Polar Arbitration II

[LANCERDVR]

Mercs distortions

Just to set straight for those who are not privy to the real story, not the one Merc wants you to believe. Polar was cooperating with the merger when it was in fact a legal merger, two companies becoming one company, two operating certificates becoming one certificate One company, operating under one certificate with one work force. This is covered by the Polar CBA. There is nothing in the CBA which allows the company to remove the Polar pilot group from its operating certificate to merge with another companies work force and then be leased back to operate under its former certificate. Merc, do you not understand what the company is trying to do here? Eliminate scope provisions amongst many other things, eliminate the labor groups attachment to its company, and make it much easier to sell the remaining 51% of Polar to DHL should DHL become eligble for 100% ownership next year. It may also be the companies way to stall both groups from negotiating new CBAs. It's all good for the company and no good for the labor groups.

When the company announced its new plan to maintain both companies and both certificates the Polar MEC responded by calling a foul. The MEC, at the direction of the pilot group, and the advice of ALPA national, responded that they would not entertain this so-called crew merger without first negotiating sound job protections. The Polar MEC insisted on negotiating work protection provisions before agreeing to move any further forward toward a pilot group merger. The Polar MEC asked for 42 months of follow the certificate protections, the Atlas MEC (who offered 12 months) declined this in unison with the company (surprise). ALPA national mediated the time frame and asked both sides to meet at 22 months. The Polar MEC, in good faith, agreed to 22 months, the Atlas MEC then moved further away to zero months, the company then balked at the whole idea and declined to negotiate scope as asked prior to proceeding with this illegal merger. Merc you keep distorting the truth and I'm sure your imagination will try to distort these facts with your propaganda.

By the way why hasn't Captain Bourne informed Atlas Mgmt of his intent to enter negotiations. He stated to the ALPA executive board in its last quarterly meeting that he would do this "if forced by the Polar MEC". I guess Mgmt would prefer that he hold off for a while, right? The Atlas pilots want and deserve a new contract, what is he waiting for. Oh yeah it's the Polar MECs fault, right? The Polar MEC has already filed its intent for section six and recently completed an extensive survey of the pilot group in preparation for contract negotiations. Why hasn't the Atlas MEC been working parallel paths as has the Polar MEC?

Hope to see you before the executive board very soon Merc!