Pilots who went on strike let go by PHI
Join Date: Sep 2004
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True colors in times of crisis?
Ladies and Gentlemen
All 5 pilot unions in Europe are members of their respective national Airline Pilots Associations, all of which are affiliated with the International Federation of Airline Pilot's Association.
We are also members of the European Cockpit Association - ECA.
Our US colleagues are not members of US ALPA. Still, OPEIU is doing a great job to assist the pilots in Local 102, 107, 108 and 109. The European pilot unions have a good working relationship with OPEIU and our US colleagues in general.
In times of crisis, IFALPA members can call for assistance worldwide from more than 100.000 pilot members. Assistance is available in several shapes and forms. some of which may one of the following:
* Request for maximum competition: In case of strike action, a pilot union may request that competitors fly the contracts of the company on strike, to minimize the damage to third parties.
* Request for mutual assistance: A pilot union may request that all pilots stay away from the contracts, for various reasons.
* Request for reqruitment ban: A pilot union may request that IFALPA goes public and advices pilots worldwide that a company is engaged in industrial action, so please do not accept a position with this particular company.
Some people may consider this to involve interfering with a strike. We do not. The pilot unions will typically be the weaker party when a strike is ongoing.
The company or corporation more likely than not has a war chest to support the fight agains the union, while the striking pilots may be left in a bind, having problems paying bills and feeding their families.
The only sensible and decent thing to do is to stay away from the battlefield. This ensures that the parties stay focused, maximizing the odds of finding a solution to the unresolved issues.
Either you support the union in times of crisis, or you do not support the union. There is no neutral middle ground. When the crisis has struck the company, leaving everyone hanging in mid air, the time has some to show your true colors: Forget petty disagreements, focus, shut up, support each other, support the pilot representatives in the search for a solution.
Helicopter pilot unions in the US and Europe have supported each other for years. I am certain we will keep on supporting each other in the time to come.
All 5 pilot unions in Europe are members of their respective national Airline Pilots Associations, all of which are affiliated with the International Federation of Airline Pilot's Association.
We are also members of the European Cockpit Association - ECA.
Our US colleagues are not members of US ALPA. Still, OPEIU is doing a great job to assist the pilots in Local 102, 107, 108 and 109. The European pilot unions have a good working relationship with OPEIU and our US colleagues in general.
In times of crisis, IFALPA members can call for assistance worldwide from more than 100.000 pilot members. Assistance is available in several shapes and forms. some of which may one of the following:
* Request for maximum competition: In case of strike action, a pilot union may request that competitors fly the contracts of the company on strike, to minimize the damage to third parties.
* Request for mutual assistance: A pilot union may request that all pilots stay away from the contracts, for various reasons.
* Request for reqruitment ban: A pilot union may request that IFALPA goes public and advices pilots worldwide that a company is engaged in industrial action, so please do not accept a position with this particular company.
Some people may consider this to involve interfering with a strike. We do not. The pilot unions will typically be the weaker party when a strike is ongoing.
The company or corporation more likely than not has a war chest to support the fight agains the union, while the striking pilots may be left in a bind, having problems paying bills and feeding their families.
The only sensible and decent thing to do is to stay away from the battlefield. This ensures that the parties stay focused, maximizing the odds of finding a solution to the unresolved issues.
Either you support the union in times of crisis, or you do not support the union. There is no neutral middle ground. When the crisis has struck the company, leaving everyone hanging in mid air, the time has some to show your true colors: Forget petty disagreements, focus, shut up, support each other, support the pilot representatives in the search for a solution.
Helicopter pilot unions in the US and Europe have supported each other for years. I am certain we will keep on supporting each other in the time to come.
RJ,
I am a conservative Republican no doubt.....but I am a "Helicopter Pilot" right down to the very bottom of my worn out combat Boots!
The latest Advertiser News article....
http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pb...609260345/1046
I am a conservative Republican no doubt.....but I am a "Helicopter Pilot" right down to the very bottom of my worn out combat Boots!
The latest Advertiser News article....
http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pb...609260345/1046
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Texas
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For most people, that may be true. Personally, I will drive further and pay higher prices just to avoid WalMart. I'm just not that attracted to cheap Chinese crap, and that's all you can find at WalMart. In fact, because of WalMart, it's hard to find anything else anywhere.
Funny thing Diet.....Sam's Club (owned by Walmart) and Costco are very competitive on price but wages and benefits at Costco are much higher than at Walmart. (Plus one does not have to do the "Squiggly Dance" and company Cheer in the morning.
Low prices and low prices do not have to run together....one can have low prices and still have good wages. The key is in volume buying and effieciency within the operation.
Low prices and low prices do not have to run together....one can have low prices and still have good wages. The key is in volume buying and effieciency within the operation.
Join Date: Oct 2003
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http://klfy.com/Global/story.asp?S=5460220
September 26, 2006
PHI Strike Announcement Expected in the Next Few Days
PHI says there could be an announcement about the strike within the next few days.
Meanwhile, the picketing continued Tuesday.
More than 150 pilots were seen picketing in front of PHI on Monday.
Workers say they were forced to take these measures, after unsatisfactory results of more than two years of negotiations.
Representatives from the pilots' union say they've been in talks with PHI on several issues, including back pay, low pay, and too much overtime.
September 26, 2006
PHI Strike Announcement Expected in the Next Few Days
PHI says there could be an announcement about the strike within the next few days.
Meanwhile, the picketing continued Tuesday.
More than 150 pilots were seen picketing in front of PHI on Monday.
Workers say they were forced to take these measures, after unsatisfactory results of more than two years of negotiations.
Representatives from the pilots' union say they've been in talks with PHI on several issues, including back pay, low pay, and too much overtime.
Join Date: Jul 2002
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All the other companies are paying more than PHI. All of them. Temporarily, PHI is paying more to try to attract replacements and appease the pilots who crossed, but that's temporary. PHI's 'last and best offer' is still below every other GOM operator, everything considered. A large number of PHI pilots have already gone to other operators, before the strike, and several since. PHI has two choices - settle or go out of business. I hope for the former, but if the latter happens, there will be a company or companies flying those machines, and they will need experienced pilots. 200 hour Robbie pilots can't fly as 135 PICs.
Join Date: Sep 2004
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Do you want to support good colleagues at PHI?
On the Local 108 web site you will find a note outlining how you can go about supporting our good colleagues who have been forced to engage in industrial action by PHI management. The text quote below is not complete. Check out http://www.local108pilots.org:
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Financial Assistance Fund
After examining the legal issues involved in this undertaking, the process for creating and administering this fund is very simple. Any donations that anyone wants to make for the express purpose of helping our fellow pilots get through this difficult time of financial need should do the following.
Make a check payable to the OPEIU Local 108. Mail it to the business office at 2617 Northside Rd., Ste. 900, New Iberia, Louisiana 70563-0953. On the note line, insure you earmark the check expressly for the Financial Aid Fund (FAF will do). When you mail the check, enclose a note telling us who the check is from, what it is for (FAF), and whether it is for Oil and Gas, EMS, or as needed.
In addition, for those who might want to make a donation and have it charged to a credit card, you may do so by using the donate button located on the right side of this page. If the donation is meant for a specific place, please make note of this in the comments in the payment section so we can better track all donations and insure they go where they are intended.
--------------------
---------------------
Financial Assistance Fund
After examining the legal issues involved in this undertaking, the process for creating and administering this fund is very simple. Any donations that anyone wants to make for the express purpose of helping our fellow pilots get through this difficult time of financial need should do the following.
Make a check payable to the OPEIU Local 108. Mail it to the business office at 2617 Northside Rd., Ste. 900, New Iberia, Louisiana 70563-0953. On the note line, insure you earmark the check expressly for the Financial Aid Fund (FAF will do). When you mail the check, enclose a note telling us who the check is from, what it is for (FAF), and whether it is for Oil and Gas, EMS, or as needed.
In addition, for those who might want to make a donation and have it charged to a credit card, you may do so by using the donate button located on the right side of this page. If the donation is meant for a specific place, please make note of this in the comments in the payment section so we can better track all donations and insure they go where they are intended.
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Hood River, Oregon, US
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Hitch completion bonus
Heard this week that PHI is paying each non striking pilot a $1000 per hitch bonus for staying on the job and that workover/overtime is at the rate of 200% until further notice.
DT
DT
Gatvol
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"Make a check payable to the OPEIU Local 108. Mail it to the business office at 2617 Northside Rd., Ste. 900, New Iberia, Louisiana 70563-0953."
Heres where I get cornfused about these wonderful Unions. I mean I see them come onto Vegas in their Lear Jets whatever for big "meetings" etc from all over the place. Longshoremen, Machinists etc..
Now this is posted for "Donations in support"?? where did all those dues go, why not sell a couple jets?? Or is the OPEIU broke? I seriously doubt that. Time for them to take care of those who pay to be taken care of.
Dont get me wrong, I would love for someone to get me a pay increase, just something does not smell right. Someone fill in the blanks for me......
Heres where I get cornfused about these wonderful Unions. I mean I see them come onto Vegas in their Lear Jets whatever for big "meetings" etc from all over the place. Longshoremen, Machinists etc..
Now this is posted for "Donations in support"?? where did all those dues go, why not sell a couple jets?? Or is the OPEIU broke? I seriously doubt that. Time for them to take care of those who pay to be taken care of.
Dont get me wrong, I would love for someone to get me a pay increase, just something does not smell right. Someone fill in the blanks for me......
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A foul stench in the air
It is ill adviced to take management up on the offer to grab some extra money to participate in strike breaking activity. The best possible advice available in the current situation would be to stay away.
Keep in mind that the aviation industry is in the middle of a worldwide shortage when it comes to qualifed pilots.
* Do not worry about getting a pilot position. Companies are hiring constantly.
* Do worry about having your career stained by acts considered treason by thousands of your colleagues.
Keep in mind that the industrial action undertaken by Local 108 is in accordance with all relevant legislation in the US. The pilots did try to find common ground through negotiations and meditation for approximately 2 1/2 years.
Keep in mind that the aviation industry is in the middle of a worldwide shortage when it comes to qualifed pilots.
* Do not worry about getting a pilot position. Companies are hiring constantly.
* Do worry about having your career stained by acts considered treason by thousands of your colleagues.
Keep in mind that the industrial action undertaken by Local 108 is in accordance with all relevant legislation in the US. The pilots did try to find common ground through negotiations and meditation for approximately 2 1/2 years.
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On the website is the 'old' contract. Interesting to read, and indeed not the best. I'm curious however what there asking for now.
http://www.local108pilots.org
http://www.local108pilots.org
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We have no jets. We have nothing but ourselves. The strike benefits which will eventually kick in are a little over $100/week. That's not enough to live on. The fund was initiated by those of us who have extra funds put away for this strike, to assist the new guys who haven't had time to get into decent financial shape from the enormous 
wages paid by PHI. Some have family members with medical problems, some have wives nearing delivery, and other expenses. The intent of the fund is for Local 108 members to contribute voluntarily, and if others want to, they may. We're not asking for it, but some other locals have contributed money. Most of us have said we don't intend to accept the strike benefits, and prefer that they go to those who need them more.
Slurs such as B. Sousa makes are not appreciated, nor are they anywhere close to the truth.
wages paid by PHI. Some have family members with medical problems, some have wives nearing delivery, and other expenses. The intent of the fund is for Local 108 members to contribute voluntarily, and if others want to, they may. We're not asking for it, but some other locals have contributed money. Most of us have said we don't intend to accept the strike benefits, and prefer that they go to those who need them more.Slurs such as B. Sousa makes are not appreciated, nor are they anywhere close to the truth.
"Heres where I get cornfused about these wonderful Unions. I mean I see them come onto Vegas in their Lear Jets whatever for big "meetings" etc from all over the place. Longshoremen, Machinists etc.."
You want to get really confused: watch a Gufstream V pitch up in Nigeria for an evangelism crusade: how much Naira does it take to fill a tank? obviously less than it takes for a toupee wearing evangelist to make a swift buck!!!!
You want to get really confused: watch a Gufstream V pitch up in Nigeria for an evangelism crusade: how much Naira does it take to fill a tank? obviously less than it takes for a toupee wearing evangelist to make a swift buck!!!!
Gatvol
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"Slurs such as B. Sousa makes are not appreciated"
Not a slur by any means. I just see unions in a different light. If you look back in this mess you will note that as a Pilot, I support the Pilots and wish we as tour toads had someone who would look out for us.
So dont get so defensive, you have other things to worry about rather than a QUESTION about YOUR union....
AND it is true about OTHER Unions. many have tons of money, maybe they could show some "brotherly love" Think about it.
" watch a Gufstream V pitch up in Nigeria for an evangelism crusade: how much Naira does it take to fill a tank? obviously less than it takes for a toupee wearing evangelist to make a swift buck!!!!"
Not to hijack things, but dont get me going there. Spent some time north of SA and see it happen daily. They will make such a difference.....Bullsxxx. They make money from a bunch of folks to make them "feel good." Pemba Mozambique was my best example... Im Saving it for some other thread.
Not a slur by any means. I just see unions in a different light. If you look back in this mess you will note that as a Pilot, I support the Pilots and wish we as tour toads had someone who would look out for us.
So dont get so defensive, you have other things to worry about rather than a QUESTION about YOUR union....
AND it is true about OTHER Unions. many have tons of money, maybe they could show some "brotherly love" Think about it.
" watch a Gufstream V pitch up in Nigeria for an evangelism crusade: how much Naira does it take to fill a tank? obviously less than it takes for a toupee wearing evangelist to make a swift buck!!!!"
Not to hijack things, but dont get me going there. Spent some time north of SA and see it happen daily. They will make such a difference.....Bullsxxx. They make money from a bunch of folks to make them "feel good." Pemba Mozambique was my best example... Im Saving it for some other thread.
Last edited by B Sousa; 29th Sep 2006 at 14:34.
PHI stoops to new lows in fighting the Union!
The PHI Pilot's Union web site reports there are two "Union Buster" consulting firms working for PHI.
They include the notorius "Homer Bob" Deakins.....Christ on a Crutch guys.....talk about a sleezy rascal!
He was also hired by Air Logistics during their most recent CBA fight and also worked with the operator(s) during the original unionization attempts. Some of our posters have had first hand dealings wtih ol' Homer Bob and should be able to attest to his ways.
Homer Bob has a very long history in fighting Unions....and has gotten rich from it...not that he has had much success of late.
The Air Log CBA thread that ran here had much mention of his reputation and activities.
They include the notorius "Homer Bob" Deakins.....Christ on a Crutch guys.....talk about a sleezy rascal!
He was also hired by Air Logistics during their most recent CBA fight and also worked with the operator(s) during the original unionization attempts. Some of our posters have had first hand dealings wtih ol' Homer Bob and should be able to attest to his ways.
Homer Bob has a very long history in fighting Unions....and has gotten rich from it...not that he has had much success of late.
The Air Log CBA thread that ran here had much mention of his reputation and activities.
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Nick,
You must have been in both Stavanger and Fourchon.... there is no comparison in pilot pay and conditions.
Any pilot from the Gulf who dosent believe in Unions needs to visit Aberdeen or Stavanger for a day. Year 1 captains pay in Aberdeen is now circa 126,000 USD. Year 17 is around 152,000 USD. And you can thank the unions for it.
Decks.
You must have been in both Stavanger and Fourchon.... there is no comparison in pilot pay and conditions.
Any pilot from the Gulf who dosent believe in Unions needs to visit Aberdeen or Stavanger for a day. Year 1 captains pay in Aberdeen is now circa 126,000 USD. Year 17 is around 152,000 USD. And you can thank the unions for it.
Decks.
Nick,
It is odd how a guy drawing a W-4 or W-5 retired pay check with Tri-care Medical benefits sees things as compared to a guy in his mid-30's with no pension and medical benefits when he is working and then must pay for them out of pocket.
Some of our "retired Army" comrades-in-arms who are so used to being treated like second class citizens for 20 plus years just fail to see the need for them to be out walking the line. That has been the short coming of the PHI and GOM union movement all along.
Most "Ex-Army" guys fully understand the situation and are leaders in that movement.
It is odd how a guy drawing a W-4 or W-5 retired pay check with Tri-care Medical benefits sees things as compared to a guy in his mid-30's with no pension and medical benefits when he is working and then must pay for them out of pocket.
Some of our "retired Army" comrades-in-arms who are so used to being treated like second class citizens for 20 plus years just fail to see the need for them to be out walking the line. That has been the short coming of the PHI and GOM union movement all along.
Most "Ex-Army" guys fully understand the situation and are leaders in that movement.
