To my pilot buds.... Here is my letter to Lee Moak that went out this morning to Lee Moak Dear Captain Moak: As a long time ALPA volunteer and professional pilot at Piedmont Airlines, I would like to express my sincere and ever growing concern about what I believe is a “race to the bottom.” ALPA pilots at various carriers are being asked to take ever growing concessions in a bid to obtain the tools of their craft; in this case, large regional jets. As you are well aware, the latest iteration of this trend is currently occurring with our brothers and sisters at PSA. I have read the Tentative Agreement in detail, and I am convinced that it represents a clear and present threat to pilot jobs everywhere. The PSA Tentative Agreement represents a binding contract being placed on the pilots at that carrier that commits them to apply for jobs, and non-ALPA jobs at that, at US Airways. If they do not apply to US Airways, those pilots at PSA will incur severe restrictions on the growth of their earning potential. In essence, I believe that those pilots will be penalized for not moving on to fly larger aircraft at a non-ALPA carrier. I know that you agree with me when I say that a professional ALPA pilot is to be respected no matter what the size or mode of propulsion of his or her aircraft. Every pilot job, no matter what the size of carrier or aircraft, deserves to be one where a pilot can make a good and respected living if he or she so chooses. We should never, ever endeavor to sign any agreement that would in any way restrict the most basic element of our professional prerogative: The choice as to where we work and the timing of when we make that decision to work there. I know that you understand that the regional airlines are having a hard time staffing their operations. It may be a long time until we again have the opportunity that we currently enjoy to really stand up for professional pilots everywhere. It is time for us to stop bargaining for the basic tools of our craft. Captain Moak, I urge you to join me and many other faithful ALPA members in our fight to end management’s ability to whipsaw our pilot groups against one another. Please do not endorse the PSA Tentative Agreement currently under consideration. Fraternally yours, Frank
Posted on: Wed, 11 Sep 2013 14:55:56 +0000
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