Amerijet Strike!
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Try balancing yourself and the little bag...forget the bigger one
inflight. And no place to wash your hands. Then back to the controls...
Maybe management figures if they don't provide food, they won't get those nasty germs from their hands on the food
inflight. And no place to wash your hands. Then back to the controls...Maybe management figures if they don't provide food, they won't get those nasty germs from their hands on the food
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BTC
BTC Calls For Congressional Investigation of Amerijet International
The flying public at significant risk each and every day
August 31, 2009, RADNOR, PA--Business Travel Coalition (BTC) today called on the U.S. Congress and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to immediately investigate working conditions and perverse contract incentives at Amerijet International that place schools and neighborhoods and the flying public at significant risk each and every day.
There are no toilets aboard the air cargo operator’s Boeing 727s. Female pilots are required to squat and defecate into bags. Male pilots likewise urinate into bags just outside the cockpit doors hanging them on hooks when finished. There is no food or water onboard and no sanitary facilities in which to wash up.
The Amerijet sick-leave policy, low $30,000 co-pilot salaries and 18-hour work days combine to create pilot-fatigue conditions, poor morale and dangerous crew resource management problems. Pilots who call out sick within 2-1/2 hours of their flight, and even up to 7 hours prior, are docked the equivalent of 2-days pay creating a condition that pressures pilots to fly even when sick or exhausted.
“These working conditions are worse that the sweatshops of the 1930s. These Boeing 727s are operating in some of the most complex and congested airspace on the planet and operating on the busy taxi and cross-runways of Miami International Airport, among other airports, and often ferrying hazardous material,” said BTC chairman Kevin Mitchell. “The preventable circumstances that led to a fatigued pilot and sick co-pilot to command the ill-fated Colgan Air flight should be a wake-up call not just for the regional airline model but for the all-cargo model as well. Congress should immediately investigate Amerijet’s training, operational policies and working conditions.”
The 62 pilots and flight engineers at Amerijet International, Inc. went on strike on August 27, 2009 after 5 years of endeavoring to secure a contract that would jettison these toxic working conditions. (Watch a YouTube video here.) The support from other unions, especially given how small Amerijet is, has been truly unprecedented. When it comes to safe skies, obviously these industry professionals are drawing a line in the sand.
The following organizations have lent their support to the Amerijet pilots and flight engineers. U.S. Airline Pilots - American (APA) - UPS (IPA) - Southwest (SWAPA) - US Airways & America West (USAPA) - IBT Local 1224 (ABX, Atlas, Polar & Kalitta) - IBT Local 747 (Gulfstream International, Arrow, ATI, Horizon) - IBT Local 769 (Centurion Air Cargo, Continental Express, Vista, UPS Ground, Waste Management) - Freight Drivers from UPS, Yellow & ABF - Transport Workers Union Miami - PATCO
Congress and FAA need to address this outrageous and unsafe situation before a tragedy occurs.
About BTC
Founded in 1994, the mission of the Business Travel Coalition is to bring transparency to industry and government policies and practices so that customers can influence issues of strategic importance to them.
The flying public at significant risk each and every day
August 31, 2009, RADNOR, PA--Business Travel Coalition (BTC) today called on the U.S. Congress and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to immediately investigate working conditions and perverse contract incentives at Amerijet International that place schools and neighborhoods and the flying public at significant risk each and every day.
There are no toilets aboard the air cargo operator’s Boeing 727s. Female pilots are required to squat and defecate into bags. Male pilots likewise urinate into bags just outside the cockpit doors hanging them on hooks when finished. There is no food or water onboard and no sanitary facilities in which to wash up.
The Amerijet sick-leave policy, low $30,000 co-pilot salaries and 18-hour work days combine to create pilot-fatigue conditions, poor morale and dangerous crew resource management problems. Pilots who call out sick within 2-1/2 hours of their flight, and even up to 7 hours prior, are docked the equivalent of 2-days pay creating a condition that pressures pilots to fly even when sick or exhausted.
“These working conditions are worse that the sweatshops of the 1930s. These Boeing 727s are operating in some of the most complex and congested airspace on the planet and operating on the busy taxi and cross-runways of Miami International Airport, among other airports, and often ferrying hazardous material,” said BTC chairman Kevin Mitchell. “The preventable circumstances that led to a fatigued pilot and sick co-pilot to command the ill-fated Colgan Air flight should be a wake-up call not just for the regional airline model but for the all-cargo model as well. Congress should immediately investigate Amerijet’s training, operational policies and working conditions.”
The 62 pilots and flight engineers at Amerijet International, Inc. went on strike on August 27, 2009 after 5 years of endeavoring to secure a contract that would jettison these toxic working conditions. (Watch a YouTube video here.) The support from other unions, especially given how small Amerijet is, has been truly unprecedented. When it comes to safe skies, obviously these industry professionals are drawing a line in the sand.
The following organizations have lent their support to the Amerijet pilots and flight engineers. U.S. Airline Pilots - American (APA) - UPS (IPA) - Southwest (SWAPA) - US Airways & America West (USAPA) - IBT Local 1224 (ABX, Atlas, Polar & Kalitta) - IBT Local 747 (Gulfstream International, Arrow, ATI, Horizon) - IBT Local 769 (Centurion Air Cargo, Continental Express, Vista, UPS Ground, Waste Management) - Freight Drivers from UPS, Yellow & ABF - Transport Workers Union Miami - PATCO
Congress and FAA need to address this outrageous and unsafe situation before a tragedy occurs.
About BTC
Founded in 1994, the mission of the Business Travel Coalition is to bring transparency to industry and government policies and practices so that customers can influence issues of strategic importance to them.
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I am sorry i did not live up to your professional standards but this was an impromptu event which took place in 97 degree heat[plus humidity] after over 12 hours on the picket line.
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I'm sorry if I came across stronger with my critic than meant.
I have the utmost respect for you folks and would certainly walk with you if I were in the area. Have walked more than one line in my day.
Just trying to add an old codger's input as I do believe as a group we have lowered our standards on many fronts ourselves just to tout we want to be treated and compensated as professionals. Yes, as a group, many of us have sold out...(let the firing squad begin)
Best to you, you are in my thoughts. Didn't mean to add to your turmoil. Thank you for standing for what is right.
I have the utmost respect for you folks and would certainly walk with you if I were in the area. Have walked more than one line in my day.
Just trying to add an old codger's input as I do believe as a group we have lowered our standards on many fronts ourselves just to tout we want to be treated and compensated as professionals. Yes, as a group, many of us have sold out...(let the firing squad begin)
Best to you, you are in my thoughts. Didn't mean to add to your turmoil. Thank you for standing for what is right.
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The folks over on AVCANADA :::WELCOME::: seem to defending the scabs. They just don't understand.
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AJT management has been asking for a union for years. The piss bags are for real. After an 18 hour duty day you have a trash bag full of piss bags. At least they have **** bags now. When I was there (7 years) you were **** out of luck if you had to do anything more than piss. I was a Capt, FO and FE at that place. Then one day they decided to lay off some pilots based on seniority in seat. There were Fo's and Fe's that kept their job with only a couple years in and I was told (amongst others) to hit the road with 7 years in. Anyone who was senior in their seat stayed. Then a month or two later the corrupt and since arrested chief pilot Dave Samor called and offered me my job back. As a new hire captain. Let me get this straight every time one of the guys I flew with upgrades they'll be senior to me. He responded " Well yeah". I told him to get lost and hung up. They deserve what they get. Good luck, to a bunch of good sticks. The flying there is very demanding. Runways under 5000', long duty days, no pay and no pissers. You deserve better.
Remember they are dealing with the Teamsters, plus they need to think of their future, if the want to look for another job remember the community is small so the guy interviewing them may have been impacted by them in a previous life.
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Astar MEC fastread supporting AJT pilots
Good luck AJT'ers!
ASTAR MEC FastRead September 1, 2009
Amerijet Strike
On August 27, 2009, the pilots and flight engineers of Amerijet, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 769 went on strike.
Nobody from Teamsters has asked the ASTAR MEC or ALPA National for support in the Amerijet pilot and Flight Engineer Strike. However, we understand that communications can be difficult in this situation, and the ASTAR MEC wants to make it clear that we fully support the Amerijet pilots and Flight Engineers in their fight for a fair and equitable contract.
If you are in the Miami area and would like to show your support for the Amerijet pilots, picketing is occurring at the following location;
6185 Northwest 18th St.
Building 716
Miami (Cargo City)
You should go in uniform and introduce yourself to the picketing coordinator.
Below is a link to the article that the IBT has put out regarding the Amerijet strike.
FIVE YEARS OF BAD FAITH BARGAINING BY AMERIJET RESULTS IN STRIKE | International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT)
ASTAR MEC FastRead September 1, 2009
Amerijet Strike
On August 27, 2009, the pilots and flight engineers of Amerijet, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 769 went on strike.
Nobody from Teamsters has asked the ASTAR MEC or ALPA National for support in the Amerijet pilot and Flight Engineer Strike. However, we understand that communications can be difficult in this situation, and the ASTAR MEC wants to make it clear that we fully support the Amerijet pilots and Flight Engineers in their fight for a fair and equitable contract.
If you are in the Miami area and would like to show your support for the Amerijet pilots, picketing is occurring at the following location;
6185 Northwest 18th St.
Building 716
Miami (Cargo City)
You should go in uniform and introduce yourself to the picketing coordinator.
Below is a link to the article that the IBT has put out regarding the Amerijet strike.
FIVE YEARS OF BAD FAITH BARGAINING BY AMERIJET RESULTS IN STRIKE | International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT)
"The INTRODUCER"
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They didn't know?
When they got to Miami, they knew. That bullhorn and people hanging off the Western U had to make them think that something was up. Maybe the car of people who followed them to the hotel may have jarred their memory. Or the other half-dozen flights that they did may have convinced them that something was amiss. You know what an American does? ABX had a contract, their pilots didn't fly, Tradewinds pilots brought an aircraft to Miami, and then refused to fly. Every other freighter, including Tampa, won't fly charters. Saying that these clowns didn't know anything until they hit Miami is just b@llsh*t. Have a nice time in Toledo with our union brothers.
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No they didn't know
Having said that from what I understand Cargojet pilots have told management not to do any more of these trips. So if you and other douche bags like yourself want to intimidate Cargojet pilots who had nothing to do with this go ahead, but you are wasting your breath. Why not call the managers that booked the trip?
By the way I support the Amerijet pilots, and I wouldn't fly the freight. I still say there are a lot of assholes out there that talk to much about things they know to little about.
By the way I support the Amerijet pilots, and I wouldn't fly the freight. I still say there are a lot of assholes out there that talk to much about things they know to little about.
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Just my point of view
A few years ago (2004), I was offered a Flight Engineer Position with Amerijet. The Salary was $32.000 a year. At the time I was flying in Europe and Africa making double that and did not take the job. I can’t believe that after a few years they still make the same and have to work in those conditions.
I feel that the Airline bosses that allow an Aircraft to operate without at least toilets and crew meals should be reprimanded.
I hope that the Crews of Amerijet get what they deserve. A good pay for a good job!!!
Good luck the all the Amerijet Flight Crews
I feel that the Airline bosses that allow an Aircraft to operate without at least toilets and crew meals should be reprimanded.
I hope that the Crews of Amerijet get what they deserve. A good pay for a good job!!!
Good luck the all the Amerijet Flight Crews
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Peter:
We can all agree that not all CargoJet crewmembers are involved. We can also agree that the crew may not have known when they left, but they were made aware of it on arrival. And on return to the airport to operate.
What they can't explain away was the laughing at the picketers and the conversing in single digit universal sign language.
At that point, their credibility was lost.
We can all agree that not all CargoJet crewmembers are involved. We can also agree that the crew may not have known when they left, but they were made aware of it on arrival. And on return to the airport to operate.
What they can't explain away was the laughing at the picketers and the conversing in single digit universal sign language.
At that point, their credibility was lost.
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New AP video about Amerijet!
...shamelessly copied from elsewhere with the writers approval...
Folks,
I understand they aren't a major. But look at this video and ask yourselves if management wouldn't try to do the same to any of us if they had the chance.
After you watch it, send it to EVERYONE you know...ask them to do the same. Send it to your Congressmen, Senators, TV, Radio and newspapers. Bi-Partisan pressure is rapidly boiling over on Capitol Hill. With your help, these guys can have some common decency like we have.
YouTube - Pilots Claim Inhumane Conditions at Amerijet
And if you have even a few bucks, consider a PayPal donation to help them. Strike bennies are $100.00 a week. Pretty ballsy of these guys to stand up for so little.
You can donate by going to www.teamsters-local769.com and scrolling down to the red Amerijet link.
This Labor Day, they're standing for all of us. Let's stand for them.
Folks,
I understand they aren't a major. But look at this video and ask yourselves if management wouldn't try to do the same to any of us if they had the chance.
After you watch it, send it to EVERYONE you know...ask them to do the same. Send it to your Congressmen, Senators, TV, Radio and newspapers. Bi-Partisan pressure is rapidly boiling over on Capitol Hill. With your help, these guys can have some common decency like we have.
YouTube - Pilots Claim Inhumane Conditions at Amerijet
And if you have even a few bucks, consider a PayPal donation to help them. Strike bennies are $100.00 a week. Pretty ballsy of these guys to stand up for so little.
You can donate by going to www.teamsters-local769.com and scrolling down to the red Amerijet link.
This Labor Day, they're standing for all of us. Let's stand for them.
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"What they can't explain away was the laughing at the picketers and the conversing in single digit universal sign language.
At that point, their credibility was lost."
I'm sorry that happened, but put yourself in their shoes, they where thrust into an uncomfortable situation out of their control and it is human nature to defend ones self. They had no option but to do the flights once they arrived or face dismissal. Cargojet pilots are now aware of the situation and have, as far as I know, universally refused any more of these flights. Of course that won't stop management pilots from being forced into this work.
At that point, their credibility was lost."
I'm sorry that happened, but put yourself in their shoes, they where thrust into an uncomfortable situation out of their control and it is human nature to defend ones self. They had no option but to do the flights once they arrived or face dismissal. Cargojet pilots are now aware of the situation and have, as far as I know, universally refused any more of these flights. Of course that won't stop management pilots from being forced into this work.
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"What they can't explain away was the laughing at the picketers and the conversing in single digit universal sign language.
At that point, their credibility was lost."
I'm sorry that happened, but put yourself in their shoes, they where thrust into an uncomfortable situation out of their control and it is human nature to defend ones self. They had no option but to do the flights once they arrived or face dismissal. Cargojet pilots are now aware of the situation and have, as far as I know, universally refused any more of these flights. Of course that won't stop management pilots from being forced into this work. "
Peter:
I and everyone applaud the universal refusal to do any more flying for Amerijet. I understand the option having been there myself and also having taken a different course than they did.
That said, as uncomfortable as they may have been, their actions were inexcusable and cannot be justified in any manner whatsoever. They had numerous chances to talk to the picketers and could have explained the predicament they faced. While it may not have sufficed, it would have helped. For them as adults and professional airmen to act in that manner and then say it was "human nature to defend ones self" just does not cut it.
At that point, their credibility was lost."
I'm sorry that happened, but put yourself in their shoes, they where thrust into an uncomfortable situation out of their control and it is human nature to defend ones self. They had no option but to do the flights once they arrived or face dismissal. Cargojet pilots are now aware of the situation and have, as far as I know, universally refused any more of these flights. Of course that won't stop management pilots from being forced into this work. "
Peter:
I and everyone applaud the universal refusal to do any more flying for Amerijet. I understand the option having been there myself and also having taken a different course than they did.
That said, as uncomfortable as they may have been, their actions were inexcusable and cannot be justified in any manner whatsoever. They had numerous chances to talk to the picketers and could have explained the predicament they faced. While it may not have sufficed, it would have helped. For them as adults and professional airmen to act in that manner and then say it was "human nature to defend ones self" just does not cut it.