The Alaska Pilots Podcast

Position Bid Concerns, Update on Pandemic Response, Negotiations, Aeromedical Resources and More

 

Join host Strategic Communications Chairman, Captain David Campbell, MEC Chairman, Captain Will McQuillen, Strategic Planning Chairman Captain Ronan O’Donoghue, and Aeromedical Chairman First Officer Steve Savidge. 

In this episode, they reflect on where we are as we navigate through this pandemic, recent work of the Negotiating Committee, pilots’ concerns about furlough, and concerns regarding the recent position bid. Later in the episode, Campbell talks to Aeromedical Committee Chairman Steve Savidge about the resources available to pilots during this stressful time for many. 

Linked here is the supporting document Captain O’Donoghue references while discussing the recent position bid.

These are uncertain times which may cause anxiety and stress. If you would like to know more about resources available to pilots and family members, or if you feel like you could use a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on, please call your block rep. You may also call a pilot volunteer from the Pilot Peer Support program at (309) PPS-ALPA (309-777-2572). All calls are confidential.

Scheduling Issues, Status of CARES Act Grant, and Other Issues Discussed

Strategic Communications Chairman, David Campbell speaks with MEC Chairman, Will McQuillen and Scheduling Committee Chairman, Scott Rubin.

An important Call-to-Action is underway to demand the safety of our workplace. Add your voice by following the link below.

https://alpa.quorum.us/campaign/25675/

Continuing Work in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Your MEC’s work continues as the world deals with the effects of the Coronavirus. Host Strategic Communications Chairman, Capt. David Campbell, MEC Chairman, Capt. Will McQuillen, and MEC Secretary, Capt. Garin Tentschert discuss a number of topics:

• What we know so far about how the stimulus bill, known as the CARES act, will affect Alaska Airlines
• Ongoing negotiations related to early-out retirement options
• MOU 20-04—COVID-19 Contract Protections
• Cancelation of System Bid 20-05

Remember, if you feel like you could use a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on, your MEC has several resources available. Please call your block rep or the Pilot Peer Support number at (309) PPS-ALPA (309-777-2572).

MEC Recap of the Week of March 23rd

MEC Communications Chairman David Campbell, MEC Chairman Will McQuillen, and Negotiating Committee Chairman Chris Gruner discuss events of the week including announced flying reductions, the May System Bid cancelation, the recently passed stimulus bill, new MOUs, and other topics. This episode was recorded on Friday, March 27, 2020. Referenced in this episode are two recently signed MOUs. For your convenience, links to them are below as well as a Q&A, and a Leave Matrix.

MOU 20-02  

MOU 20-04   

Q&A  

Leave Matrix

Job Protection During the Time of COVID-19

As we continue to adapt to the effects of COVID-19 and hear of reduced flying throughout the industry, pilots are naturally concerned about their immediate futures. Host Strategic Communications Chairman, Capt. David Campbell and MEC Chairman, Capt. Will McQuillen discuss steps the MEC is taking to protect flying jobs, work toward creating voluntary reduced flying and/or leaves of absence, and how all this differs from the furlough mitigation steps outline in Section 23 [Furlough and Recall] of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. 

 

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Your MEC’s Response to the Coronavirus: MOU 20-01 COVID-19 Protections

Listen to host, Strategic Communications Chairman Capt. David Campbell, discuss the COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to the airline industry and specifically to our pilots. MEC officers, Capt. Will McQuillen, Capt. Garin Tentschert, and Capt. Scott Mokos, provide some perspective and thoughts on other major events that have affected our industry and discuss some of the steps union leadership is taking on behalf of the pilots of Alaska Airlines. Finally, Negotiating Chairman, F/O Chris Gruner describes the protections to pilots contained in MOU 20-01which was signed on Friday, March 13. Our pilots may read that document by clicking the link below.

We understand that these times are stressful, if you are an ALPA pilot and would like to avail yourself to some of the MEC resources discussed in this episode, please call Pilot Peer Support (PPS) at 309-777-2572 (309-PPS-ALPA).

MOU 20-01 COVID-19 Protections

State of the Union, January

In this episode, MEC officers and other committee chairs discuss current events and issues affecting the pilot group. Among other topics, Executive Vice President Joe Youngerman provides an update on ALPA’s work to improve the KCM experience for pilots. Membership Chairman Will Swoveland discusses attrition numbers and what those who chose to leave Alaska Airlines have to say about their decision.

State of the Union

In this episode, MEC officers and other committee chairs discuss current events and issues affecting the pilot group. Pilots who are junior in their seat/base may be particularly interested in the discussion of the latest position bid which will close on December 5, 2019 at 17:00 pacific time.

Negotiations Continue into Significant Contract Cornerstone Issues

Pilots at Alaska Airlines began negotiating improvements to their collective bargaining agreement with management in June 2019. Now the pilots’ Negotiating Committee is shifting its focus to the significant aspects of the contract known as the four cornerstones—work rules, job security, benefits, and pay.

In this episode, MEC Chairman Will McQuillen, Negotiating Committee Chairman Chris Gruner, and ALPA’s chief negotiator Bruce York discuss negotiating the more significant aspects of the pilots’ contract.

 

Uniform Litigation Update

On September 6, 2019, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) filed a lawsuit in federal court addressing Alaska Airlines’ unilateral change and bad faith bargaining practices. The issue related to the company directing pilots to order a new uniform despite clear contract language requiring the MEC’s “mutual agreement” on certain changes. That mutual agreement was never obtained. Subsequent to ALPA’s filing, the company rescinded its requirement and consequently, ALPA withdrew its lawsuit.

This episode discusses the litigation, the Union’s commitment to defend its pilots and the contract, and what to expect moving forward.