A320fumes

Against wise advice and sound judgment, I’ve decided to write a comm piece specifically aimed at the Forum participants. I’m gonna catch some heat for this, and I know that it will have absolutely no impact on the most vocal 10% (self-included) who post 90% of the threads. With that being said, I have had many encounters with UNITED (that means ALL of us) Pilots, who read my id badge and pull me aside to discuss something I might have posted on a forum at some point in time. The most insightful information from those encounters usually come from the subgroup we refer to as “lurkers”. Most of those “lurkers” are LUAL Pilots and are pretty smart fellas. These insightful encounters don’t normally occur with LCAL Pilots because LCAL Pilots rather expeditiously dial my number to let me know whether they like or dislike whatever position I’ve taken on that particular day, whether they agree with me or not.

There are three confessions that I’d like to make before I delve into the meat of this message. 1) Being the F/O LEC Rep in a base the size of IAH absolutely an absolutely herculean task that no one person should ever have to bear. 2) I absolutely love the job, and representing the fine ladies and gentlemen in IAH is a PRIVALEDGE that I relish. I plan on executing this duty until the IAH Pilots have had enough of me; because at some point that’s going to happen. Even Hostess Twinkies have a shelf life. One would be remiss to think that Large-Base Reps do not; once again, it’s not an easy job. 3) If you happen to wonder why I still frequent the forum, it’s because it was one of my campaign pledges. When I assumed this office, I had little to no political experience; and fortunately, I’m still willing to learn more about this job. What I did know on day 1 was something my grandfather taught me; “never forget the hand that fed you, or the foot that kicked you. And repay each at your earliest convenience”. The forum Pilots gave me this opportunity and still have expectations of me. Ergo, I don’t have the time to post everyday, but I’ll never abandon the forum Pilots while I execute my duties as your Rep.

As stated, this message is specifically targeted to the forum members; so I’d like to clear up some misconceptions and clear the air on some issues.

First off, the perceived war between MEC members doesn’t exist. For the past two years, I’ve spent at least one hour of everyday on the phone with at least one member of the UAL MEC. There are several members of the LUAL MEC who I consider friends; there are NO members of the United or Continental MEC’s who I deem unconcerned with the plight of the UNITED (ALL of us) Pilots.

Secondly, Jay Pierce, Jay Heppner and Wendy Morse, have all occupied very difficult positions in the last 3 years. All have excellent leadership abilities and sound integrity. Their problem has been that it is very difficult to be an advocate for the LUAL Pilots without somehow hurting a LCAL Pilot. It is equally difficult to advocate for LCAL Pilots without somehow hurting a LUAL Pilot. The good news is that whatever the SLI outcome might be, in a few short, or long, weeks, we can get rid of the “L”. In 6 months anyone still speaking the word “Legacy”, is doing so because that Pilot chooses to do so. I’m still learning this ALPA thing, but make no bones about it, I believe in our Union and the bottom up doctrine. If improvements are to be made in our organization, they must have their genesis within the Line Pilots ranks.

Lastly, and most unsavory; I’d like to delve into my core motivation for this particular message. Not so much on APC or a few other forums, I check-in every night to see what might be going on after my official business is done. Once or twice a week, I am able to reach out to someone who has a relevant problem, but who has not called his Rep, for whatever reason. That’s actionable information that can be acted upon, and I do that. The unfortunate truth is I find, from the aforementioned 10%, inflammatory and insulting post between LUAL and LCAL Pilots about the SLI. I’d like to inform the stated Pilots that the SLI ship has sailed. Whether the LCAL or LUAL proposal is adopted, come October, we’ve got to start work immediately on the next contract. Also of note, the MEC’s are done with SLI; there is no further work to be done. We sit back and wait on the Arbitrator’s decision.

I have no idea of what the Arbitrators’ decision might be, but I do know what my reaction will be; The ISL will be released, and barring any gross illegal impropriety, I will accept it. To repeat, I will accept the LCAL proposal, I will accept the LUAL proposal.

In closing, We are 12,00 Pilots strong, if we choose to be. The aggregate Pilot group will move the way it wants to. If the LUAL and LCAl Pilots espouse UNITY, I’m right here with you. If you choose to USAir this thing, I’ve been there and done that, I’m out and God Bless you. Arguing the SLI on the forums, though entertaining, is a waste of the LCAL and LUAL Pilots professionalism.

Ben
412/716-8208

UalHvy

Thank you for posting. Good...no... GREAT message for ALL of us.

Sunvox

So Ben, this looks to me like business as usual for the CAL ALPA side of the fence. Bid 14-02A? 300 positions on the eve of the SLI and no mention of the possible difficulty regarding having an ISL come out during the bid. That's working together? How about some discussion of how we can all benefit by merging our operations sooner rather than later? How about pressuring the company to explain their plan and timeline for merging the pilot groups post ISL?

intrepidcv11

My my sensitive aren't we. Guys like you would pound their chests in outrage at the irony if JP wrote the feather bedding you suggest. So why on earth do you want to hear 'unity' speeches from JP anyways?

Full disclosure, I want JP gone ASAP

Airhoss

While I appreciate your message Ben and we are all aware that the SLI ship has sailed. If the ISL descion is ANYTHING remotely near the LCAL proposal. This thing is going spin out of control faster than you can say where's the unity? The arrogance it took to put that out is beyond belief.

Sincerely,
From one of the proposed stapled.

sonnycrockett

Airhoss is 100% correct. "If" the SLI goes to the CAL proposal this place will implode within days. USAir will look like a Disney Cruise compared to what could happen here.

Hopefully cooler heads will prevail and we can put this all behind us.

horrido27

Just wondering..
How will it implode? Will the UAL MEC tell ALPA N not to sign it? Will the LUAL pilots not show up to work? Will they purposely down aircraft?

Honest question-

For the record (again)..
I do not think it was "Fair" to have LUAL Pilots who were never furloughed and hired in the late 90's to be put below me.
I also don't expect that the Arbitrators will do that.
However-
I also do not think that the LUAL Proposal of putting pilots currently on the street ahead of me was "Fair".
I hope the Arbitrators don't do that.

But-
At the end of the day, no matter what happens in the next few weeks, I can not be mad at the LUAL pilots around me (on the list). I and they had nothing to do about it. It's three Arbitrators~

Ben wrote an email post specifically to the internet forum crowd. I would not have done it and I also don't understand some of it.. but at least he has always had the guts to stand up, identify himself and voice his opinion. The same can NOT be said for the majority of pilots (?) on these forums.

Motch

SpecialTracking

Motch,

No one knows exactly what will happen. I don't think the threshold for a negative reaction will be your proposal. Even if the resulting isl is a split between ours and yours, the blowback unfortunately, will be strong and long lasting.

Really

You may want to put your "windbreaker" on then!

SpecialTracking

Enjoy your career.