The latest release from the Pilots Union
Dateline: 22 Sep 2006
Hitch 1 Pilots Carry Us Forward!
It was very apparent from the start of our work stoppage at 4:00 A.M., Wednesday, 20 Sep 2006, that PHI would use every trick in the book to intimidate its pilots to break ranks and cross our picket lines. We all anticipated that the level of support from both hitches would be solid, and today that was proven by the show of unity when the Hitch 1 pilots held our line. Remarkable show of support!!!
Moving on to other matters, many pilots received letters from PHI today, including payout of earnings and accrued vacation time. We believe PHI has violated the law by unlawfully withholding money from those checks. Our lawyers have notified company representatives of our intent to file suit (see attached) to seek remedy for those illegal deductions. How low can PHI stoop?
We have seen the latest report from PHI to the investor reporting groups, and are wondering if PHI has employed Comical Ali (a/k/a Baghdad Bob) as their publicist. The claim that PHI operations has completed approximately 80% of its normal flight volumes, and its Air Medical segment is operating at about 90% of the volume prior to the union job actions is laughable. The reports from our Local 107 brethren tell us that PHI aircraft at all GOM bases is neatly tied down to the helipads, except for one or two. According to the ground reports we have received from our EMS pilots, those operations are far below the 90% claimed by PHI.
Support for Local 108 Pilots in their fight against PHI intimidation and fear tactics is growing daily. We have received both public and financial support from throughout the industry. President Goodwin will be making an announcement about that at the rally in Lafayette on .
Moving on to Lafayette, many of you who participated in the picketing event last Wednesday, were told by the sheriff we were marching on PHI property and had to leave the premises. When questioned, the sheriff stated PHI showed him a drawing of their property lines and we were on it. As it now turns out, and to no one's surprise, PHI had deceived the sheriff by showing him an incorrect property map.
Your Local 108 representatives did some investigating of their own, secured a property map from the Lafayette airport commission, presented it to the Sheriff's department and now we are free to picket in front of PHI on , September , 2006. The Sheriff's department will mark the property line with a tape for our guidance. Can anyone believe anything PHI says?
Finally, we want to thank our wives and families for the support they continue to give us in our fight for justice in the workplace. We love you all for helping us win this fight to gain the respect we deserve as professional pilots.
Remember, no one goes back until we all go back!!!
In unity,
Local 108 Executive Board
Last edited by Old Skool; 23rd Sep 2006 at 12:13.