DBW
The simple hard truth is that this is not an NMB proceeding. It is a greivance which has gone to the System Board of Adjustment consisting of a neutral arbitrator, a compny representative and a union representative. The NMB makes no ruling.

I have to agree. NMB is not a part of this and this is for past actions of Polar Air Cargo, not future. The "Single carrier" status is a present and future look, where Polar CM's are trying to be made whole on violations of their contract years ago.

All I've heard, rumor wise is, Polaroids wondering how much their going to get, and some others pointing out that the foundation of the Polar complaint is the fact that Polar and Atlas are not merging. This is where the NMB ruling may be coming in.

Some felt the Arbitrator was waiting for "Single Carrier" status to be ruled on to make his decision. Since the Polar MEC made clear that there was no merger in the hearings, Bloc is giving them a chance to adjust to reality.

Interesting then that the names of the arbitrators are on a list maintained by the NMB located Here. Who does the arbitrator work for if not for the National Mediation Board?

I have to disagree with you both. The NMB is intimately involved in this dispute and the single carrier status, which should have nullified the continuation of this grievance, will have significant impact on the decision. In any case I have heard it is already done.

BD,
I've been wrong before, but I thought the NMB provided names of arbitrations simply as a facilitator to the process. I didn't think the NMB was involved beyond that.

The question is not of what is happening now, but what happened looking back. If the ruling is against the company, which I hope, then the company will have to pay out a lot of money. It won't kill them but it might hurt a little. As for the future, the single carrier status if resolved may play a part of it. But like it was said, the decision probably has already been made and tehre is no use in speculating when the ruling will be out in a few days.

ARBITRATION

NMB Responsibilities and Activities

Under the Railway Labor Act, employee grievances arising under the terms of collective bargaining agreements (i.e., minor disputes) are subject to compulsory arbitration. Effective arbitration processes are therefore necessary to resolve such disputes.
The NMB administers the processes available to the parties for resolving railroad grievances. They include:

• Public Law Boards
• Special Boards of Adjustment
• National Railroad Adjustment Board

The NMB certifies appointments of arbitrators to serve as neutrals on these labor/management boards in the railroad industry. To be admitted to NMB's roster of arbitrators, an applicant must be eligible under the "Uniform Guidelines for Placement on NMB's Roster of Arbitrators". The "Guidelines" and relevant Application Form are available in this web site. Each applicant is notified in writing as to whether or not admittance is approved.
The NMB is also frequently asked to furnish panels of arbitrators from which the airline parties select a neutral for airline System Boards of Adjustment. Click here for on-line access to the form for Requesting an Arbitration Panel.

If you look at the stock price, you will see that Polar and atlas are about to blink out of existence.

I looked at United (10.99) and American Airlines AMR (7.99) each. Around the Atlas price of (10.92).

What's your point?

Messenger..Don't be too quick to count them out yet. The stock has been as low as a dollar. Generally the stock market is based on what will happen in the future and 10 bucks isn't that bad a deal.

The stock market is simple supply and demand. No one wants stocks right now, so very little buying, and only selling if you have to.

Look at ATSG, the new ABX (Airborne Express). Market cap, $12M, less than the cost of one of their 767's, and ATSG includes two other money making company's, ATI and Capital. Makes no sense.

Scope Scope Scope

I believe that Titan, while a real entity, is also intended to distract the pilot group in negotiations. I believe that scope is extremely important, and one of the few job securities left in this industry. This tactic of creating an alter-ego has been used at the regional carrier level for quite some time, especially prior to negotiations.

This has been used successfully at Mesa, Messaba, Chautauqua, and Trans States to name a few in recent memory, all before contract negotiations.

From the WSJ


Dispatchers for Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo are seeking to be represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the union announced today.

Typical that you would not post the whole thing. The Company won the alliance flying argument so Polar has no quarrel with interline flying anymore. This also most likely means the death of the Polar DHL express flying grievance. Polar did win the argument over the furlough of the 35 crewmembers so Company will have to pay severance. The only light at the end of the tunnel begins with the election of IBT as our single bargaining unit. Together we CAN negotiate a decent scope section. Apart we will be forced into situations that will keep us fighting each other instead of standing strong - along with 1.4 million other teamsters - to get a great contract. God help us all in this economy.

Severance my ass . . Polar's FE's are "to be restored to the active seniority list and made whole for losses incurred" . . probably also means that the "no bump/no flush" clause will not soon be applicable for them.

AAWW management should now be more eager to implement a single CBA, so as to unburden themselves of the excess payroll. . . . something for everybody!


(Sorry Beav, seem to be unable to attach the award)

Tiger Guy
 

Had a call from a Polar F/E friend and what I understand they are back on the payroll with benefits as of July 1 2007. He sent me a copy of the Bloch award it is 21 or 22 pages long. They can thank their ALPA Scope, Capt. Robin Hair and their lawyers.
I can guarantee that you would not have got that service out of IBT.
Sit back guys collect your pay, wait for the merger.
I'm happy for you guys. :D:ok:

Here is the award in PDF.

IN PDF

Habibib you are correct, Scope, Scope Scope. The arbitration just awarded is a perfect example. Thanks to the people who negotiated the Polar scope clause, the Polar MEC for not backing down to the company over the scope clause and ALPA who stuck with us, I am sure there will be 35 more votes for ALPA. But you must remember, with this group of yoyo's at Purchase, you may win a battle but you can lose the war. Don't get too cocky until the far lady sings.