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USAPA Voices Fuel-Related Safety Concern to FAA

CHARLOTTE – Concerns over the adequacy of fueling practices at US Airways were raised last week on national news by allegations from the US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) which said that the airline was pressuring pilots to carry less fuel.  USAPA said that the issue emerged when US Airways singled-out eight Senior Trans-Oceanic International Captains for mandatory “training,” based on the Captains using their judgment to add additional fuel. USAPA considers this to be retaliatory discipline.     

USAPA stated that the affected pilots were targeted as a result of previous decisions to add fuel, and were called-in on their days off and subjected to hours of simulator work and classroom lectures; neither of which are part of any FAA approved US Airways Pilot Training Program.  USAPA believes that the message being communicated to the US Airways pilots is that, if they request additional fuel, they will be subject to retaliatory discipline.

USAPA President, Steve Bradford, said, “US Airways Pilots are seasoned professionals who are well aware of the fact that carrying fuel adds weight to the aircraft.  But they also know that the FAA minimum fuel reserves are just that, a bare minimum, and akin to driving your car with the low fuel light flashing; few drivers would be comfortable with that situation.”  The US Airways Pilots believe that it is important for the public to realize that using just one gallon of the FAA minimum reserve fuel may cause a Pilot to declare a “Fuel Emergency.”  Air traffic delays, bad weather and unforeseen events are just some of the reasons why the FAA grants Captains the authority to decide how much fuel is carried on their aircraft.  

“It smacks of intimidation and harassment; a pilot training department should never be used as a tool for pilot discipline” said President Bradford.  “If Management were really interested in fuel conservation, they would adopt the training for all pilots, not just a few.  In our view, our pilots are being pressured into loading less fuel in order to avoid what we consider to be retaliatory discipline. We consider Management’s attempt to influence pilots’ safety-related decisions based on cost-considerations as setting a dangerous precedent for the airline industry.”   

In a letter to the FAA dated July 16, 2008, USAPA requested a full investigation stating that they consider Management’s actions a “dangerous intrusion on Captain's Authority which has the effect of eroding flight safety standards.”    

USAPA represents over 5,000 US Airways pilots in seven domiciles across the United States.

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July 14, 2008 12:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time


US Airways Pilots Allege That Management, Ignoring Past Safety Practices, Resorts To Pilot Intimidation in an Effort to Reduce Fuel Cost


CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) President Stephen Bradford, on behalf of the Association, has released a memorandum to the US Airways Pilots which advises them of Management’s decision to initiate what the pilots consider discipline in the form of unapproved “training.” This 'training' is to be given to the Airline's most senior Captains who, according to USAPA, have been singled-out for exercising their judgment on determining fuel loads for their flights. The “training” includes simulator instruction which, if not successfully completed, could subject the pilot to a loss of his/her license. In USAPA’s view, the threat is clear: adding fuel could expose a pilot to career-ending license action.

USAPA Spokesman, Captain James Ray, stated that in most cases the Senior Captains were selected for adding what equates to approximately 10 to 15 minutes of additional arrival fuel on transoceanic flights. Under the applicable standards of the Federal Aviation Administration, the adequacy of fuel loads is considered a critical safety determination that is left to the Captain’s discretion.

The memorandum to the Pilots was sent after the Board of Pilot Representatives for the US Airline Pilots Association conducted a meeting on the matter. The memorandum stated, “Captain’s Authority and the right to make decisions based on good, sound judgment should never be subjected to the winds of economics.”

“Making decisions on whether or not to hand out peanuts is one thing; mandating fuel loads that our Captains are uncomfortable with, is another,” said USAPA President Stephen Bradford. President Bradford went on to say, “US Airways pilots are committed to exercising their ‘Captain’s Authority,’ as granted by the Federal Aviation Administration, and will always ensure a fuel load that will safely fly our passengers to their destination, with all the reserves necessary to handle any contingencies related to the flight.”

USAPA represents over 5,000 US Airways pilots in seven domiciles across the United States.


Contacts:
US Airline Pilots Association
James Ray, 980-875-7642
 

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The US Airways Pilots Resume Contract Negotiations Which Remain a Major Obstacle In The Three Year Old Merger of US Airways and America West

CHARLOTTE – Two months after the National Mediation Board certified the US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) to represent the US Airways pilots, the union today initiated pilot contract talks with US Airways Management that, if successful, will remove the major obstacle in bringing the two airlines together.  Pilot negotiations broke off 10 months ago due to the disparate pay and working conditions between the two pilot groups, which the former bargaining agent could not resolve. 

“We believe it’s time for Management to complete the job it started three years ago and conclude the merger of US Airways and America West,” said USAPA President Steve Bradford.  “Although we are hopeful, we will wait and see what Management does - not what they say.”

USAPA represents over 5,000 US Airways pilots in seven domiciles across the United States.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                             Contact: James Ray
May 16, 2008                                                                         US Airline Pilots Association
                                                                                                                877-678-7272 x742

The US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) representing the US Airways Pilots speaks out on airline consolidation rumors including UAL 

CHARLOTTE – Following yesterday’s US Airline Pilots Association Board Meeting, and prompted by increased media attention on a possible US Airways and United Airlines merger, leaders of The US Airline Pilots Association are evaluating the effects that mergers may have on their Company and their Pilots.

“USAPA will not sit back and allow airline environmental changes without protecting the interests of all our pilots,” said President Stephen Bradford.  “We will work with our management to maintain our position among those airlines that are financially well-situated, but first things first. The US Airways Pilots will not support any moves towards a follow-on merger until management finishes the job of our last merger.”

With 6.8 billion dollars invested and an ATSB restricted contract, the pilots of US Airways are the single largest investor in US Airways. 

“Regarding United Airlines, their financial health is a major concern to USAPA.  With mounting losses, and a dismal balance sheet, UAL may not be the best dance partner for US Airways,” said USAPA President, Stephen Bradford.  “If synergies mean cutting capacity at US Airways while we experience record load factors concurrent with positive industry yields, we simply aren’t interested.”

USAPA represents over 5,000 US Airways pilots in seven domiciles across the United States. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                      Contact: Scott Theuer

April 17, 2008                                                                      US Airline Pilots Association

                                                                                                                       877-678-7272

The US Airways Pilots vote for The US Airline Pilots Association as their new bargaining representative: 

CHARLOTTE – The US Airways pilots voted for change today and have elected the US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) to replace the Airline Pilots Association, Intl. (ALPA), as their new bargaining agent.  The results of the election were announced by The National Mediation Board today at 2:00pm.  The new union will collectively represent over 5,000 mainline US Airways pilots from the merger of US Airways and America West Airlines. 

“The US Airways pilots have spoken for a change in union representation,” said USAPA interim President, Captain Stephen Bradford.  “USAPA is ready on day one to begin a new era for all US Airways pilots, East and West.  We will join the other great independent airline pilot unions on the national front, while our pilots enjoy single carrier union representation, solely focused on our pilots needs and fully accountable only to them.” 

“In addition to providing quality services to the US Airways pilots, USAPA will approach management in a more businesslike fashion to address the deficiencies of the collective US Airways pilots’ contracts, both East and West; contracts which were originally accepted by the pilots during the hardships placed on the airlines during the post 9/11 era,” said Captain Bradford. 

The US Airways pilots are one of the most senior and experienced pilot groups in the United States.  We fly a large fleet of jet aircraft, including the Boeing B-737-300/400 and B-757/767 series, the Airbus A319/320/321 series, and the 266-seat Airbus A330. 

US Airways pilots fly their passengers safely to more than 180 destinations, including Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii and in the near future, China. 

USAPA represents over 5,000 US Airways pilots in seven domiciles across the United States. 

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February 19, 2008 05:27 PM Eastern Time 

US Airways Pilots to Vote on New Union

NMB says Election to Be Held at US Airways

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) was notified today by the National Mediation Board (NMB) that a representational election for the US Airways Pilots has been called for. In today’s NMB communication, US Airways management has been directed to provide mailing labels to the NMB that match the list of eligible voting pilots the carrier provided earlier.

“On November 13, 2007 USAPA filed an application with the NMB that included thousands of written election requests from US Airways pilots,” said Stephen Bradford, USAPA’s President. “We are gratified to know that the US Airways pilots will finally be afforded an opportunity to select a new collective bargaining agent.”

USAPA is the independent labor union specifically designed to represent the interests of US Airways Pilots. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, USAPA represents only US Airways pilots. Because USAPA represents only US Airways pilots, far greater focus is placed on the specific career needs of the US Airways pilot workforce. USAPA notes that the most highly-compensated pilots in the U.S. passenger transport business are represented by company-specific unions.

For additional information about USAPA, please visit www.USAirlinePilots.org or contact us at media@USAirlinePilots.org.

USAPA is represented by the law firm of Seham, Seham, Meltz & Peterson LLP.

Contacts

USAPA
Captain Scott Theuer, 877-678-7272

November 13, 2007
USAPA Files to Represent US Airways Pilots

Independent Labor Union Submits NMB Application

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)—The US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) announced today it has filed its request with the National Mediation Board (NMB) to conduct a representation election for the US Airways pilots.

“Today’s filing by USAPA begins the legal process to improve union quality for all US Airways pilots,” said Stephen Bradford, a US Airways pilot and USAPA’s President. “We provided more than 3,000 signed election requests to the NMB today, a powerful sign that our pilots intend to upgrade to first-class union representation.”

NMB rules require that requests from a majority of eligible pilots be submitted before a representation election may occur. During the election that will follow, a simple majority of voting US Airways pilots will determine their new collective bargaining agent. Although the exact voting date is dependent upon the NMB, USAPA expects to begin representing the US Airways pilots during the first quarter of 2008.

USAPA is the new union created to represent the interests of US Airways pilots “from the pilot up.” USAPA has been specifically designed to deliver competent, responsive, efficient and accountable representation for all US Airways pilots.

For additional information about USAPA, please visit www.USAirlinePilots.org or send an email to media@USAirlinePilots.org.

Contacts

Captain Scott Theuer

877-678-7272

October 8, 2007
USAPA to Establish National Headquarters in Charlotte
Pilots Union HQ site near center of national pilot population 
 

Charlotte, NC--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) announced today it will locate its National headquarters in Charlotte, NC. 

“USAPA’s decision to locate its headquarters in Charlotte is based upon several factors, the size of the local pilot population and favorable costs of operation were the dominant criteria,” said Stephen Bradford, USAPA’s President and a US Airways (NYSE: LCC - News) Airbus 320 pilot. “Other factors favoring Charlotte were its fair weather, ease of air access and its placement near the center of mass of our nationwide pilot population.” 

USAPA intends to operate satellite offices in some of its other crew bases to support specific functions related to its representation of the US Airways pilots. 

USAPA is in the midst of a campaign to represent the US Airways pilots as their new labor union. The National Mediation Board (NMB) requires that 50% of eligible pilots, plus one, sign forms requesting replacement of the existing bargaining agent. During the follow-on election a simple majority of voting pilots will determine whether the US Airways pilots will again be represented by a labor union. USAPA will file its application with the NMB later this month. USAPA expects to become the new collective bargaining agent for the US Airways pilots during the first quarter of 2008. 

USAPA is the new union created to represent the interests of US Airways Pilots “from the pilot up.” USAPA has been specifically designed to deliver superior representation for all US Airways pilots. Because USAPA represents only US Airways pilots, the conflicts of interest associated with a large national association are avoided. American Airlines pilots, previously affiliated with ALPA, were assisted in their departure from the association by the same law firm assisting the US Airways pilots today. 

For additional information about USAPA, please visit www.USAirlinePilots.org or contact us at media@USAirlinePilots.org. 

USAPA
Scott Theuer, 877-678-7272 

October 4, 2007
USAPA will file with NMB this month
Independent Labor Union seeks to Unseat Incumbent

Charlotte, NC--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) announced today it has sufficient written pilot requests on hand to force a representation election for the US Airways pilots. USAPA intends to file an application with the National Mediation Board (NMB) by the end of October to force the removal of the existing bargaining agent. 

“USAPA’s efforts will result in the expeditious removal of ALPA from the lives of US Airways pilots,” said Stephen Bradford, USAPA’s President and a US Airways Airbus 320 pilot. “The support of our pilots coupled with the hard and careful work of our volunteers will allow us to deliver an airtight and unimpeachable package to the National Mediation Board this month.” 

USAPA notes that a recent letter from ALPA has placed the US Airways MEC in de facto trusteeship. “ALPA National has dictated to the MEC that it must abandon its struggle to rectify the inequities of the seniority integration list ALPA National has passed to the Company. That leaves USAPA as the only means by which US Airways pilots can address the seniority issue,” said Mark Thorpe, a Charlotte-based Boeing 757/767 pilot and USAPA’s Vice-President. 

Requests from 50% of eligible pilots, plus one, are required for the NMB to make a finding that a representational dispute exists. During the follow-on election a simple majority of voting pilots will determine the new collective bargaining agent. USAPA expects to begin representing the US Airways pilots during the first quarter of 2008. 

USAPA is the new union created to represent the interests of US Airways Pilots “from the pilot up.” USAPA has been specifically designed to deliver superior representation for all US Airways pilots. Because USAPA represents only US Airways pilots, the conflicts of interest associated with a large national association are avoided. American Airlines pilots, previously affiliated with ALPA, were assisted in their departure from the association by the same law firm assisting the US Airways pilots today. 

For additional information about USAPA, please visit www.USAirlinePilots.org or send an email to media@USAirlinePilots.org 

USAPA
Scott Theuer, 877-678-7272

September 11, 2007 05:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time

ALPA National to East US Airways Pilots -- ``Buzz Off'';
National Association Abandons East Pilots, Seniority

 

ESSINGTON, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, USAPA was made aware that the East US Airways pilots have suffered yet another assault on their careers. The latest blow was delivered by Paul Rice, ALPA executive VP and attorney Bruce York, ALPA’s director of representation. In meetings with east US Airways pilot negotiators, they let it be known that previous promises of protections for the original US Airways pilots were off the table.

The written report stated that the national association insists on, “a transition to implementation...” The report went on to state that, “It appears also that their desire is to have this transition occur in a fairly short time frame (1-2 years…).” It goes without saying that the east US Airways pilots will not participate in the “implementation” of this deeply flawed “award” in any way shape or form. The seeds of this “tortured logic” arbitration decision were sewn in 1991 by a decision to strip date-of-hire from ALPA merger policy. Two large ALPA pilot groups, fearful of merging with a more senior pilot workforce at TWA, lead the initiative and substituted an incomprehensible list of “goals” in its place.

USAPA has determined that seniority is a self-defining term. Accordingly, the USAPA Constitution requires the merging of seniority lists by “date-of-hire” and no other methodology.

USAPA has received more than 2300 requests from both east and west US Airways pilots to request a representation election from the National Mediation Board. Election request documents continue to arrive. A request count of 50% of eligible pilots, plus one, is required for an election to be held. During the follow-on election a simple majority of voting pilots will determine the new collective bargaining agent. USAPA anticipates that it will begin representing the US Airways pilots in the first quarter of 2008.

USAPA is the new union designed to represent the interests of US Airways Pilots and no other. This new union has been designed “from the pilot up,” to deliver competent, accountable, responsive and efficient representation for the US Airways pilots. Because USAPA represents only US Airways pilots, the conflicts of interest associated with a large national association will be avoided. USAPA notes that the best-compensated pilots in the domestic passenger transport business, AirTran, Southwest and American, are all represented by company-specific unions. The American pilots, represented by the Allied Pilots Association, were previously affiliated with ALPA and were assisted in their departure from the association by the same law firm assisting the US Airways pilots today.

For additional information, please visit www.USAIrlinePilots.org or send an email to media@USAIrlinePilots.org.

 

Contacts

USAPA
Scott Theuer

US Airways management expresses preference for ALPA

USAPA denied opportunity to speak with pilots

ESSINGTON, PA, Aug 29, 2007 – The US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) announced today that US Airways Regional Director E. G. Pate evicted USAPA representatives, including a US Airways Check Pilot and also First Officer Stephen Bradford, USAPA President and a US Airways pilot, from the pilot crew room at the Charlotte airport this morning. The eviction of the USAPA contingent, all active US Airways pilots, cleared the crew room so that ALPA International could put on their presentation to the US Airways pilots in the Charlotte pilot crew room this afternoon.

USAPA’s counsel had previously notified US Airways management that a pilot representational challenge was underway. USAPA believes that this refusal to permit USAPA’s active US Airways pilots to speak to other active US Airways pilots about their representational options, in the privacy of the pilot’s crew room, shows blatant favoritism towards ALPA. USAPA believes that during a representational challenge, an employers’ display of preference for one labor union versus another may violate Federal Labor Law. (ref)

USAPA is the new labor union designed “from the pilot up,” by US Airways pilots for US Airways pilots. USAPA has been carefully designed to provide a superior level of representation for all US Airways pilots. USAPA has been built as an independent pilot labor union, and USAPA’s organizing representatives have been collecting representation election requests from US Airways pilots for about three months.

“It’s no coincidence that passenger air carrier pilots represented by independent unions have the best pay and benefits in the business,” said Stephen Bradford, USAPA’s President. “A large national pilot union, representing many pilot groups, is unable to efficiently and effectively represent their individual members’ interests due to competing interests at the national level.”

USAPA has done “very well” in its drive and has collected well over two thousand ballots requesting a representation change. Cards continue to come into USAPA at a good clip and USAPA expects to present their filing to the National Mediation Board soon. USAPA has collected ballots and significant donations from every US Airways pilot crew base, including the former America West crew bases. These US Airways pilots have expressed a strong desire to replace their current union.

USAPA Facts:

·         USAPA seeks to represent the interests of active and furloughed US Airways pilots.

·         USAPA will represent only US Airways mainline pilots.

·         USAPA’s constitution and bylaws will require membership ratification of all contractual issues (pay, benefits, work rules, etc.)

·         Based upon the number of ballots received thus far, USAPA believes this may be the fastest start for a decertification effort in the history of organized labor.

·         USAPA is designed to provide a higher quality and more responsive membership service product -- at a lower cost -- to its members.

For additional information about USAPA, please visit the USAPA web site at www.USAirlinePilots.org or email media@USAirlinePilots.org.

For Additional Information, Please Contact:

US Airline Pilots Association

P.O. Box 57

Essington, PA 19029

media@USAirlinePilots.org