Pilot Strike Looms Large at Air Log in the GOM
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correction
Make that Holland not Mullen (guess that I had a bean in my ear - or to much of standing near a running helicopter)- sorry - brain fart, but bottom line is that he is still employed
Thread Starter
Easy enough for those of us that have High Freq hearing losses...c's, d's, e's, g's, v's, p's, t's,v's,and z's, all sound pretty much the same.
Can you confirm or deny any of the other rumours...lawsuits and other things from this thread. It would go a long way towards clearing up a lot of questions folks have about what is going on?
Maybe we could get ol'Homer Boy to put down his Mint Julip on his veranda and earn some of Air Log's money by explaining the legal side of all this.....summarize the law as it applies. For sure he is the authority.
How about that other rumour....that his law firm was or he was the lawyer that fought the Textile Workers Union attempt portrayed in the movie "Norma Rae" with Sally Field as the star? That is the most interesting rumour so far.....but then Hollywood does have a way of promoting liberal causes in this country.
Can you confirm or deny any of the other rumours...lawsuits and other things from this thread. It would go a long way towards clearing up a lot of questions folks have about what is going on?
Maybe we could get ol'Homer Boy to put down his Mint Julip on his veranda and earn some of Air Log's money by explaining the legal side of all this.....summarize the law as it applies. For sure he is the authority.
How about that other rumour....that his law firm was or he was the lawyer that fought the Textile Workers Union attempt portrayed in the movie "Norma Rae" with Sally Field as the star? That is the most interesting rumour so far.....but then Hollywood does have a way of promoting liberal causes in this country.
Thread Starter
Thus far it is now said...two suits filed by the union against the company as a counter to the one suit filed by the company against the union.
NMA has sent a letter to both sides inviting them to Washington, DC. as a last minute effort to mediate the dispute prior to the end of the cooling off period deadline. It appears the company is ready to attend.....now we wait to see what the union does.
NMA has sent a letter to both sides inviting them to Washington, DC. as a last minute effort to mediate the dispute prior to the end of the cooling off period deadline. It appears the company is ready to attend.....now we wait to see what the union does.
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Couple of points:
It is not unusual or unknown for management types to transfer between positions with the union and with the company. If memory serves, FedEx Pilot Association President Frank Fato has also been in FedEx management, as Chief Pilot I believe. So guys "see the light" in both directions and it should not be held against them.
It is no rumor about Homer Deakins' law firm being the one depicted in the movie "Norma Rae." That is a fact. Their union-busting experience goes waaaaaaay back. And they do not come cheap.
Homer flaunts all the money that he makes from the companies he milks. At the beginning of PHI's first contract negotiations, meetings had to be postponed while Mr. Deakins took his family on vacation to Bali. Bali! It was truly galling to realize the amount of money PHI was spending on him - money that the company repeatedly claimed they did not possess to give to employees. It clearly demonstrated to the pilots that PHI was not interested at all in negotiating a fair contract but in fact was only interested in busting the union. It didn't happen.
Luckily, all of the negotiating team members had children and knew how to deal with temper-tantrums, because it is reported that one of Mr. Deakins' first acts of histrionics (and there were many) was to loudly thunder, veins-a-popping, across the table at the negotiating team that they would NEVER see a signed contract! He was wrong.
But such is not a spirit of cooperation. And believe me, every helicopter pilot in the country now has Mr. Deakins' number.
Given that Air Log's President had previously screamed the same thing at his pilots and was wrong too, you'd think that the helicopter companies would stop these childish antics and negotiate like adults. The retention by Air Log of the very expensive hired-gun, Homer Deakins for this go-around disproves that theory! We can plainly see where it's heading. In the end, it just makes the company's tearful pleas of "we just don't have any money" ring terribly false.
I wonder where Mr. Deakins will take his family on vacation to count his money after the Air Log contract is finally settled? Hmm, what could be more expensive than a trip to Bali? Is Richard Branson accepting reservations on his lunar flights yet?
It is not unusual or unknown for management types to transfer between positions with the union and with the company. If memory serves, FedEx Pilot Association President Frank Fato has also been in FedEx management, as Chief Pilot I believe. So guys "see the light" in both directions and it should not be held against them.
It is no rumor about Homer Deakins' law firm being the one depicted in the movie "Norma Rae." That is a fact. Their union-busting experience goes waaaaaaay back. And they do not come cheap.
Homer flaunts all the money that he makes from the companies he milks. At the beginning of PHI's first contract negotiations, meetings had to be postponed while Mr. Deakins took his family on vacation to Bali. Bali! It was truly galling to realize the amount of money PHI was spending on him - money that the company repeatedly claimed they did not possess to give to employees. It clearly demonstrated to the pilots that PHI was not interested at all in negotiating a fair contract but in fact was only interested in busting the union. It didn't happen.
Luckily, all of the negotiating team members had children and knew how to deal with temper-tantrums, because it is reported that one of Mr. Deakins' first acts of histrionics (and there were many) was to loudly thunder, veins-a-popping, across the table at the negotiating team that they would NEVER see a signed contract! He was wrong.
But such is not a spirit of cooperation. And believe me, every helicopter pilot in the country now has Mr. Deakins' number.
Given that Air Log's President had previously screamed the same thing at his pilots and was wrong too, you'd think that the helicopter companies would stop these childish antics and negotiate like adults. The retention by Air Log of the very expensive hired-gun, Homer Deakins for this go-around disproves that theory! We can plainly see where it's heading. In the end, it just makes the company's tearful pleas of "we just don't have any money" ring terribly false.
I wonder where Mr. Deakins will take his family on vacation to count his money after the Air Log contract is finally settled? Hmm, what could be more expensive than a trip to Bali? Is Richard Branson accepting reservations on his lunar flights yet?
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wondering
"Given that Air Log's President had previously screamed the same thing at his pilots and was wrong too, you'd think that the helicopter companies would stop these childish antics and negotiate like adults."
When did Dru Milke do that ?- must have missed it!
When did Dru Milke do that ?- must have missed it!
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Rotor Mutt....
If you were involved in a labor contract negotiation as a management representative...would it not follow that you would want the very best hired help that money could afford? Is not Ol' Homer the very best that money can buy for these things even if also very expensive? Would you want anything less than that I ask?
You wonder if Ol'Homer boy negotiated his own contract with Air Log? If so....Ol' Home being the very best negotiator that money can buy, then he would have constructed his contract demands to ensure he makes the most out of his work? Nothing wrong with that concept....afterall, that is part and parcel of what the union boys and girls are trying to do....or do I miss the difference in the two situations?
Now word has it that Home Boy is being paid by the hour...and not on piece work basis as Norma Rae , et al, were and therefore stands to fatten his purse by dragging this thing out as long as he can. That would be like an operator suggesting to the pilots to use Vmrc whenever possible when flying on a hourly contract or when revenue is improved by farming for hours. Vmrc is defined as Velocity, Maximum Revenue Cruise (fly as slowly as you can) to the unknowing.
So....since management wants the best and is willing to pay for it....how does old Home Boy determine the goals, standards, and completion criteria for his contract? Does his contract have a bonus clause in it? If it does....one can only wonder what it might be.
Rotor Mutt....this hiring the best and paying top dollar for hired help is nothing new. OLOG has a history of taking care of its people. Consider the housing standard in the Gulf of Mexico, the high standards they demand of the customer provided accomodation offshore. How can one expect them to treat Ol'Homes any different?
If you were involved in a labor contract negotiation as a management representative...would it not follow that you would want the very best hired help that money could afford? Is not Ol' Homer the very best that money can buy for these things even if also very expensive? Would you want anything less than that I ask?
You wonder if Ol'Homer boy negotiated his own contract with Air Log? If so....Ol' Home being the very best negotiator that money can buy, then he would have constructed his contract demands to ensure he makes the most out of his work? Nothing wrong with that concept....afterall, that is part and parcel of what the union boys and girls are trying to do....or do I miss the difference in the two situations?
Now word has it that Home Boy is being paid by the hour...and not on piece work basis as Norma Rae , et al, were and therefore stands to fatten his purse by dragging this thing out as long as he can. That would be like an operator suggesting to the pilots to use Vmrc whenever possible when flying on a hourly contract or when revenue is improved by farming for hours. Vmrc is defined as Velocity, Maximum Revenue Cruise (fly as slowly as you can) to the unknowing.
So....since management wants the best and is willing to pay for it....how does old Home Boy determine the goals, standards, and completion criteria for his contract? Does his contract have a bonus clause in it? If it does....one can only wonder what it might be.
Rotor Mutt....this hiring the best and paying top dollar for hired help is nothing new. OLOG has a history of taking care of its people. Consider the housing standard in the Gulf of Mexico, the high standards they demand of the customer provided accomodation offshore. How can one expect them to treat Ol'Homes any different?
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I wrote: "Given that Air Log's President had previously screamed the same thing at his pilots and was wrong too, you'd think that the helicopter companies would stop these childish antics and negotiate like adults."
logpilot replied:
Then ask someone who's been at Air Log longer than you. It was George Small and it was the late 1990's, I believe. It is a legendary remark, along the lines of Bobby Suggs' "gutters of Bourbon Street."
Sasless, Air Log's hiring of Homer is puzzling. During PHI's negotiation, I'm absolutely positive that his mandate from executive secretary-turned-concubine-turned-owner Carroll W. Suggs was to break the union or at very least not give an inch. If so, he failed miserably on both counts. So for ALI to take him on smacks of desperation. It also sends a clear message to the pilots. As I said, we all know of the great, fearful Homer Deakins.
Carroll Suggs used to brag that she and Herb Kelleher (Southwest Airlines' eccentric CEO) were friends. If so (and I personally doubt it), she did not often seek his counsel. Herb's management team got along well with the few unions they had, and consequently SWA is among history's most profitable of airlines. But prior to co-founding SWA, Herb had been a...wait...any guesses?*
Air Log and PHI took an entirely different tack. Instead of accepting the obvious and inevitable, both chose to fight. They treated their pilots like petulant, misbehaving children who needed to be taught a lesson. Unions were painted as ominous, interfering, troublemaking "third-parties" and any pilot who agreed with the concept of a labor union was portrayed as "fat, lazy, greedy, vindictive, spiteful, job-shirking and anti-company." It was an insult to every pilots' intelligence, whether they knew it or not (and sadly, many did not).
Over martinis in a swanky French Quarter hotel, Homeboi and Dr. Dru may exchange long, soulful, confident glances that the pilots don't have the guts, but I believe that a strike is a fait accompli.. Air Log is about to be taught a hard, bitter and very brief lesson. Unfortunately, this is a turning-point in the struggle of pilot-as-labor and so it must be that the ALI pilots assert themselves thusly. I would not want to be in Homer's shoes on March 10th when no settlement has been reached and the clock is counting down those final minutes. Perhaps this will be his last contract position down in Louisianaland. Let us hope and pray that it is.
* Answer: Labor attorney!
logpilot replied:
When did Dru Milke do that ?- must have missed it!
Sasless, Air Log's hiring of Homer is puzzling. During PHI's negotiation, I'm absolutely positive that his mandate from executive secretary-turned-concubine-turned-owner Carroll W. Suggs was to break the union or at very least not give an inch. If so, he failed miserably on both counts. So for ALI to take him on smacks of desperation. It also sends a clear message to the pilots. As I said, we all know of the great, fearful Homer Deakins.
Carroll Suggs used to brag that she and Herb Kelleher (Southwest Airlines' eccentric CEO) were friends. If so (and I personally doubt it), she did not often seek his counsel. Herb's management team got along well with the few unions they had, and consequently SWA is among history's most profitable of airlines. But prior to co-founding SWA, Herb had been a...wait...any guesses?*
Air Log and PHI took an entirely different tack. Instead of accepting the obvious and inevitable, both chose to fight. They treated their pilots like petulant, misbehaving children who needed to be taught a lesson. Unions were painted as ominous, interfering, troublemaking "third-parties" and any pilot who agreed with the concept of a labor union was portrayed as "fat, lazy, greedy, vindictive, spiteful, job-shirking and anti-company." It was an insult to every pilots' intelligence, whether they knew it or not (and sadly, many did not).
Over martinis in a swanky French Quarter hotel, Homeboi and Dr. Dru may exchange long, soulful, confident glances that the pilots don't have the guts, but I believe that a strike is a fait accompli.. Air Log is about to be taught a hard, bitter and very brief lesson. Unfortunately, this is a turning-point in the struggle of pilot-as-labor and so it must be that the ALI pilots assert themselves thusly. I would not want to be in Homer's shoes on March 10th when no settlement has been reached and the clock is counting down those final minutes. Perhaps this will be his last contract position down in Louisianaland. Let us hope and pray that it is.
* Answer: Labor attorney!
Thread Starter
Last night over dinner with my investments guy....the situation at OLOG came up during the cigars and brandy (making like ol' Homer Bob here) and it surprised my advisor more than a little that the timing of the delay of the required SEC report could not have come at a more opportune time for the company. His immediate thought was that report, usually about 30 pages long, contains some very interesting information about the flow of money and its destination.
I have heard from a source who purports to be close to the matter, that the delay is more a technical problem than an indication of fraud by company management or a violation of US law pertaining to the use of financial incentives to obtain business. The situation was described as being more a checking off of the boxes kind of thing than a serious matter.
We understand that is sometimes the way business goes in overseas locations but US firms are prohibited from engaging in such activities by US Law.
A Reuters article telling of the situation. Also, a good brief about it at Yahoo, in the financials page. Stock symbol "OLG" for OLOG. Seems the share price is under pressure....wonder why?
I wonder where the truth lies on this matter? Did some crooked payments take place in some dark foreign shore? Did someone make an honest mistake and the transfers need to be reviewed? Are the boyos at OLOG trying to be secretive about a restructuring move and using this as a way of not filing SEC forms that would give them away?
Offshore Logistics auditors review payments
Thu Feb 10, 2005 08:35 AM ET
NEW YORK, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Offshore Logistics Inc. (OLG.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , which provides helicopter services to the oil and gas industry, on Thursday said it delayed a regulatory filing while auditors review some overseas payments.
The company said its audit committee has engaged outside counsel to review payments made in a country in which affiliated entities operate.
"Based on the results of the review to date, the company does not believe that its previously reported financial results, including the results announced on Feb. 3, 2005, will be materially impacted," Offshore Logistics said in a statement.
I have heard from a source who purports to be close to the matter, that the delay is more a technical problem than an indication of fraud by company management or a violation of US law pertaining to the use of financial incentives to obtain business. The situation was described as being more a checking off of the boxes kind of thing than a serious matter.
We understand that is sometimes the way business goes in overseas locations but US firms are prohibited from engaging in such activities by US Law.
A Reuters article telling of the situation. Also, a good brief about it at Yahoo, in the financials page. Stock symbol "OLG" for OLOG. Seems the share price is under pressure....wonder why?
I wonder where the truth lies on this matter? Did some crooked payments take place in some dark foreign shore? Did someone make an honest mistake and the transfers need to be reviewed? Are the boyos at OLOG trying to be secretive about a restructuring move and using this as a way of not filing SEC forms that would give them away?
Offshore Logistics auditors review payments
Thu Feb 10, 2005 08:35 AM ET
NEW YORK, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Offshore Logistics Inc. (OLG.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , which provides helicopter services to the oil and gas industry, on Thursday said it delayed a regulatory filing while auditors review some overseas payments.
The company said its audit committee has engaged outside counsel to review payments made in a country in which affiliated entities operate.
"Based on the results of the review to date, the company does not believe that its previously reported financial results, including the results announced on Feb. 3, 2005, will be materially impacted," Offshore Logistics said in a statement.
Thread Starter
Dear Boy,
This is certainly a rumour network. Stranger things have happened....and as you well know....money harkens new loyalty. I assumed from the same rumour mill that you had chucked it in for the fourth time is it? Or, did your employers find a key to your heart as well?
I have had the promise of a 76 C+ plus job...but it did not include your current locale....maybe that is of which you speak? I am entertaining visions of warm clear salt water, white sandy beaches....thatched huts....San Miguel or Tiger beer.....not Gulder and the Bush bar frolics.
Now who knows what life holds? You and I may wind up on 212's for Houston doing fires in New Mexico or something. I have heard your old Mucker from ERA is headed back from Reno.
Once you get that Green License....the delta beckons with its Siren call of gold and fine living.
This is certainly a rumour network. Stranger things have happened....and as you well know....money harkens new loyalty. I assumed from the same rumour mill that you had chucked it in for the fourth time is it? Or, did your employers find a key to your heart as well?
I have had the promise of a 76 C+ plus job...but it did not include your current locale....maybe that is of which you speak? I am entertaining visions of warm clear salt water, white sandy beaches....thatched huts....San Miguel or Tiger beer.....not Gulder and the Bush bar frolics.
Now who knows what life holds? You and I may wind up on 212's for Houston doing fires in New Mexico or something. I have heard your old Mucker from ERA is headed back from Reno.
Once you get that Green License....the delta beckons with its Siren call of gold and fine living.
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SASless
It's only three times so far! I thought it might be 412EP's and a view of Mt. Cameroon on a clear day. I do love sirens it's just those flashing lights I can't stand. You know my e-mail, drop me a line in the next 7 days or less. More news as it arrives.
PS. Don't you just love this high tech world we live in?
It's only three times so far! I thought it might be 412EP's and a view of Mt. Cameroon on a clear day. I do love sirens it's just those flashing lights I can't stand. You know my e-mail, drop me a line in the next 7 days or less. More news as it arrives.
PS. Don't you just love this high tech world we live in?
Thread Starter
Musket....
I remember meeting the Horton family in the hills of Virginia near Piper's Gap when I was growing up.....I was amazed that Gramma Horton had never been out of Carroll County in her life, had never had a telephone, did not have indoor plumbing....and had no electricity nor access to ice. She used a wood stove to cook, heat water, and warm the house. She lived to be 96 years old. She never even heard of a shopping mall and found news to consist of whatever was brought to her by a visitor. Her entertainment was the Bible and her family.
Today....if you don't have three computers, a cell phone or two, satellite TV, a fuel injected automobile that remembers who you are....and have flown around the world 600 times....suffer from coronary disease.....you are a bumpkin.
My question.....is how do you stop all the flashing twelves?
I remember meeting the Horton family in the hills of Virginia near Piper's Gap when I was growing up.....I was amazed that Gramma Horton had never been out of Carroll County in her life, had never had a telephone, did not have indoor plumbing....and had no electricity nor access to ice. She used a wood stove to cook, heat water, and warm the house. She lived to be 96 years old. She never even heard of a shopping mall and found news to consist of whatever was brought to her by a visitor. Her entertainment was the Bible and her family.
Today....if you don't have three computers, a cell phone or two, satellite TV, a fuel injected automobile that remembers who you are....and have flown around the world 600 times....suffer from coronary disease.....you are a bumpkin.
My question.....is how do you stop all the flashing twelves?
Thread Starter
Court cases being heard today....original suit filed by the company against the union and two counter suits by the union against the company. More news when heard
NMB has un-officially invited the two warring parties to the Great White Father's hometown to make parley and maybe smoke the peace pipe. The union has made public statements they shall (imperative tense) be there with every intention of finding resolution. We can only assume the management will be there as well. That presumes Ol' Homer Boy can be pried from his verandah and Mint Julips. The meeting is to be held from 8-10 March.
I would suggest the venue be moved to Murphy's in Oldtown Alexandria. Huge great beautiful wooden and brass bar, stretches for miles.....good food....Guinness on tap.....live Irish music....warm fire. It is has always been known for its ability to bring total strangers together and get them to harmonize with gusto.
That is what Air Log needs now. Even with a settlement....there is going to be a lot of hard work to be done to bring the place back to being a happy place again. The old Bobby Suggs School of Helicopter management has got to go.
NMB has un-officially invited the two warring parties to the Great White Father's hometown to make parley and maybe smoke the peace pipe. The union has made public statements they shall (imperative tense) be there with every intention of finding resolution. We can only assume the management will be there as well. That presumes Ol' Homer Boy can be pried from his verandah and Mint Julips. The meeting is to be held from 8-10 March.
I would suggest the venue be moved to Murphy's in Oldtown Alexandria. Huge great beautiful wooden and brass bar, stretches for miles.....good food....Guinness on tap.....live Irish music....warm fire. It is has always been known for its ability to bring total strangers together and get them to harmonize with gusto.
That is what Air Log needs now. Even with a settlement....there is going to be a lot of hard work to be done to bring the place back to being a happy place again. The old Bobby Suggs School of Helicopter management has got to go.
Thread Starter
Proceedings in Federal Court continue today....unfinished at end of yesterday. More news when heard.
Thread Starter
Notice being posted on Bulletin Boards at Air Log
This just showed up in my e-mail....from a union member at Air Log. It is a memo from the union President, Ken Bruner, to all union members with instructions for it to be posted for all to read.
Hopefully, we can get someone from the company side to present their version of events.
The one thing that stands out is the Judge requires Dru Milke to attend in person.
Kenneth E. Bruner
President Telephone: (337) 364-4639
OPEIU, Local 107 Fax: (337) 364-4640
2617 Northside Road Suite 300
New Iberia, LA 70563-0953
Fellow Members;
As most of you are aware, we were in court for the Company’s lawsuit on the 23rd and 24th of this month. I’m going to attempt to explain as best I can the proceedings of the hearing.
The Judge stated that his knowledge of Labor Law was practically nil, but by March 10th, 2005 he was going to learn everything he could about the subject.
The Judge seemed to be very concerned that, in his estimation, neither party has done everything in their power to avoid a strike. He seemed incredulous that both parties appeared to be heading into a situation that could be disastrous for the Union and the Company.
Therefore, His Honor has ordered the negotiating committees of both sides to attend meetings from February 28th to March 3rd, 2005, for a minimum of four hours every day. He further ordered that in addition to the Company’s Committee, Mr. Dru Milke also be in attendance.
The Judge further ordered that a conference call take place at 4:00 PM on the 10th of March, between his office and the parties who will be in Washington, D.C. His decision on the lawsuit will depend on what is relayed to him during that phone call. He went on to say his decision will be made prior to midnight eastern time on the tenth of March.
Your negotiating committee is preparing for the meetings with the Company next week; we will keep you fully informed.
In Solidarity,
Kenneth Bruner /s/
President, Local 107
Hopefully, we can get someone from the company side to present their version of events.
The one thing that stands out is the Judge requires Dru Milke to attend in person.
Kenneth E. Bruner
President Telephone: (337) 364-4639
OPEIU, Local 107 Fax: (337) 364-4640
2617 Northside Road Suite 300
New Iberia, LA 70563-0953
Fellow Members;
As most of you are aware, we were in court for the Company’s lawsuit on the 23rd and 24th of this month. I’m going to attempt to explain as best I can the proceedings of the hearing.
The Judge stated that his knowledge of Labor Law was practically nil, but by March 10th, 2005 he was going to learn everything he could about the subject.
The Judge seemed to be very concerned that, in his estimation, neither party has done everything in their power to avoid a strike. He seemed incredulous that both parties appeared to be heading into a situation that could be disastrous for the Union and the Company.
Therefore, His Honor has ordered the negotiating committees of both sides to attend meetings from February 28th to March 3rd, 2005, for a minimum of four hours every day. He further ordered that in addition to the Company’s Committee, Mr. Dru Milke also be in attendance.
The Judge further ordered that a conference call take place at 4:00 PM on the 10th of March, between his office and the parties who will be in Washington, D.C. His decision on the lawsuit will depend on what is relayed to him during that phone call. He went on to say his decision will be made prior to midnight eastern time on the tenth of March.
Your negotiating committee is preparing for the meetings with the Company next week; we will keep you fully informed.
In Solidarity,
Kenneth Bruner /s/
President, Local 107
I've been following this thread (as a member of a different Union) from overseas with interest. I found this bit fascinating:
What kind of profession would put someone like this in such a responsible position? A bit like a CAA or FAA examiner admitting "I've never flown helicopters, but I'm going to convert and learn all about them before I come and check you and your company next month". Sometimes you just have to love the legal eagles, don't you?
The Judge stated that his knowledge of Labor Law was practically nil, but by March 10th, 2005 he was going to learn everything he could about the subject.
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In the US, you don't necessrily have to be a lawyer to be a judge, depending on the jurisdiction. Labor law is a rather narrow discipline in any case, and I'm not surprised that a judge isn't famililar with it. It's unfortunate, but that's the way the system works. At least he admits it.
I hope he learns something before he makes a ruling.
I hope he learns something before he makes a ruling.
Thread Starter
My impression is the judge is acting in a "judicious" manner in this situation. The company filed an action saying the Union was not bargaining in good faith and sought the judge to order them to do so. The Union countered that accusation with a couple of complaints of their own and accused the company of not bargaining in good faith.
The negotiation falling under the rules of the Railway Labor Act (RLA), and thus having been mediated by the US Government's National Mediation Board (NMB) has reached an impasse.
Previously, the company had asked for release from the NMB and was refused, later the union asked for release and with no objection from the company, was released.....thus the two parties entered what is known as a 30 Day cooling off period.
That is to end on 11 March. Self Help (strike, lockout, etc) can begin at that point.
Despite being released from officially mediated negotiations by the NMB, both parties are free to continue negotiating with one another. The NMB as is their practice, invited both parties to a round of "un-official" NMB sponsored negotiations in Washington, DC. during the period of 8-10 March.
The Federal Judge listened to the complaints of both sides.....and apparantly determined that there is still recourse outside of his court for the two parties to resolve the problems and and reach a settlement. He refrained from taking action against either side beyond ordering them to meet and negotiate until the end of the Cooling Off period. He required the results of that negotiation be reported to him late on the 10th of March. Depending upon what the situation is at that time will determine his action in the cases before the court.
What I find interesting and I think the Judge might very well be sending some strong signals as to what he thinks of the situation.....he ordered the negotiations to take place and more importantly ordered the CEO, Dru Milke to attend.
Ordering a Company CEO to do that is very unusual.
The union approached Milke directly in the past and was told by him to deal with the Company Negotiating Committee and the company legal counsel retained for that purpose, Homer Deakins.
The company made a lot out of the fact they had sued the union and fully expected to have the court rule in their favor during the hearing. That did not happen.
Me thinks His Honor just fired a large caliber shot across Milke's bow.
I certainly hope the two sides find a way to settle this and get back to work. Even if they do, finding a way to heal the wounds this has caused will be the challenge for all.
The negotiation falling under the rules of the Railway Labor Act (RLA), and thus having been mediated by the US Government's National Mediation Board (NMB) has reached an impasse.
Previously, the company had asked for release from the NMB and was refused, later the union asked for release and with no objection from the company, was released.....thus the two parties entered what is known as a 30 Day cooling off period.
That is to end on 11 March. Self Help (strike, lockout, etc) can begin at that point.
Despite being released from officially mediated negotiations by the NMB, both parties are free to continue negotiating with one another. The NMB as is their practice, invited both parties to a round of "un-official" NMB sponsored negotiations in Washington, DC. during the period of 8-10 March.
The Federal Judge listened to the complaints of both sides.....and apparantly determined that there is still recourse outside of his court for the two parties to resolve the problems and and reach a settlement. He refrained from taking action against either side beyond ordering them to meet and negotiate until the end of the Cooling Off period. He required the results of that negotiation be reported to him late on the 10th of March. Depending upon what the situation is at that time will determine his action in the cases before the court.
What I find interesting and I think the Judge might very well be sending some strong signals as to what he thinks of the situation.....he ordered the negotiations to take place and more importantly ordered the CEO, Dru Milke to attend.
Ordering a Company CEO to do that is very unusual.
The union approached Milke directly in the past and was told by him to deal with the Company Negotiating Committee and the company legal counsel retained for that purpose, Homer Deakins.
The company made a lot out of the fact they had sued the union and fully expected to have the court rule in their favor during the hearing. That did not happen.
Me thinks His Honor just fired a large caliber shot across Milke's bow.
I certainly hope the two sides find a way to settle this and get back to work. Even if they do, finding a way to heal the wounds this has caused will be the challenge for all.
Thread Starter
Notam posted on Air Log Union Bulletin Board
A union member sent this to me....latest update on the court ordered negotiations. Nothing heard from the company.
NEGOTIATION NOTAM #72
DATE: February 28, 2005 TIME: 1:00pm - 5:20pm
PLACE: Hotel Acadiana / Lafayette, LA CLIMATE: Calm
IN ATTENDANCE:
FOR THE COMPANY: Milke, Deakins, Brown, Fira, Hunt
FOR THE UNION: Bohelski, Catalano, Bruner, & Robson
In addition to the regular Negotiating Committees, Drury Milke, President of Air Logistics and Edie Hunt, Air Logistics Human Resources Manager were present for the Company.
Most of the day was spent signing off on many Articles that have been previously Tentatively Agreed but never signed. We then went down each proposal in detail to determine the exact Sections & Language in dispute. This took the rest of the day.
A discussion then took place that left us feeling optimistic about tomorrow, in other words, no one intends to show up and just stare across the table at one another.
We’re looking forward to open and honest discussions with the Company which can lead to a Contract you can ratify.
SYNOPSIS: Clearing the air and trying to understand each others intentions.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, March 1, 2005 Lafayette, LA
ON THE SCHEDULE: Try to resolve items in dispute.
NEGOTIATION NOTAM #72
DATE: February 28, 2005 TIME: 1:00pm - 5:20pm
PLACE: Hotel Acadiana / Lafayette, LA CLIMATE: Calm
IN ATTENDANCE:
FOR THE COMPANY: Milke, Deakins, Brown, Fira, Hunt
FOR THE UNION: Bohelski, Catalano, Bruner, & Robson
In addition to the regular Negotiating Committees, Drury Milke, President of Air Logistics and Edie Hunt, Air Logistics Human Resources Manager were present for the Company.
Most of the day was spent signing off on many Articles that have been previously Tentatively Agreed but never signed. We then went down each proposal in detail to determine the exact Sections & Language in dispute. This took the rest of the day.
A discussion then took place that left us feeling optimistic about tomorrow, in other words, no one intends to show up and just stare across the table at one another.
We’re looking forward to open and honest discussions with the Company which can lead to a Contract you can ratify.
SYNOPSIS: Clearing the air and trying to understand each others intentions.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, March 1, 2005 Lafayette, LA
ON THE SCHEDULE: Try to resolve items in dispute.
Thread Starter
Today's Notam by the Air Log pilot's union reports progress being made and a day long dialogue was effective. No settlement arrived at yet....but the tone of the Notam was positive. The Notam remarked mis-understandings on both sides of the table were identified and addressed.