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Originally Posted by CAPIP1998  I just want make sure I understand you completely. Your saying that a clause in your contract could force ALPA representation on the CJC pilots without a vote or any other input from us? |
To clarify, it's not "my" contract anymore, as I haven't been there in over a year. I used to be a union rep there, however, and this purchase of CJC took place while I was in office.
To answer your question, it isn't really a matter of whether the union can be forced upon you, it's a matter of who the flying must be done by. According to the PCL contract, all flying for Pinnacle or any company who owns Pinnacle must be done by pilots on the PCL seniority list. The CJC pilots aren't on the PCL seniority list, so it's a violation of the PCL scope clause. The arbitrator ruled on this at the beginning of the year. The only question at this point is whether the arbitrator is going to force Pinnacle Corp to comply with the language that he's already ruled that they're violating. If he forces them to comply, then they'll either have to merge the lists or come to an agreement with PCL ALPA on a fence agreement. If the CJC pilots are smart and vote in ALPA, then PCL ALPA can work with CJC ALPA to develop a mutually beneficial fence agreement. That would allow both pilot groups to continue to prosper while eliminating a whipsaw. If the CJC pilots make the mistake of voting in the Teamsters, then it will be virtually impossible for the two groups to work together and come to a mutually beneficial agreement if the arbitrator rules that he company must comply with the scope language.