IAP2750 Trustee Update 1/31/20

TRUSTEE UPDATE

January 31, 2020

■     Negotiation Dates

■     Recent Court Decision

■     One Path to Keep
 

Dear Fellow Crewmembers,

This week we will enter our second negotiating session of 2020.  Hopefully now that the company new lead negotiator has had a chance to get up to speed on the current state of negotiations here at Atlas/Southern we will see if the pace picks up.  We are scheduled to meet February 3-7 and March 23-27.  The 6-week company hiatus between negotiating sessions in February and March is not very encouraging, but we will see how things transpire.  As usual the union stands ready to meet any time any place for as long as the company makes itself available.  We will also be fully prepared.

As you have all heard by now, the US District Court for the District of Columbia dismissed our motion to dismiss the unrealistic and unjust Nicolau arbitration award.  This was anticipated, as we have told you before, the court system is not very friendly to unions these days.   So, what is next?  Today the lawyers from all sides will report to the court on how to proceed with the Company’s lawsuit to compel the SLI (Seniority List Integration) and contract arbitration process through the Nicolau award.  The company is trying to compel arbitration as soon as possible.  In essence jamming it down our collective throats.  However, over the next 30 days, along with our new legal team, we will be deciding whether to appeal the decision.  Let me remind you, an arbitrated CBA is not much better than a bankruptcy CBA.  The effects of an arbitrated CBA would be devastating not only to all of us and our families, but also to company.  Make no mistake, there is a lot at stake.

I want you all to fully understand that we are fighting for the survivability of Atlas Air.  The path that management has chosen so far is spelling doom for Atlas.  An arbitration-imposed CBA would, in our estimation, be the “final nail in the coffin” as few crewmembers will choose to remain.   Need proof?  In less than 3 weeks so far in January Atlas lost over 30 pilots and is struggling to fill half the seats in the new hire classes.  All this while Amazon and DHL look elsewhere as Atlas as a company sadly fails to deliver. The loss of confidence in the plans of this management group by investors, analysts, customers and yes by the employees is getting worse by the day.

It will be interesting not only how negotiations go in February, but also the earnings call for the fourth quarter.  After the virtual “blood bath” that management was put through over the 3rd Quarter earnings results and the 1.3 billion dollar value drop that Atlas has experienced over the past 8 months, it is hard to imagine what might happen to the company after the upcoming call.  The reduced flying the company was forced to absorb during the 4th Quarter and which continues to worsen as we speak, might be hard for the financial team in Purchase to spruce up for analysts and investors.  We will see.

It is obvious to all that our present course is the only viable one for our company because an arbitrated CBA spells danger for all of us, as well as the company as a viable participant in the airline industry.  

Despite all of this we can persevere and if we all hold the strong solidarity that we the Atlas crewmembers are showing.  This resolve will not only make our lives better, but we will save Atlas Air in the process.  Keep the faith we are on the right track, the only track.

Remember, now more than ever it’s important to be “ALL-IN”

Bob Kirchner
Trustee Local 2750