed. He knows better.
I think Bourne and his people know they have a LONG way to removing the stink from the past. Let's agree to wish him and his people well.
I could not agree with you more! Local 747 has been a train wreck and embarrassment to labor for a long time. Don Treichler allowed Gene Sowell to run a personal fifedom with pilots paying for it and getting squat in return. I was a 747 member myself for awhile. After having been ALPA for years, it churned my gut and was happy to be back at an ALPA carrier.
Hoffa's choice of Bourne to lead the Airline Division was a good one. It's pretty apparent that he's been given the green light to get in there and fix things. Let's face it, Treichler gave Sowell anything he wanted and at the same time, from what I've been told by some of his elected people who were not in the "clique" that both of them refused to let Hoffa's people in or let them communicate to the membership. Seems odd, but apparently true. Treichler even refused to put Hoffa's messages in the newsletter. And you are 100% dead on with how Sowell used to brag about properties other than his own. Funny how the one he couldn't get his paws on, ABX, did OK.
So Bourne and his folks have a lot of things to fix. I think he's sent a pretty clear message that "business as usual," won't be happening any more. I talked to one of the office staff down there yesterday...they REALLY answered the phone! She was a bit reserved, which made sense, but was also really happy about what was going on. Seems that he ran that office like his own shop too. Said these new guys are no nonsense and already working pretty hard to try and turn things around for the pilots. Best of all...they're all SEASONED AIRLINE PILOTS!
She said Sowell was really PO'd about Cape Air and trying to start a revolt. Hell, guess he would. Bourne had already given Kalitta the green light to move to Local 1224. Bet THAT was gonna cut into his $$$.
If Bourne turns out to be half the trade unionist he was for his pilots when he was MEC Chairman at Atlas, I'd be looking for big things over there. All of which is good for those guys and our collective profession.
About my posts regarding ALPA. I'm a long time member. And been involved for many years, not a bench warmer at all. ALPA has for many years done a tremendous job for us. But in recent years, the leadership has been sorely lacking. We have guys who want to be politicians and get invited to Washington parties, play golf, drink expensive scotch and smoke fine cigars instead of being the leaders we need. Who say they have "Potomac fever" and need to be near the "big players." That's what PO's me.
There has been financial mismanagement there too. Call up to DC and ask for a copy of the "Fagone report," written by the FDX EVP of the same name who was asked to investigate the allegations and what he uncovered about some folks on the Executive Council who double dipped at their MEC and National and got it covered up by the ALPA President from the same carrier...by letting other pilots fly OT to pay back the money...a HOU based carrier...
To me the ALPA Code of Ethics means something. They have tarnished it and the hard work of so many who came before. And of the tremendous staff of people who are so dedicated to us on the line.
ALPA has done a lot for so many years. It kills me to see what is going on. It stains our reputation. We deserve better.
What really got me was when a recently retired ALPA lawyer who still works there said, "under Dave Bournes leadership as a trade unionist, the IBT will be better equiped to serve the needs of airline pilots than ALPA currently is."
Despite what I'm sure another frequent writer will say about that quote, I heard it myself at 1625 Mass Avenue when a senior staffer asked the question. The man who said it is no rookie. He had over 30 years before he retired to consult to ALPA. He is as concerned as myself and many others.
Look, I want ALPA to be back up there. Two decerts because of lousy national leadership...USAir and Atlas/Polar...THREE failed election drives in '07-'08...JetBlue saying "no thanks"...
Yes, we got Colgan (finally!) and AirTran. Until DAL decides they don't like AirTran.
And Bourne has lost GLA and NetJets (though in fairness they were way down that road before he arrived, so it's on Sowell and Treichlers heads)...he may lose more, who knows?
But I have to give the man credit for doing the right thing. If he keeps it up, it will be nothing but good for all.
Wanna know what's sad? I got an email from a USAir guy today. It was a forward from ALPA about one of the guys down there, a former ALPA EVP who was a superb EVP and MEC Chairman. When ALPA found out he was now helping fix the mess, did they say "good job?"...nope. Here's what they said:
(I blocked out the sender and recepient for obvious reasons)
From: Representation [mailto:@alpa.org]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 9:45 AM
To:
Subject: Brannan
Look who’s hooked up with the IBT. What a tool.
I know the sender. We've worked together for years on many things. My only hope is that he was ordered to send this. If not, I'm very sadly disappointed. He knows better.
I think Bourne and his people know they have a LONG way to removing the stink from the past. Let's agree to wish him and his people well.
Last edited by 1515greenlight; 04-17-2009 at 12:51 PM.
04-21-2009, 05:37 AM
#4
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Joined APC: Jun 2008
Position: Dozing for Dollars
Posts: 78
Treichler and Sowell
John,
Remember when IBT blocked the Kitty Hawk pilots from voting ALPA on the property? (Boy oh boy I know you do!!) The day before the cards were due? They'd rather have a non-union KHA than an ALPA one. Douchebags! They are getting their comeuppance now.
g
Remember when IBT blocked the Kitty Hawk pilots from voting ALPA on the property? (Boy oh boy I know you do!!) The day before the cards were due? They'd rather have a non-union KHA than an ALPA one. Douchebags! They are getting their comeuppance now.
g
04-21-2009, 09:22 PM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: Standing in front of the tank with a shopping bag
Posts: 924
Fo' Sho', Gremlin!!!
Fo' Sho', Gremlin!!!
Tha' wheelz of justice is a BEEEE-OTCH!
I'm just sad that so many pilots have been hurt by their dalliances over the years. I just wish Treichler, Benning, and Smith were still active to see what seeds they have sown....
In the end, though, just the pilots have been hurt.
Take Care,
B727DRVR
Tha' wheelz of justice is a BEEEE-OTCH!
I'm just sad that so many pilots have been hurt by their dalliances over the years. I just wish Treichler, Benning, and Smith were still active to see what seeds they have sown....
In the end, though, just the pilots have been hurt.
Take Care,
B727DRVR
05-05-2009, 10:55 PM
#6
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Posts: 276
Wanna know what's sad? I got an email from a USAir guy today. It was a forward from ALPA about one of the guys down there, a former ALPA EVP who was a superb EVP and MEC Chairman. When ALPA found out he was now helping fix the mess, did they say "good job?"...nope. Here's what they said:
(I blocked out the sender and recepient for obvious reasons)
From: Representation [mailto:@alpa.org]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 9:45 AM
To:
Subject: Brannan
Look who’s hooked up with the IBT. What a tool.
I know the sender. We've worked together for years on many things. My only hope is that he was ordered to send this. If not, I'm very sadly disappointed. He knows better.
(I blocked out the sender and recepient for obvious reasons)
From: Representation [mailto:@alpa.org]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 9:45 AM
To:
Subject: Brannan
Look who’s hooked up with the IBT. What a tool.
I know the sender. We've worked together for years on many things. My only hope is that he was ordered to send this. If not, I'm very sadly disappointed. He knows better.
Maybe that's why Astar management put him on their hit-list. He was one of the first "hostages" taken when the new contract was being negotiated. Although he was later reinstated with full back pay, I suspect the lack of support he received from his "ALPA brethren" factored heavily into his decision to leave the Association. In any case, his return to Astar came too late to have any effect on the contract which had been ratified several months before.
(Of that contract and how it was derived, the less said the better. It represented the first domino of the estimated 7-10,000 that are to follow. From "Quantum Leap" to "Quantum Turd" in one fell swoop. That's what leadership, vision, unity, and lack thereof will get you.)
The IBT is lucky to have Dan on board. I'm sure he'll serve their members well.
05-07-2009, 06:30 PM
#7
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,075
http://dockets.justia.com/docket/cou...ase_id-664210/
Sowell et al v. International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Plaintiffs:Ernest E Sowell, Gordon L Moore, Larry Freer, Bruce Perkins, Thomas Southhorn, Ola Ustad, Tiffany Moline and William E Rainey
Defendants:International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Case Number:4:2009cv01328 Filed:May 1, 2009
Court:Texas Southern District Court, Office:Houston Office
County:Harris
Presiding Judge:Judge Keith P Ellison
Nature of Suit:Labor - Labor/Management Reporting & Disclosure Act Cause:29:0401 Labor Management Disclosure Act
Jurisdiction:Federal Question
Jury Demanded By:Plaintiff
Sowell et al v. International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Plaintiffs:Ernest E Sowell, Gordon L Moore, Larry Freer, Bruce Perkins, Thomas Southhorn, Ola Ustad, Tiffany Moline and William E Rainey
Defendants:International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Case Number:4:2009cv01328 Filed:May 1, 2009
Court:Texas Southern District Court, Office:Houston Office
County:Harris
Presiding Judge:Judge Keith P Ellison
Nature of Suit:Labor - Labor/Management Reporting & Disclosure Act Cause:29:0401 Labor Management Disclosure Act
Jurisdiction:Federal Question
Jury Demanded By:Plaintiff
Last edited by Hetman; 05-07-2009 at 06:42 PM.
05-09-2009, 01:58 AM
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Position: sitting
Posts: 116
Dan Brannan can be a somewhat "enigmatic" character at times. What cannot be disputed is that as MEC Chairman, Brannan led the pilots of DHL Airways (later Astar) from a third-rate contract to one of the best in the industry, and did so without a strike or threat of slowdown. It was truly a "Quantum Leap" for the pilots.
Maybe that's why Astar management put him on their hit-list. He was one of the first "hostages" taken when the new contract was being negotiated. Although he was later reinstated with full back pay, I suspect the lack of support he received from his "ALPA brethren" factored heavily into his decision to leave the Association. In any case, his return to Astar came too late to have any effect on the contract which had been ratified several months before.
(Of that contract and how it was derived, the less said the better. It represented the first domino of the estimated 7-10,000 that are to follow. From "Quantum Leap" to "Quantum Turd" in one fell swoop. That's what leadership, vision, unity, and lack thereof will get you.)
The IBT is lucky to have Dan on board. I'm sure he'll serve their members well.
Maybe that's why Astar management put him on their hit-list. He was one of the first "hostages" taken when the new contract was being negotiated. Although he was later reinstated with full back pay, I suspect the lack of support he received from his "ALPA brethren" factored heavily into his decision to leave the Association. In any case, his return to Astar came too late to have any effect on the contract which had been ratified several months before.
(Of that contract and how it was derived, the less said the better. It represented the first domino of the estimated 7-10,000 that are to follow. From "Quantum Leap" to "Quantum Turd" in one fell swoop. That's what leadership, vision, unity, and lack thereof will get you.)
The IBT is lucky to have Dan on board. I'm sure he'll serve their members well.
05-09-2009, 08:18 AM
#9
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Thread Starter
Joined APC: Feb 2009
Position: Facing forward, punching buttons
Posts: 88
Word from Herndon is that he's on his knees begging USAPA to come back. He has to, his continued employment, paid for by dues dollars, likely depends on it.
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