BenThere
28th Jul 2001, 03:30
My airline announced a new austerity policy involving employee and budget cuts. Concurrently, it said it will acquire nearly $2 billion worth of RJ's. Isn't it apparent that RJ issues are the most critical to pilots both now and in the near future? I believe the pilot union objective must become to integrate RJ crews in the negotiations for mainline contracts, with mainline MEC/negotiators acting as regional carrier negotiating agents for uniform contract provisions and commensurate compensation. If nothing is done along these lines, domestic/short range routes will ultimately be RJ-only as the efficiency, capcaity and range of smaller jets relentlessly improves. Current mainline scope provisions only delay the inevitable if we don't all speak with one voice. I'll vote and walk the line to ensure a fair contract for my carrier's regional subsidiary pilots. I know my job is at stake here. Comair was a step in the right direction and I hope it's just the beginning of ALPA's focus on the regionals.