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MARCH 5, 2010 |
 FROM THE UNION PRESIDENT NEWS
Dear Crewmember,
Surveying the membership has been a standard practice since the Strong Union architects launched the grassroots initiative to seek a separate charter from Local 284 in 2005. Early on, we recognized how easy a leadership group could become detached from a geographically dispersed membership. Indeed, without the data we glean from regular surveys, NJASAP leaders risk becoming disengaged, making decisions and charting courses of action that do not reflect the members’ collective will.
I am going to be candid: I understand the calls from our survey vendor are typically received – as Murphy’s Law would have it – at the end of particularly rigorous duty days or just as you are sitting down to dinner with family or friends. I appreciate they can be inconvenient; however, I cannot overemphasize the importance of your participation. To say the very least, the past several months have been incredibly tumultuous and your Executive Board is keen to keep its collective thumb on the pulse of the membership. To put it simply, we want to know what you think.
An average of survey results collected the past few months paints a picture of a pilot group who is very satisfied with the direction of its Union as well as senior NetJets managers’ behavior. Specifically, questions asked about the group’s satisfaction with the contract and contract enforcement are consistently in the 80th percentile. Questions related to the membership’s view of the Union, its leadership and representation efforts are also in the 80th percentile. Company leadership is also getting high marks as the group maintains a very favorable impression with results in the upper 70th percentile.
As a brief side note, the surveys are completed by Indiana University, and the survey sample, which includes 150 pilots, is representative of the percentage of pilots who fly the three schedule types as well as their seat.
Obviously the data is encouraging: What Union leadership wouldn’t be pleased with satisfaction rates that typically top 75 percent and even higher? And, we are pleased; but, we also know there is always room for improvement.
Survey data is not only a measure of past performance, but also an indication of how we should proceed. NJASAP, since its very beginning, has endeavored to make decisions and to develop strategies proactively rather than reactively. The data that we take away from these surveys gives us the information we need to stay one step ahead of the game. In today’s tremendously competitive business environment, this gives NJASAP an incredible advantage.
Even with that in mind, I understand it is easy to become discouraged by the economic forecast or when reading, for example, various threads within the Crew Lounge of the message board. Please understand the message board is a place to converse and commiserate. It does not reflect the pilot group’s sentiments on a larger scale. For that very reason, the Executive Board relies on survey data as opposed to message board postings to guide our decisions.
Before I move on from this topic, I would like to comment on one particular survey question and its response. More than three-quarters of respondents in the most recent survey favor the cooperative approach NJASAP has taken in working with management. As I have stated many times before, the days of pounding our fists on the table and yelling across the aisle are seemingly gone. Today, we are greeted by a senior management team intent on resolving existing problems rather than creating new ones. Based on the survey data, I can only conclude this era of labor-management peace is to your liking.
Next week’s 411 will feature settlement agreement details regarding the over 14 hours issue. The agreement was reached just prior to the close of business yesterday. Additionally, Vice President of Finance Jeff Burrows is working with the Joint Reimbursement and Compensation Committee to finalize information that will be posted to the NJASAP Web site regarding the recent change to the per diem policy.
In closing, few industries have escaped the economic tumult of the past 18 months unscathed, and fractional operators, having been forced to furlough hundreds of crewmembers, have been no exception. Your Union, however, through prudent management practices has continued to grow and flourish from an organizational standpoint: Our finances and internal infrastructure are strong. We have also had the opportunity to work cooperatively with the new cadre of senior NetJets managers to resolve outstanding issues – albeit with much less fanfare and bravado. What’s more, our Company is no longer losing money on operations, and in this economy, I believe this is a fact in which we can all take comfort.
Until next week, feel free to contact me or the Executive Board with any questions, concerns or suggestions.
Fraternally,
Capt. Mark Luthi
mluthi@njasap.com |
NJASAP NEWS |
LMRC revitalization continues as parties convene first meeting of 2010
It was not only those in attendance who distinguished the First Quarter 2010 Labor-Management Relationship Committee (LMRC) meeting from the previous held in July 2009, but also the tone that greeted a panel largely comprised of experienced pilots. In this setting, long-standing issues did not seem quite as complicated or their resolutions as illusive. The LMRC Meeting was held Monday in the Bridgeway Executive Conference Room with committee Co-Chairs Capt. Mark Luthi and NetJets North America President Bill Noe leading their respective delegations.
Luthi was joined by Vice President of Committees and LMRP Administrator Capt. Amy Vidovich, Vice President of Finance Capt. Jeff Burrows, LMRP Coordinator Brooke Scherer and Communications Director Elizabeth Lykins. Company representatives included NJA President Bill Olsen, NJI President Shane Eyer, Labor Relations Vice President Mike Maratto, and Scheduling Senior Vice President Doug Henneberry.
“I could not be more enthused to have this group back together,” Noe said during his opening comments. “I am looking forward to getting back up and running.” Luthi shared Noe’s enthusiasm. “Everyone here is cognizant the Company has undergone tremendous changes brought about by the economic downturn, which forced the second pilot furlough in the Company’s history,” he said. “It would be very easy for pilot morale to slip, and we need to guard against this.” The Union president suggested the LMRC is one venue in which the parties can effect small, positive changes in an intelligent way that demonstrate good things are still happening at NetJets.
To that end, Pasqualetti began the business discussion by explaining, from a Company standpoint, 2010 will be a year focused on returning the LMRP to its original intent – empowering the joint committees to advance LMRC-approved projects through resource allocation, timeline development and follow-up. “Obviously there have been changes since we last met,” she explained, “but our goal in 2010 is to maintain the status quo with the committees.”
JOINT PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE (JPSC)
Presenters: Committee Co-Chair Brandon Howard and JPSC Co-Chair Dave Cimarolli
LMRC Business: Committee leaders requested the LMRC review and approve the revised JPSC LOA and its manual.
Tailored to fit the fractional operator’s unique operation, NJASAP PSC Vice Chair Brandon Howard explained, the NetJets JPSC offers pilots an opportunity to resolve issues before they become a disciplinary matter. Howard attended the meeting on JPSC Co-Chair Robin Sukhai’s behalf when he was called to serve jury duty. The JPSC, he continued, was developed based on committee models at various airlines throughout the industry. Some of the most common issues referred to the JPSC involve crewmember conflicts with one another and with other Company personnel such as flight managers as well as matters related to uniform appearance and disputes that arise when an aircraft is turned over in less than favorable condition.
The resolution process, which is documented in the JPSC Manual, begins with a referral to a Union caseworker, who will make every effort to help the affected crewmember resolve the issue. Howard explained if the caseworker is unsuccessful, the matter will be forwarded to Sukhai who will work with the pilot as well as fellow committee leaders representing, for example, the Union Training Committee (UTC), Union Safety Board (USB), and the Fitness for Duty Assessment Committee (FDAC) to determine if his committee is following the most prudent course of action for resolving the issue. Taking a collective approach to conflict resolution, in which the pilot identities are kept confidential, has the added bonus of ensuring, if the issue reemerges, it can be resolved in a timely manner. If Sukhai’s efforts are unsuccessful, he will give the pilot other options for seeking a resolution up to and including involving the chief pilot.
The cause of the vast majority of issues referred to the committee can be traced to communication failures. To that end, committee members have encouraged the UTC and USB to emphasize the importance of good CRM; it is also a topic of considerable discussion in company recurrent training.
When Noe questioned whether the majority of cases involve personality or SOP-type issues, Howard replied the committee addresses both issue types. Noe stated if the committee could identify, for example, a procedural change that would mitigate a particular issue’s reoccurrence, then the Company could attempt to institute the necessary change.
Olsen inquired as to pilot participation in the program. Howard said participation rates are seemingly on the rise: In 2009, the committee worked 48 cases. To date, 12 cases have been brought to the JPSC’s attention and the subject matter has remained relative consistent. “People seem to be more comfortable coming forward, and we are now better positioned to address their concerns,” Howard said, adding Sukhai has taken a hands-on approach to committee leadership.
In fact, he recently reached out to the NJA flight attendants as well as to other joint committees that touch on human factors in an effort to bring their knowledge together and to develop best practices.
Cimarolli also acknowledged Sukhai’s work. “This committee has experienced noticeable improvement over the years, and Robin deserves considerable credit.” Cimarolli explained. “He has been very active and the committee is better now than it has been in the five years I’ve served as co-chair.” Cimarolli also commented on Howard’s contributions and praised the six committee members, Scott Clontz, Mike McManus, Marc Niehus, Justin Patterson, Jim Wheeler and Felix Chiota, who are “down in the trenches working the cases.”
Additionally, Cimarolli commented on the significant decrease in professional standards-type issues brought to management’s attention last year. “I must assume these issues haven’t gone away, and although this committee does not keep records, I believe the workload must be very high.” In the last two years, not one case has been elevated to a Pilot Review Board, he said.
When asked if the committee has registered an influx of cases based on increased instances of captains flying together, Howard responded in the negative.
In preparation for the NJA/NJI integration, Howard and Sukhai have been working with NJASAP Integration Team Leader Capt. Brian Ward to prepare for the addition of NJI crewmembers to their ranks. “Although we have no experience with the Gulfstream pilots,” Howard explained, “we want them to feel included.” He added once the integration is complete, the JPSC will seek to add an NJI pilot to its roster.
Both Olsen and Noe agreed the committee has made tremendous strides toward enhancing the program’s credibility, which has ultimately increased participation. Luthi added this is due, in large part, to committee leadership. “We have a really good mix of people doing a very good job.”
The committee agreed to a seven-business-day period in which to review the revised LOA and committee manual.
JOINT COMMITTEE AUDIT REVIEW
The LMRC’s seven-month hiatus gave LMRP administrators an opportunity to assess all committees, their objectives and workloads. The audit results compelled Vidovich and Pasqualetti to bring issues related to five particular committees to the LMRC’s attention.
Non-Routine Flight Operations (NRFO)
The Joint NRFO Committee transitioned out of its development phase some time ago, which prompted LMRP administrators to request the committee be released from the program. “NRFO has been in existence for a period of time,” Pasqualetti explained, “and we feel that flight operations could absorb the committee as it has become part of the business.”
Union representatives, however, contended the NJI integration must be considered before the decision to release the program is made. The Company agreed, and the parties will reconsider the issue at an upcoming quarterly meeting.
Editors’ Note: The Executive Board Tuesday decided it would prefer to release the program after the NJA/NJI integration is finalized.
Joint Training & Standards Committee (JTSC)
Launched in early May 2009, the Aircraft Operations Manual (AOM) Project emerged as the JTSC’s largest project last year; however, the initiative was put on hiatus when the parties joint agreed to suspend non-essential LMRC projects in mid August.
The LMRP administrators asked Olsen to give the committee an update on the status of the project as dozens of pilots who became actively involved in the initiative are keen to learn its status and timeline going forward. The NJA president explained the Company is in the process of developing the foundation for a new manual system to guide its domestic operations. “Developing the foundation,” Olsen explained, “is the most complicated piece.” Therefore, moving ahead with any manual-creation projects at the committee level at this time would likely result in short-lived changes that create confusion on the flight line.
To begin the manual project, Olsen stated, the parties need to assemble a small group of experienced people, three from the Company and three from the Union, to serve as part of a working group, initially tasking them with developing a realistic timeline and approach to undertaking a massive project. “We want to get a consensus for best practices, taking into consideration safety management, and then move into content,” Olsen said.“ That is the first component.” Luthi cautioned one of the first and most significant challenges the group will likely encounter is differing philosophies. “Overcoming this may be the hardest part,” the Union president said, “but, once it is established, the work will get much easier.”
Once the foundation has been put in place, the working group will focus on revising the FOM to accommodate operational changes brought about by the pending NJA/NJI integration. They will then turn their attention to separating crew policies from regulatory requirements within the FOM. “We want to ensure the policy component reflects the philosophy of current leadership within the operations arena and the LMRP relationship that has been developed,” Olsen said.
The third component of manual development will rely on committee work – much like the AOM project that began last year. However, the first two pieces will have to fall into place before such work can resume.
Luthi acknowledged the importance of developing and enforcing consistent policies and procedures, asking whether standard operating procedures (SOP) would be modified to reflect increased instances of captains flying with captains. Resolving any issues related thereto, Olsen assumed him, would be one of the Company’s highest priorities during the second quarter.
At the discussion’s conclusion, the parties agreed to designate three people to serve as working group representatives within the next seven business days. The NetJets delegation will include an NJI representative.
Editor’s Note: On Wednesday, the Executive Board asked Steward and FDAC Co-Chair Capt. Greg Rountree, UTC Vice Chair Dan Kotowski, and USB SMS SME Capt. Brian Clark to serve as NJASAP representatives to the working group.
Joint Technology Committee (JTC)
In the wake of the NetJets restructuring effort, several of the Joint Technology Committee’s tasks were absorbed by the Corporate Communications Department, Pasqualetti explained. What remains is a number of issues related to the BlackBerry, and, to that end, the JTC is currently evaluating whether the camera function can be activated on the BlackBerry. “I believe there is a benefit to having that tool in pilot hands,” Noe stated. Assuming some technology-based hurdles can be overcome, a small group will be identified to test the camera feature prior to its rollout to the pilot force.
Separately, Vidovich raised the issue of restoring the Google Maps function to the BlackBerry. The lack of this functionality combined with the arduous process of obtaining approval to rent a GPS-equipped car has become a source of frustration for the pilot group in recent months. “If we are asking people to drive somewhere,” Noe said, “GPS would certainly help them get there.”
The Google Maps feature was deactivated after the IT Department determined various problems with the BlackBerry device could be fixed or eliminated after this particular feature was removed. However, without this utility, crewmembers who find themselves in remote areas or unfamiliar cities often have difficulty navigating to the nearest business district or destination airport, prompting many of them to seek rental cars with GPS units. When Noe asked someone to explain the process, Olsen stated crewmembers are expected to contact the assistant chief pilot to request approval prior to renting a GPS-equipped car. The NJA President said the ACPs should approve any reasonable request but allowed this may not be the best or easiest process.
Henneberry explained the Joint Travel Committee would be meeting this week to discuss this matter. “We have a good agenda for this week,” he said. “From an RFP standpoint, we are getting ready to change our rental car contracts.”
“Although this issue may not have tremendous implications from a contractual standpoint,” Luthi said, “It has significant ramifications for pilot morale.”
NetJets Pilots Assistance Program (NJPAP)
The NJPAP Governance Board requested LMRC approval of an Alcohol and Drug Recovery Contract for participants. “The contract outlines, in no uncertain terms, what is expected while a pilot-participant is in the recovery program,” Vidovich said, adding the language, which mirrors that of Delta Airlines’ program, should be reviewed by legal counsel.
Maratto questioned whether the new language is intended to serve as an exclusive definition or an exclusive set of terms associated with the NJPAP. Currently, he said, the Governance Board has fairly broad discretion; however, the proposed language would exclusively define their discretion.
“The proposed contract is slightly inconsistent with some of the program’s current practices,” Luthi said. “They expect some failures, which is not uncommon during treatment.”
Vidovich said she would talk with NJPAP Chair Tim Markley to ascertain the group’s intent, but understood the contract was not intended to define an exclusive set of terms.
Joint Retirement Committee (JRC)
When the JRC suspended its work last year, its members were working to identify various investment options for the 401(k). “Is this something we want them to continue,” Vidovich asked the committee. “Do we want to give them the resources to continue, or do we want them to remain in stand down mode?” Luthi responded the group had put forth some good ideas for giving pilots additional options for managing their accounts. “They seem willing to do the work,” he said.
Pasqualetti said she would follow up with JRC Co-Chair and Vice President of Global Human Resources Linda Miller. The committee agreed JRC leaders should be advised although they may be asked to continue their previous work, it does not mean the LMRC will act on their findings given the current budgetary considerations.
Olsen also cautioned this is a subject that should be handled with sensitivity considering 401(K) contributions for some NetJets employee groups have been suspended.
UNION WORKING GROUP UPDATES
LMRP Administrator Vidovich offered updates on three NJASAP Working Groups: Benefits, Furlough and Return to Service.
Benefits Working Group
In 2009, the Benefits Working Group was tasked with researching health care plan options for those pilots out of work beyond the three years stipulated by the loss of license policy. In the fall, the group was temporarily reassigned to research and to identify alternate insurance options for furloughed crewmembers.
Since then, Group Leader Thomas Aldrich has returned his focus to his initial efforts, talking with Harvey Watt representatives to identify a long -term disability policy beyond that which is contractually provided to assist pilots who may develop a condition such as diabetes that prevents him or her from flying for the rest of his career. With that in mind, Vidovich told Maratto his department may receive information requests that appear out of the norm, but are intended to advance the group’s work.
Furlough Working Group
As April 1 approaches, FWG members have questioned whether the Company will use the LMRC to communicate sell off and subcontracting calculations. Olsen explained the Company will provide the information to Union leaders in the same manner that it did in August and October 2009. He added although demand is not expected to require the Company to subcontract any flying through the end of the first quarter other circumstances, such as weather, may compel it to do so.
Return to Service (RTS) Working Group
The RTS Working Group was created after three individuals returning from extended leave encountered various challenges from both the Company and the Union. Tasked with identifying particular policies and procedures that make it difficult for returning pilots, they have uncovered several issues on both sides. Group members hope to work with the Labor Relations Department or another point of contact to resolve these issues.
When asked to provide an example of a Company-side challenge, Vidovich said crewmembers returning to service are not given a BlackBerry although this is how the Company expects to reach the pilot while he is in training. Luthi explained while in requalification training last week, a pilot failed to attend because he did not have a BlackBerry, and, as such, did not receive his training brief. Noe asked which department was responsible for issuing a BlackBerry to a returning crewmember. Olsen responded the IT department has this responsibility; however, he questioned, whether, from a management standpoint, this was the best policy.
The lack of a single point of contact for crewmembers who are returning to service is another issue. Henneberry commented the Company should identify an individual to manage and be held accountable for these processes. Noe agreed, “We need to get this squared away.”
LMRP MANUAL DISCUSSION
The LMRP Manual, which sets forth the policies and procedures that guide the LMRC’s activities, has been revised to reflect administrative changes brought about by personnel and volunteer transitions as well as programs related to the furlough mitigation effort that will soon be terminated. The committee agreed to review the changes and to submit feedback within seven business days.
OPEN DISCUSSION
During the open discussion portion of the meeting, Luthi raised the issue of utilizing data taken from the CVR. Olsen characterized this as a critical issue that Company safety personnel will be expected to resolve with their NJASAP counterparts. “Nothing trumps safety,” Olsen said, explaining the Company wants to ensure its managers reinforce best practices and approaches within flight operations. The Company is interested in incorporating de-identified safety-related information taken from CVRs into recurrent training model in an effort to prevent particular events from reoccurring.
Luthi indicated the Joint Safety Committee is deadlocked on the matter and suggested the parties schedule a meeting with a smaller group of people in an attempt to resolve the issue. The parties agreed to convene a meeting in the next few weeks.
On a final note, prior to the meeting’s conclusion, Olsen informed the Union they would likely see some owner-focused organizational changes before the week’s end. “Everything in the operating world will remain unchanged,” he said.
The 2Q10 LMRC meeting will be scheduled for late May.
FROM THE FURLOUGH WORKING GROUP (FWG)
Prepared by FWG Leader Capt. Amy Vidovich
The Union has received several inquiries as to the probability of a second furlough. While we are by no means out of the woods, no new information has been provided that would indicate another furlough is imminent. That said, we would like to turn your attention to previously published information to ensure you remain fully informed as to the Company’s current situation.
Overstaffing Estimates In June 2009, the FWG estimated pilot overstaffing at approximately 800 pilots. We did not consider how participation levels in the Joint Preventive Measures Campaign would affect this number when drawing the conclusion. Rather, the FWG used the crude method of tracking aircraft registration activity and measuring that against the pilot seniority list. Our calculation was then determined by how many pilots the Company could furlough and remain in compliance with the contractually stipulated minimum staffing level of 5 pilots per active aircraft fleet. Additionally, we monitored flight and crew duty activity, both of which indicated a substantial decrease in owner flying. This estimation did not change significantly through the year’s end. Please note, the Company can choose, at any time, to permanently remove aircraft from active service.
Fleet Disposal Currently, three fleets are in permanent disposal: the Hawker 800XPH, Citation Ultra and Citation Encore. Additionally, the NetJets Large Aircraft Program, also referred to as the BBJ Program, is being eliminated with one aircraft leaving the property this month and another slated for disposal in June. We anticipate the Gulfstream IV will be placed in permanent disposal once the integration is finalized. Since October 2009, we have observed three to four aircraft being removed from the certificate per month.
The Pilot Furlough The Union set about to ensure the pilot group had a realistic understanding of how the economic downturn was impacting NetJets as early as November 2008. One day after the Union was advised of the impending furlough, the Union President explained in his Nov. 6, 2009, letter in The 411, the Company did not furlough to minimum staffing levels. Rather, it took a conservative approach, choosing to reduce crew staffing levels by 495 pilots rather than to furlough the maximum number of crewmembers allowed by the contract. It is of note the Company and Union individual analyses of overstaffing levels, when compared, yielded a difference of six crewmembers.
In the same communication, Luthi went on to explain the Company intended to reduce the fleet size by 20 percent throughout the next five years. Based on our fleet size at the time notice was served, this equates to approximately 120 aircraft. Although downgrades were a possibility at that time, the Company indicated they were not being considered.
Finally, the Union president addressed the likelihood of another furlough. He wrote, “ … so long as everything stays the same or improves, there will be no need to further reduce the pilot force.”
FWG Observations for 1Q10 The FWG has not noted an improvement in net aircraft sales during the first quarter. While owner flying increased throughout the holiday season, it appears the level is now declining. It is important to recognize this is a fleet-wide trend.
The FWG is also monitoring the status of MarquisJet. Currently, Marquis owns more than 54 aircraft. After the collapse of Lehman Brothers, Marquis returned a substantial number of aircraft. Should they choose to return another significant portion of their shares, there is no doubt another round of furloughs will be necessary.
The rumor of NetJets acquiring a competitor, which stemmed from a report in the Columbus Dispatch, was previously reported by Sokol as being inaccurate. We have no reason to doubt this information. When the Union queried Sokol about the possibility of acquiring a competitor last fall, he clearly indicated that we would not take on additional debt. None of our competitors are in a position to be acquired without acquiring significant debt.
Looking Forward The Company has committed to keeping us informed of business activity throughout the year. During this week’s LMRC meeting, NJA President Bill Olsen indicated the Company would provide a business briefing to Union representatives from NJASAP and Local 284 in late April. This briefing will offer a summary for the first quarter of 2010. While we will report as much information from that briefing as possible, we anticipate our observations of the first quarter will be affirmed.
We are currently closing in on the contractual staffing minimums of five pilots per active aircraft. However, we appear to be approximately 200 to 300 pilots overstaffed based on flight activity during the month of December. Throughout December, approximately 300 aircraft were utilized per day; this measure did not take into account aircraft that were crewed but not flown. While these observations do not necessarily provide sufficient evidence of a second furlough, they help paint an accurate picture of how many aircraft are required to meet flight demand.
As previously reported, a second round of furloughs remains a real possibility. This number could vary as (1) active aircraft are sold or removed from the system, (2) owners enter or exit the program, and/or (3) the economy fluctuates. Please keep in mind, 2007 Amended Agreement § 5.7 allows downgrades in certain circumstances. With an additional furlough, those circumstances may become reality.
Should a second furlough become a reality, we do not anticipate it will become effective until the third or fourth quarter of this year unless something changes substantially and abruptly. We also anticipate the Company will give us the same advance notice we received in November, allowing us to launch a response initiative that offers the same support and assistance provided to those crewmembers furloughed in mid January.
The Furlough Working Group is happy to answer your questions: Feel free to email the group or to contact individual members; our information is provided in the Furloughed Pilot Resource Center of the NJASAP Web site. |
NOTES & REMINDERS
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NJASAP MEETING NOTICE: The Second Quarter 2010 General Membership Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, Apr. 21, 2010, at 5 p.m. (ET) at the NJASAP office. Any crewmember who is interested in attending the 2Q10 GMM, via teleconference, is encouraged to contact Brooke Scherer.
SOD FOR THE WEEK OF 03/07/10
SCOTT FOGEL
sfogel@njasap.com
(240) 417-9900 |
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FEBRUARY 26, 2010 |
FROM THE UNION PRESIDENT |
Dear Crewmember,
A number of questions regarding the recently announced changes to the way the Company will withhold employment taxes from crewmember per diem have been posed to Union leaders and Stewards this past week. In response, the Executive Board has tasked Vice President of Finance Capt. Jeff Burrows to form a working group with the Joint Reimbursement and Compensation Committee, led by Capt. Rob McIncrow, to serve as a liaison between the pilot group and the Company to obtain answers to your questions. It is our hope, throughout the next few weeks, to work in coordination with NetJets to develop a comprehensive FAQ regarding the new policy and to make that resource available on the Union Web site and message board.
As a reminder, when NJASAP was first made aware of the potential policy change, we sought the assistance of outside counsel who specialize in tax law to complete an inclusive review of the situation. Based on current tax law, court rulings and NetJets’s particular situation, the attorneys concluded the IRS ruling was reasonable. The memo prepared by Brickler and Eckler Associates Jerry O. Allen and Meredith K. Knueve was emailed to the membership last week and has been posted in the Legal News area of the NJASAP web site. In this regard, I believe NJASAP has done its due diligence in seeking to ensure this was a legitimate change.
Several crewmembers have questioned whether the revised policy is a Company-led attempt to reduce the cost of the crew food program. I do not believe that to be the case. NetJets has any number of options for reducing costs in a contractually compliant fashion that has nothing to do with per diem. This change does, however, have implications for the quality of crew food. Many pilots have remarked that it typically takes three or four crew food meals to constitute two real meals. And with that in mind, the Travel Committee has been in contact with the Company to address this issue. You can be assured we will devote the resources necessary to improve the program.
Other frequent questions include:
Why are the NetJets pilots being singled out when compared to other pilot groups such as those at American and United? American and United pilots, for example, do not receive three or more crew meals per duty day. In fact, these pilot groups are lucky to get one crew meal on an extended domestic flight or two meals on an international run. Additionally, they are not reimbursed for incidentals like we are.
Can NJASAP file a grievance regarding this issue? At this time, the Company has not committed a contract violation: It is paying per diem and providing crew meals in accordance with the 2007 Amended Agreement. Therefore, we have no cause to file a grievance.
Can NJASAP take this issue to federal court? A violation of the status quo has not taken place; therefore, it would be a fool’s errand – and an egregious misuse of NJASAP funds – to try to convince a federal judge that the Union and Company are engaged in a major dispute. What’s more, the odds of compelling a judge to issue a ruling regarding a Company’s tax withholding practices are likely a million to one.
If I believe my per diem has been improperly taxed, can I recover the money? Each of us is responsible for doing our own taxes; therefore, any pilot who believes his or her per diem was improperly taxed because he or she used the allowance to cover the costs of meals and/or incidentals should seek to recover his or her money; supporting documentation will be required. Please keep in mind, per diem is only non-taxable when it is spent on meals and/or incidentals: That is the law.
The policy change has not yet been implemented; therefore, we remain in something of a status quo period at this time. We will use this time to get answers to your questions and, as stated above, to seek ways to improve the crew food program.
It is very likely the policy change will be discussed during the 1Q10 Labor-Management Relationship Committee (LMRC) meeting, which has been scheduled for this coming Monday. I, along with Burrows and Vice President of Committees and LMRP Coordinator Amy Vidovich, plan to attend the 9 a.m. meeting where we also intend to broach the topic of FBO video surveillance, a practice that has continued since it was brought to your attention in early September 2009. Despite several discussions with the Company about this disturbing practice, we have not yet reached any real agreement. We view the LMRC as the group best situated to develop a mutually agreeable resolution.
The LMRC’s emergence from a six-month hiatus will signal the start of an evolution of its purpose and purview. Previously, the LMRC was bogged down by the minutiae of joint committee conflicts and the indecisiveness of our counterparts. To wit, the LMRC was frequently used as a springboard for elevating issues to senior management’s attention, which ran afoul of its true purpose. Fortunately, I believe that is about to change. Going forward, I view the LMRC as a resource for the joint committees, offering timely assistance and guidance, empowering them to fulfill their goals and objectives and giving them the autonomy necessary to do the same.
Next week’s edition of The 411 will include a synopsis of the LMRC’s activities and an explanation of how the program will unfold through the remainder of 2010.
Until then, please send your questions regarding the meal allowance policy change to the JRCC, and to continue to contact the Executive Board with your concerns and suggestions.
Fraternally,
Capt. Mark Luthi
mluthi@njasap.com |
NJASAP NEWS |
VICE PRESIDENT OF REPRESENTATION CAPT. SCOTT TIMKO
Fellow Crewmembers,
In the interest of expanding the breadth of services provided to the NetJets pilot group, the Stewards Council has created an Ask The Stewardsection on the message board; the forum will be available this coming Monday, March 1. Oftentimes, questions are posed to Stewards in the Crew Lounge and those answers, after a time, are difficult to find as a thread’s popularity or relevance diminishes. By establishing a section that is specifically tailored for questions and answers only, we hope to build a resource where pilots can find accurate information with ease. If you have a straightforward question and are seeking a straightforward answer, please check out the new forum.
Fraternally,
Capt. Scott Timko
2010 Officer Election Nomination Period begins Monday
Please be advised the 2010 Officer Election Nomination Period will begin this coming Monday, Mar. 1, 2010. Nominations may be made in writing in accordance with Section 5.1(E) of the NJASAP Bylaws. Please complete the nomination form posted in the 2010 Officer Election Information Center of the NJASAP Web site or send written nominations to the attention of the Election Committee at the NJASAP office, 630 Morrison Road, Suite 110, Gahanna, Ohio, 43230, via e-mail at election@njasap.com, or via facsimile at (614) 863-2020, no later than Wednesday, Mar. 31, 2010, at 5 p.m. (ET).
Nominations may also be made in person during the Special Membership Nomination Meetings. The first meeting will be held Friday, Mar. 12, 2010, at 2 p.m. (ET) at the NJASAP office. The second and final Special Membership Nomination Meeting will be held Friday, Mar. 26, 2010, at 2 p.m. (ET) at the NJASAP office. Anyone who plans to attend either meeting via conference call may contact Karen Calloway of Membership Voting Services at election@njasap.com or (877) 652-7271 for additional information.
Additionally, the Election Committee will be sending important 2010 Officer Election materials to each NJASAP member’s address on record in the upcoming months. If your mailing address has changed, please update this information with the Association by sending an e-mail to contact@njasap.com or by calling (877) 652-7271. If you have questions about this information, the Nomination Period procedures, and/or the 2010 Officer Election in general, please contact the Election Committee.
Integration Team meets with NJI managers
Prepared by SME Capt. Brian Ward
At the invitation of NJI managers, members of the NJASAP Integration Team traveled to Okatie last Friday to participate in their first in-person meeting at NJI’s headquarter. Team leader Capt. Brian Ward led the NJASAP delegation which included Vice President of Contract Administration Capt. Jim Hewitt and General Counsel Sonya Cook. The meeting began with a warm welcome from NJI personnel and a tour of their facility, which is approximately the same size as one floor at Easton II. Thereafter, the Company presented the work they have done on the Integration, starting with an evaluation of how current NJI practices compare to those stipulated by the Collective Bargaining Agreement. In particular, they are working to identify “gaps,” bringing them into compliance with the contract prior to the Nov. 21, 2010, deadline imposed by the Integration LOA. They are currently focused on issues related to basing, compensation, joint committees, management pilots, NRFO, paid time off, scheduling, training, Union membership forms and vacation. Clearly, NJI has completed a significant amount of research and seems to be taking the steps necessary to bring them into full compliance. NJI managers have also indicated they wish to cooperate with the Union in developing CBA-related training materials for their pilots. The Union Integration Team is currently evaluating the results of the meeting.
Committee offers suggestions for a/c turnover
Prepared by PSC Chair Capt. Robin Sukhai
The Professional Standards Committee (PSC) has noted an increase in the number of cases involving A/C turnover. Each of us will encounter situations that compel us to leave an aircraft “as is;” however, please keep the following in mind:
- Try to update charts and a/c revisions during Company-assigned standby time. Do not wait until day six, hour 14, to complete these tasks.
- Updating charts and a/c revisions are shared duties not F/O duties.
- If you are forced to leave an aircraft before you have had an opportunity to complete the necessary updates, please use the BlackBerry pass down feature. Additionally, you may request the Company provide the new crew with extra show time to finish/accomplish the updates.
- If you are missing charts or aircraft revisions or if need to know which update is current, you may look under the “N” icon on your BlackBerry or call Martha King at Central Docs, (614) 239-3942.
- The aircraft is not a traveling store. Please keep excess “back up” stock to a minimum. If you feel the need to carry excess “back up” stock for your tour, please remove it prior to turning the aircraft over.
- If you are running low on supplies, some stock items can be ordered from our caterers. You can also let the ACP know that you might need to be routed through a supply location. Here again, do not wait until day six, hour 14, to do this.
- If, while cleaning an aircraft, you discover a crewmember has forgotten an item, please make every attempt to contact the crewmember; you may have a flight manager assist you with this process. You may also leave the item at the FBO for pick up. Keep in mind, just because you have an aircraft assigned to you at shutdown does not mean you will have it the next day.
We understand there may be times when you simply cannot get everything accomplished before turning over an aircraft – 10-plus revisions, long days, multiple passenger legs – but a little communication goes a long way. A simple note advising the new crew of what to expect when they begin duty can go a long way toward improving a difficult situation.
If you have an issue with another crew regarding the turnover status of an aircraft, please attempt to contact that crew first. If the issue cannot be resolved, please contact the PSC or the Steward on Duty, (877) 652-7271. As always, please do not hesitate to contact the committee with your feedback and suggestions. |
NOTES & REMINDERS |
NJASAP MEETING NOTICE: The Second Quarter 2010 General Membership Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, Apr. 21, 2010, at 5 p.m. (ET) at the NJASAP office. Any crewmember who is interested in attending the 2Q10 GMM, via teleconference, is encouraged to contact Brooke Scherer.
New volunteer assumes helm of the Scheduling Committee … The Executive Board is pleased to welcome Capt. John Malmborg to committee leadership as he recently assumed Joint Scheduling Committee chairmanship. Malborg replaces Interim Chair and Senior Steward Capt. Eric Eichmann.
Separately, Capt. Christopher Frey was appointed to replace the furloughee F/O Christa Frey on the Election Committee. Mr. Frey was among 10 volunteers, attorneys and Union leaders who attended a one-day training seminar for new Appeal Board and Election Committee members at the NJASAP office this past week. The session mirrored the first training event held in late October 2009.
Union Governance web area launched … A new web page has been developed to provide the membership with a better understanding of Union Governance. Executive Board Vice President of Finance Capt. Jeff Burrows and Trustee Capt. Jim Brady, with the assistance of Associate Counsel Cara C. Seidt, have been tasked with this responsibility, serving as the gatekeepers for the Executive Board by monitoring these issues and, when appropriate, providing timely recommendations based on Department of Labor guidelines and the NJASAP Bylaws. Given their familiarity with the same, these Association representatives offer assistance and guidance to the NJASAP Election Committee and Appeal Board. Additional information about each group, including their leaders, members and contact information, is provided on the same page. In the interests of maintaining transparency, protests, rulings, and appeals regarding NJASAP referenda can also be accessed in this web area. For additional information, feel free to contact Burrows, Brady or Seidt.
Working group seeks input on experiences with Harvey Watt Insurance Company … The Benefits Working Group has resumed its initial research regarding long-term care and disability insurance after temporarily redirecting their efforts toward identifying alternative insurance options for furloughed pilots. The Working Group, led by Thomas Aldrich, is seeking feedback from the membership regarding any experience with the Harvey Watt Insurance Company. Aldrich may be reached via email or telephone, (859) 371-3199.
USB requests crewmember input on field condition reporting … The Union Safety Committee is conducting a focused study on Field Condition Reporting and is actively seeking crewmember input based on recent winter operations. More specifically, the committee is interested in obtaining information regarding FCR discrepancies, such as runway conditions which vary significantly from what was reported prior to landing as well as hazardous weather-related airport conditions on taxiways, ramps, runways, or parking areas are welcomed.
Field conditions, and in particular braking action reports, can be very subjective and have a negative impact on the safe operation of an aircraft. USB officials will be working with their Company counterparts in addition to industry partners to improve reporting methods and interpretation throughout the coming months. Some of the information collected may be presented when the USB attends the 44th Annual International Snow Symposium in Buffalo in April.
All crewmembers are encouraged to share their experiences, concerns, and thoughts with the USB. As always, any pilot who encounters a significant threat to the safety of his aircraft or the operation, consider utilizing ASAP to report the program as it is the most effective means of having your concerns recognized and addressed.
SOD SCHEDULE: FEBRUARY 2010
02/28: MIKE MONKEVICZ
TEL: (401) 864-5766
monk@njasap.com |
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FEBRUARY 19, 2010 |
FROM THE UNION PRESIDENT |
Dear Crewmember,
Contract enforcement is not a responsibility exclusive to Union leaders, Stewards and volunteers: Quite the contrary, protecting the integrity of the collective bargaining agreement is incumbent upon each and every NJASAP member. You can take an active role in this process by becoming more familiar with the 2007 Amended Agreement as well as gathering and submitting information and documentation when you are involved in a potential contract violation or when you notice a situation in which a process or procedure could be done better. Documenting these instances, in particular, can prove incredibly advantageous to Union negotiators during the next collective bargaining cycle.
We are fortunate to find ourselves in a situation in which the Company has demonstrated a legitimate willingness to cooperatively and proactively resolve issues. And with that in mind, it is no longer necessary for us to use the pitchfork-and-torch approach to draw attention to a conflict. Quite frankly, it simply would not be responsible or respectful of our new relationship. Instead, we are seeking to methodically gather information and to present it in a manner that will yield genuine results. This process may take additional time; but, it is the best strategy for achieving the type of outcome that best serves your professional interests. And, as I stated previously, you can play a consequential role in this strategy by documenting those situations that run afoul of the intent and spirit of the agreement.
Our new approach to conflict resolution should not be viewed as a move backward: We are neither giving up our rights nor are we diminishing the protections afforded by our contract’s language. We will continue to file grievances to memorialize violations of the CBA. To that end, grievances have been filed in response to situations in which pilots have been scheduled for duty in excess of 14 hours or have felt compelled to board a flight that, if delayed, would have caused them to exceed 14 hours. This issue constitutes a contract violation: Specifically, §28.1 Scheduling of Hours of Service states, “Crewmembers will not be scheduled in excess of the duty period or flight time limitations contained in this Agreement.” In light of the new, more professional relationship between the parties, NJASAP anticipates a timely, mutually agreeable resolution.
In the interim, if you find yourself in a situation in which you have been scheduled for fewer than 14 hours but a flight delay would cause you to exceed the 14-hour threshold, then you have the right to refuse the assignment. Exercising this right must be carefully considered: Determining whether it would be impossible to complete your duty assignment within 14 hours and opting against taking the assignment is a decision for which the Company can hold you accountable. With that in mind, it would be highly advisable to contact the Steward on Duty should you find yourself in this situation.
For its part, the Union will seek a resolution that takes the gray areas out of this scenario, making sure each crewmember understands how to best address this situation. Should you have any questions in the interim, please do not hesitate to contact the NJASAP Stewards.
In a separate issue, questions regarding reimbursements for rental cars equipped with GPS units have recently surfaced. According to NJA Policies, Section 1.7.4 of the FOM, a pilot will not be reimbursed if he elects to rent a GPS unit without receiving prior approval from the Company. A pilot’s fleet assistant chief pilot is the designated point of contact for these types of inquiries. The Company is well within its rights to administer the policy in this fashion, and although we may not necessarily agree with it, the policy is contract compliant.
Relatedly, when the 2007 Amended Agreement was negotiated, we were careful to include language in Section 28 that protects pilots from being forced into an unsafe situation. Specifically, §28.3(C)(3) Rental Car Travel Duty states, “A crewmember may refuse a Rental Car Travel Duty assignment for any safety-related reason, including lack of familiarity with route.” With that in mind, if you feel as if you are being asked to put yourself in an unsafe situation, you may refuse the rental car assignment or use it as justification for seeking permission to rent a GPS-equipped rental car. Once again, you would be well advised to consult with the Steward on Duty regarding this situation.
On a final note, NJASAP and NetJets are fortunate to have developed partnership that relies heavily on a sense of trust – part and parcel to which is maintaining confidentiality. The value of the Company’s willingness to share confidential information with the Union cannot be overestimated: It offers a tremendous benefit to the pilot group. Quite unfortunately, a breach occurred earlier today when information about a confidential matter not yet announced by the Company was discussed in a message board post. It would be understandable for the Company to conclude the breach emanated from the Union, which has, undeniably, tarnished our organization’s image and likely diminished the Company’s assurance that we can keep confidential information just that. To that end, the Executive Board has started an investigation to determine who leaked the information. As the investigation unfolds we will endeavor to repair any damage to our relationship with the Company.
Fraternally,
Capt. Mark Luthi
mluthi@njasap.com |
NJASAP NEWS |
USB attends CAPA Safety Council Meeting in Dallas
By USB Co-Chair Bob Ferguson
Union Safety Board Co-Chairs John Youskauskas, Bob Ferguson and Suzy Danielson attended the CAPA Safety meeting in Dallas this past week. During the two-and-a-half day meeting, USB members discussed safety issues with colleagues from US Air, American Airlines, ABX Air, Southwest, UPS and an investigator-in-charge (IIC) from the NTSB.
The first day consisted of a CAPA Safety Council meeting during which the current FAA "Call to Action" was discussed. The Union president of each Part 121 carrier had been invited to Washington D.C. to be briefed on and to provide comment about the new initiatives. NJASAP was not directly a part of this event; but, it assisted in formulating the talking points that CAPA Safety Committee Chair Brian Beach took to the meeting with FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. USB officials were assured they would be briefed on the meeting.
On day two, NTSB Senior Air Safety Investigator and IIC Joseph M. Sedor gave a presentation about the role of Union investigators in an accident, speaking to a crowd of approximately 60 pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, dispatchers, and safety professionals. The presentation, which discussed the American Airlines accident in Kington, Jamaica, and the experiences of American's Allied Pilot Associations' (APA) with government authorities there, was very informative.
APA representatives advised attendees of an invaluable lesson learned from having an accident in a foreign country: Crewmembers should carry their passports. Many of their pilots keep their passports in their flight kits which proved extremely problematic in Kingston because when the crew evacuated the aircraft they did not take their passports with them. Once the scene was secured, going back into the aircraft to retrieve the documents proved impossible. When a local holiday was added into the equation, it was a miracle APA was able to get the crew out of the country as fast as it did.
With that in mind, the USB strongly recommends that crewmembers keep their passport on their person when operating outside of the United States. This will ensure the passport is not left behind in the event of an evacuation. With the ever-increasing risk of criminalization of aircraft accidents by foreign governments, any delay in leaving the country as a result of a missing passport may make the difference between freedom and incarceration.
The DFW fire chief, on the final day of the meeting, gave a presentation. We were surprised to learn the firefighters believed we had access to the discreet frequency information they use. The revelation that our Jepp plates do not provide this information prompted a discussion about having firefighters post their frequency on their fire trucks to enable crews to talk to them directly.
USB members also had the opportunity to examine APA’s Go Team Kit, which gave them ideas for enhancing the NJASAP kits. Although no Union wants to make use of its Go Team Kit, each are compelled to ensure their kit is as complete as possible.
Overall, the meeting was extremely productive for the USB. Having access to such an extensive network of safety professionals in one locale will pay dividends for the NetJets pilot group. The USB has partnered with several industry colleagues in an effort to develop a better CRM program, a functional FOQA program, and improved ASAP ERC practices. What’s more, in the unfortunate event of an accident or incident, we will have access to the gamut of CAPA Safety resources.
On a final note, this event was Co-Chair Danielson's first meeting since returning from a year of military leave in Iraq and Afghanistan where she served as a Blackhawk pilot for the U.S. Army. As a valuable asset to the Board, her fellow co-chairs are pleased to welcome her back to Union service. |
NOTES & REMINDERS |
NJASAP MEETING NOTICE: The Second Quarter 2010 General Membership Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, Apr. 21, 2010, at 5 p.m. (ET) at the NJASAP office. Any crewmember who is interested in attending the 2Q10 GMM, via teleconference, is encouraged to contact Brooke Scherer.
LMRC meeting agenda released … The first meeting of the Labor-Management Relationship Committee since July 2009 includes an extensive agenda: The committee is scheduled to review and approve the revised Professional Standards Manual as well as a proposed Letter of Agreement amendment, allowing crewmember conflicts with other company departments to be handled by the Professional Standards Committee if those involved agree to the same. The LMRC will also review all joint committees and projects as it endeavors to set goals and allocate resources for 2010.
Working group seeks input on experiences with Harvey Watt Insurance Company … The Benefits Working Group has resumed its initial research regarding long-term care and disability insurance after temporarily redirecting their efforts toward identifying alternative insurance options for furloughed pilots. The Working Group, led by Thomas Aldrich, is seeking feedback from the membership regarding any experience with the Harvey Watt Insurance Company. Aldrich may be reached via email or telephone, (859) 371-3199.
USB requests crewmember input on field condition reporting … The Union Safety Committee is conducting a focused study on Field Condition Reporting and is actively seeking crewmember input based on recent winter operations. More specifically, the committee is interested in obtaining information regarding FCR discrepancies, such as runway conditions which vary significantly from what was reported prior to landing as well as hazardous weather-related airport conditions on taxiways, ramps, runways, or parking areas are welcomed.
Field conditions, and in particular braking action reports, can be very subjective and have a negative impact on the safe operation of an aircraft. USB officials will be working with their Company counterparts in addition to industry partners to improve reporting methods and interpretation throughout the coming months. Some of the information collected may be presented when the USB attends the 44th Annual International Snow Symposium in Buffalo in April.
All crewmembers are encouraged to share their experiences, concerns, and thoughts with the USB. As always, any pilot who encounters a significant threat to the safety of his aircraft or the operation, consider utilizing ASAP to report the program as it is the most effective means of having your concerns recognized and addressed.
SOD SCHEDULE: FEBRUARY 2010
02/21: TY ORTH
TEL: (614) 787-0823
torth@njasap.com
02/28: MIKE MONKEVICZ
TEL: (401) 864-5766
monk@njasap.com |
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FEBRUARY 12, 2010 |
FROM THE UNION PRESIDENT NEWS |
Dear Crewmember,
Why NJASAP has placed operational control at the center of its industry affairs initiative is a question that is routinely asked during the Wednesday night recurrent meetings, and it is a good question. What would compel the labor advocate representing the professional interests of the pilots whose work rules, compensation and benefits are outlined by the industry-leading collective bargaining agreement amid fractional aviation providers to focus on this particular issue?
I would like to begin by discussing our intent before transitioning into our rationale. Our intent is to persuade Congress to take the steps necessary to make mainline carriers liable for the flights for which they sell tickets – whether they operate the flight or rely on a codeshare partner vis a vis regional or commuter carrier to conduct the operation. It is unfortunate that only after six fatal crashes – all of which involved regional carriers – industry regulators and public officials felt compelled to address this disturbing trend. Most recently, the NTSB, during public a hearing, released its Aircraft Accident Report synopsis of the crash of Colgan Air, Inc., Flight 3407, operating as a Continental Connection flight: In an accompanying news release, the NTSB announced it would hold a forum this fall to discuss the implications of codesharing practices.
Our rationale for choosing to pursue a revision and expansion of the definition of operational control was based on three factors.
- One industry, one profession First and foremost, whether we fly in the service of a fractional aircraft ownership provider, a regional carrier, a charter operator or a legacy airline, we are professional pilots who are members of one industry. Throughout the past two decades we have seen our proud profession take hit after hit, prompting even the most dedicated aviator to question whether the job he loves is worth the time and effort. The U.S. aviation industry is a pivotal component of our economy, and the pilots responsible for moving people and packages from place to place serve a vital function. Our industry cannot survive without experienced, skilled, knowledgeable crewmembers; however, unless we unite to demand livable wages and safe working conditions, our colleagues employed by regional carriers will not be the only pilots commuting from Seattle to Newark for a salary of $22,000 per year.
- Setting the stage for negotiations To say the very least, industry-leading contracts do not happen by accident. Our contract, in large part, was the result of meticulous planning, research, and negotiation. In many ways, this process never ends as the day to begin planning for the next negotiation – regardless of a contract’s duration – is the day after the agreement is ratified. This type of planning focuses on existing contract language as well as that of other pilot contracts in addition to the status of the industry, how pending legislation may impact the industry and negotiating climate, and how existing regulatory issues can be addressed in a way that benefits all industry sectors. By expanding the definition of operational control, for example, we can stop the race to the bottom that has our regional airline brethren in a strangle hold.
- It’s fairly relative at the bargaining table When preparing collective bargaining proposals, it is common for both parties to conduct extensive analyses of economic packages, including salaries and benefits, and work rules offered to fellow employee groups throughout the industry. During the 2007 Interest-based Bargaining effort, for example, union leaders looked, not only at the salary schedules and work rules of fellow fractional carriers, but also those of regional and mainline carriers. We were fortunate, for example, to secure work rules intended to enhance our quality of life; however, that is not to say we will be equally as successful during the next round of talks – especially if our colleagues in other industry sectors continue to see their work rules diminished. Fatigue-inducing schedules, the lack of consequential safety programs, inadequate training curriculums and poor maintenance practices are a reality that many of our peers face, which has proved deadly for them and the flying public. We cannot – we must not – allow this trend to continue. Fighting to make American, Delta, Continental, Northwest, United and US Airways responsible for each and every flight for which they sell a ticket is the first step toward reversing this deadly trend, and operational control is one way for us to do that.
Obviously, we are encouraged by the growing momentum on the issue; however, the process of securing this much needed regulatory change will undeniably be hard fought and lengthy. Our Association has identified a strategy to expand the inadequate definition of operational control; but, our efforts will only be successful if each NJASAP member takes an active role in vigorously advocating for the change we seek. You can begin this process by becoming more familiar with operational control; a primer and related links are provided in the Industry Affairs area of the NJASAP web site. Additionally, Frontline, a news program produced on behalf of PBS, aired Flying Cheap this week, which explored the crash of Colgan Flight 3407 and the plight of regional pilots. Later on, we will ask you to join us in writing our Congressional representatives about this issue. Much like the on-going letter writing campaign about the pilot database provision of HR 3371, we will provide informational material, a sample letter and links to your representatives’ contact information.
Should you have any questions about operational control or HR 3371, please do not hesitate to contact me or Vice President of Industry Affairs Dan Lieff. We would be happy to discuss these issues in additional detail with you.
Fraternally,
Capt. Mark Luthi
mluthi@njasap.com |
NJASAP NEWS |
IT migration completed this week
NJASAP’s IT infrastructure was migrated to a virtual server system this week, enhancing its reliability, security and accessibility. Given the scale of the migration, the email server, as it was being configured and tested, may not have passed all messages it received. Therefore, any member who sent an email to an @njasap.com address and has not yet received a response is strongly encouraged to resend the message.
Separately, when addressing an e-mail to any @njasap.com address, please do not allow your e-mail program to auto-complete the address. When the auto-complete address appears, please delete any @njasap.com addresses as these are actually tied to the old server. As such, they will be returned to you as undeliverable. After you have typed out the full address one time, it will be saved in your new auto-complete directory and available for your use thereafter.
Cost-savings initiative to be extended to all NetJets employees
Prepared by Steward Ray Lallo
In the summer of 2009, the Union and Company launched LEAN: Long-Term Efficiency Across NetJets, a joint cost-savings initiative intended to allow crewmembers to identify and voice their ideas about how the Company could save money throughout different departments; the program was created to fill a short-term need.
The LEAN Line had received more than 740 cost-savings suggestions as of the beginning of February: Pilot submissions have typically focused on improvements to scheduling, dispatch, travel, catering, Blackberry functionality and line operations. Several suggestions have been implemented while several others are still being considered.
The joint initiative’s success has compelled the Company not only to continue the program, but also to extend it to all NetJets North America employees, beginning March 1. At that time, LEAN will become known as the NetJets North America Cost Savings Initiative and will be solely managed by the Crew Resource Center. At that time, it will no longer be a joint program; rather, it will be a program solely managed by the Company.
To facilitate a seamless transition, crewmembers may continue to use the existing email address, lean@netjets.com, to send suggestions. Much like the current practice, a CRC representative will respond to all inquiries. Crewmember suggestions have been the program cornerstone and, for that reason, pilots are strongly encouraged to continue to provide feedback, ensuring the program’s continued success. |
NOTES & REMINDERS |
NJASAP MEETING NOTICE: The Second Quarter 2010 General Membership Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, Apr. 21, 2010, at 5 p.m. (ET) at the NJASAP office. Any crewmember who is interested in attending the 2Q10 GMM, via teleconference, is encouraged to contact Brooke Scherer.
STEWARD ON DUTY SCHEDULE
FEBRUARY 2010
02/14: GARY CORAGGIO
TEL: (954) 649-4279
gcoraggio@njasap.com
02/21: TY ORTH
TEL: (614) 787-0823
torth@njasap.com
02/28: MIKE MONKEVICZ
TEL: (401) 864-5766
monk@njasap.com |
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FEBRUARY 5, 2010
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* * * ALERT * * * |
The migration of the NJASAP IT infrastructure to a virtualized system will begin at 5 p.m. this evening. As such, e-mail sent to any @njasap.com address will be held in queue until Monday morning. Should you need to contact NJASAP, please send an e-mail to contactnjasap@gmail.com. The telephone answering service, web site and message board will not be affected by the migration
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FROM THE UNION PRESIDENT NEWS
Dear Crewmember,
Disputes, disagreements and the ensuing drama make for a compelling 411. A discussion of the day-to-day tasks associated with managing a union – not so much. That does not, however, make them any less important. To put it very simply, the stabilization of the NJASAP-NetJets relationship combined with the formalization of internal processes have enabled Association leaders to focus on the business of NJASAP. Though less glamorous, actively managing the Union is a responsibility of tremendous importance.
Since 2004, Union leaders, past and present, have stomped out their fair share of fires ignited by one Company action or another; however, after six years, the Company has cut down on the crazy. Much of this is attributable to the maturation of the NJASAP-NetJets relationship. Both parties are taking responsibility for their actions and enforcing the contract, for the most part, in accordance with a shared interpretation of its provisions. The Company’s willingness to work with the Steward on Duty to resolve issues early on has also contributed to the culture of cooperation and mutual respect.
This burgeoning era of genuine collaboration has given NJASAP leaders the time to focus on sustaining NJASAP as a dynamic, robust organization. No one can argue when NJASAP received its independence on July 11, 2008, the organization burst onto the scene, quickly emerging as an industry-leading labor advocate. Since that time, NJASAP leaders have adopted any number of strategies and initiatives to ensure our organization is positioned to remain viable and effective in the long term. To that end, a number of procedures and practices have been formalized for the purpose of enabling leaders to manage this organization as it should be – like a business. I am sure you can appreciate managing an organization of this size is no small task.
The majority of decisions that directly impact Union administration are made during the monthly Executive Board teleconference; the February call was held this past Tuesday. This month’s meeting was unique as the agenda was a mere 80 pages, and the call was completed in fewer than two hours. The typical meeting agenda exceeds 100 pages; however, the August agenda topped 150 pages. Developing the meeting agenda is a responsibility shared by Board members and staff, requiring extensive research, writing, and, finally, reading. It requires considerable time to read through such a lengthy document and to be prepared to discuss its many business items.
Select items discussed this week included:
- I submitted a motion requesting approval of a policy establishing quorum benchmarks for the purpose of conducting Executive Board business in both formal session and when using the electronic polling mechanism. In accordance with Section 6.1(C) of the NJASAP Bylaws, at least seven Board members must be present to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business in formal session.
Bylaws Section 6.1(E) gives the Union president the discretion to conduct business via electronic polling when the Board is not in formal session. Polling results constitute Board action so long as the action is affirmed during the next formal session; all nine members of the Board are required to participate to constitute a quorum when voting electronically. If a Board member fails to submit an electronic vote within seven calendar days, a quorum of at least five Executive Board members is required, and the remaining Executive Board members are considered absent. The Board must approve electronic polling results in a single motion that provides a short description of each business item during the next business meeting.
- Additionally, I submitted a motion to approve the tuition costs of an ALI-ABA, American Law Institute │ American Bar Association, Railway Labor Act conference scheduled for April 14-17, in Washington D.C. Scheduled attendees include the Union’s attorneys and two Board members.
- Trustee Jim Brady presented a motion to approve the expenses associated with the 2010 Officer Election Get Out the Vote Campaign. The campaign, which will include several promotional mailings, is intended to increase membership participation in the upcoming referendum.
- Vice President of Committees Amy Vidovich submitted motions requesting the approval of John Malmborg to serve as the Joint Scheduling Committee Co-Chair, and Christopher Frey and Pedro Leroux as Election Committee members.
These may not seem like earth-shattering business items; but, they are consequential to keeping the NJASAP machine running smoothly and effectively. As I said early on, the mundane is important, playing a pivotal role in our forward motion.
On a final note, I am scheduled to begin recurrent training Feb. 22; Vice President of Finance Jeff Burrows began training earlier this week; although we are not likely to fly a regular schedule, Jeff and I want to retain currency. All remaining Board members are either actively flying or finishing training in anticipation of the same. This has only been made possible since both the Union and Company have stabilized and are not overwhelmed with time-critical matters.
A delicate balance exists between flying the line and working in volunteer positions that routinely require 30 or more work hours per week. For that reason, I truly appreciate the time my fellow Board members, Stewards, committee leaders and volunteers dedicate to keeping NJASAP strong. Without them, our ability to provide unparalleled representation and membership services would be significantly diminished. Volunteers are the lifeblood of this organization, and we are incredibly fortunate so many of our members accept the call to Union advocacy.
Fraternally,
Capt. Mark Luthi
mluthi@njasap.com
NJASAP NEWS
FROM VICE PRESIDENT OF INDUSTRY AFFAIRS DAN LIEFF
NTSB announces symposium on operational control … Almost one year to the day of the crash of ill-fated Continental Connection Flight 3407 Buffalo, operated by Colgan Airlines, the NTSB announced the release of the aircraft accident report synopsis as well as public forum to discuss operational control (OC) during a public meeting held this past Tuesday in Washington D.C.; the OC forum has been scheduled for the fall.
NJASAP took the lead in pushing for major OC-related reforms when the Association adopted it as its principal legislative initiative in early 2009. Since that time, we have actively lobbied Congress to increase the liability of mainline carriers who subcontract their work to regional codeshare partners.
Effort to persuade CAPA to adopt OC as a CAPA issue proved successful when the Board of Directors designated it as such during its 4Q09 meeting. With the anticipated media attention on the Colgan Flight 3407 crash report and the announcement of the symposium this fall, we expect more of our fellow labor advocates to rally behind this important issue.
Raising awareness of operational control and applying remedies to the lack of ticketing carrier liability would raise the rapidly eroding playing field of collective bargaining agreements and, in the long run, affect a positive change not only for regional airline pilots but all professional pilots.
Letters to Senators … The one-month-old drive soliciting NJASAP members to write letters to their senators regarding the ill-conceived FAA Pilot Records Database contained in HR 3371, which is currently before the Senate Committee on Science, Commerce and Transportation, has been very successful: An average of four pilots per day are accessing the Industry Affairs web area to send letters expressing concern with this provision of the bill. If you have not already done so, please take the time to review this material – especially if you are from one of the states whose senator sits on the committee.
Frontline to air story on regional airlines … Next week, PBS’s flagship news show, Frontline, will broadcast a new documentary focusing on regional airlines and their managements’ quest to keep costs down. The show, entitled “Flying Cheap,” which is scheduled to air Tuesday, Feb. 9, is a scathing report on how flying safety has been sacrificed through the proliferation of low-cost regional airlines and their efforts to keep costs low, particularly when it comes to pilots.
In a press release announcing the upcoming documentary, the Frontline producer states, “Regional airlines, once thought of as puddle-jumpers, had grown so fast that they now account for more than half the nation’s daily departures. We are on our way to becoming a regional airline nation… Most all (regional) flights today still carry the codes and colors of the major airlines. But over the past decade, fewer and fewer of the majors are actually flying those planes. That job is increasingly outsourced to small regional companies.”
The investigative report was completed in the wake of the fatal crash of Continental Flight 3407, operated by Colgan Air. “Flying Cheap” is reported to address pilot fatigue, pilot pushing, commuting, regional pilot pay and the lack of experience of low-paid pilots. Click here to view a preview of “Flying Cheap.”
NOTES & REMINDERS
RECURRENT MEETING RESCHEDULED … Next week’s recurrent meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 9 at the Doubletree due to a scheduling conflict at the facility. Thereafter, the meetings will be held on Wednesday.
Hard seating policy a Company-driven initiative … The recent announcement regarding the NetJets Hard Seating Policy led some crewmembers to believe the Union, and specifically the Union Safety Board, played an active role in setting this particular policy: That was not the case.
When Company officials expressed their intention to formalize a hard seating policy, the joint Safety and Training committees conducted independent analysis and were asked to ensure the policy complied with the 2009 Amended Agreement, looking specifically at those Section 6 provisions that mandate crewmembers receive standardized, adequate training. This was the extent of the committees’ involvement. That the Company even included the committees in any discussion was a courtesy as this was not a Labor-management Relationship Committee-approved (LMRC) project, which means the committees’ participation was not contractually mandated.
Developing the policy was well within the Company’s purview, which reasonably prevents NJASAP from taking issue with its action. What’s more, the policy neither reduces pilot compensation or the number of days off nor does it constitute a violation of the contract or adversely affect safety. Therefore, it would be unreasonable for the Union to belabor this issue with the Company.
Appeal Board upholds E-Board denial of election protest … The NJASAP Appeal Board has denied a protest filed in response to the extension of the 2009 Bylaw Referendum voting period. The Appeal Board received the protest appeal after it was rejected by the Executive Board in mid January. The Appeal Board’s decision effectively ends any question as to the certification of the Bylaws referendum. As such, the revised Bylaws as ratified by the membership on Dec. 21 will remain in effect.
NJASAP MEETING NOTICE: The Second Quarter 2010 General Membership Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, Apr. 21, 2010, at 5 p.m. (ET) at the NJASAP office. Any crewmember who is interested in attending the 2Q10 GMM, via teleconference, is encouraged to contact Brooke Scherer. |
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JANUARY 29, 2010 |
FROM THE UNION PRESIDENT NEWS |
Dear Crewmember,
A finite distinction exists between a local union affiliated with a larger governing body and an independent organization. In June 2008, this pilot group – by a staggering majority – made the decision to embrace an independent advocate, resulting in the kind of top-to-bottom transformation that categorically changed our organizational infrastructure. This decision has given us the autonomy to manage NJASAP in a way that reflects your wishes and preserves our best interests, which is both liberating and daunting.
It is a full-time responsibility shared by more than 125 advocates, including Executive Board members, Stewards, staff members, committee leaders, and volunteers. Individual Board members shepherd the organization forward, focusing on the aspect of Union business stipulated by the position to which they were elected. As your Union president, I assume responsibility for managing NJASAP business affairs, in addition to supporting my fellow Board members and Stewards, monitoring contract enforcement, and supervising the staff.
Our management responsibilities increased exponentially when we transitioned away from the IBT. Now, we bear sole responsibility for those responsibilities incumbent on an international Union: In addition to contract and representation duties, we manage 100 percent of NJASAP dues revenue, actively developing annual budgets and investment plans, monitoring and approving monthly expenses, and preparing for and releasing the results of annual audits. The annual budget is developed in a way to ensure expenses do not exceed 80 percent of projected dues income as stipulated by Section 4.4(B)(5) of the NJASAP Bylaws. Should expenses exceed the threshold, the Vice President of Finance is required to report the same to the membership.
What’s more, our financial and business transactions are internally vetted to ensure compliance with Department of Labor guidelines. To that end, we file a number of annual reports with the DOL, which may be viewed in the Vice President of Finance Web area.
A significant portion of our annual budget is devoted to contract enforcement, the principal NJASAP imperative. Each decision your leaders make is guided by our obligation to vigorously defend the pilot group. Whether this means filing a controversial class action grievance or opting not to arbitrate a grievance that could set an unwanted precedent, we work from the shared mindset of protecting the contract and your interests.
As we near the end of January, the number of weighty, complicated disputes with the Company are few, giving NJASAP the freedom to work on internal projects and initiatives such as the NJASAP Policy and Procedures Manual, modernizing our information technologies infrastructure, and lobbying for an expanded definition of operational control, our principal legislative issue; each of these projects is discussed in greater detail below. Because much of the groundwork was put in place last year, each Executive Board member, with the exception of myself and Vice President of Finance Jeff Burrows, has returned to active duty. Although both Jeff and I will be attending recurrent training in the near term, it is unlikely we will return to a regular schedule given the rigors of managing the Union’s business and financial affairs. On an as needed basis, fellow Board members will be released from duty, via D9 day, to work on the Union’s behalf.
When a volunteer, including Stewards and Board members, is removed from his or her flight schedule to work on the Union’s behalf, it is referred to as a D9 day. In these instances, a volunteer will be paid by the Company as if he or she had completed assigned flight duty. The Union, in turn, reimburses the Company for the D9 day at the volunteer’s base rate of pay. NJASAP utilizes D9 days for two interrelated reasons: The Union does not maintain a staff of full-time officers, and it is far more cost effective to utilize D9 days than to add 10 or 12 additional employees to NJASAP’s payroll.
It is true that we could run a leaner organization. Indeed, federal guidelines only require a labor organization to perform four functions: processing grievances, collecting dues, maintaining a negotiating committee and conducting officer elections. Operating this type of organization is what many labor advocates choose to do as anything above and beyond these minimum requirements is entirely at an advocate’s discretion. Should NJASAP adopt such a mindset, Union administration would be left to an eight-member office staff whose efforts were supplemented by part-time leaders and a significantly reduced volunteer force. To say the very least, this particular scenario would drastically change the breadth of membership services and significantly diminish our ability to protect your interests in the way to which you have become accustomed. For example, our ability to offer timely, appropriate responses to day-of issues would be severely compromised as would our wherewithal to participate in important initiatives such as interest-based bargaining, preventive measures, and furloughed pilot resource development.
I would vehemently argue a diminished labor organization is neither what you pay for and expect nor is it what Strong Union and NJASAP architects envisioned in 2004 and 2008, respectively. Quite the contrary, these pilot advocates envisioned a proactive, dynamic, sustainable organization positioned to offer unrivaled pilot representation, expert membership services, and rigorous enforcement of an industry-leading contract. Union leaves of absence and the responsible use of D9 days helps ensure that happens.
A proper policy manual also plays a pivotal role in this process. The NJASAP Policy and Procedures Manual (NPPM) will be comprised of several smaller manuals that will be incorporated into one of six sections.
- The General Guidelines section will discuss the expectations of NJASAP representatives, providing clear guidance about topics ranging from interfacing with Company representatives to maintaining a professional appearance to requesting project assistance from staff members. This section is intended to remove any confusion or ambiguity amid members of the Union Volunteer Network.
- The Committees section will be comprised of manuals for each of NJASAP’s active committees. The manuals, which were drafted by committee chairs and members, will define a particular group’s objectives, mission, and purview. Here again, the intent is to ensure each committee leader and member understands the purpose of his or her group and the responsibilities he or she will be expected to assume. In addition to making our committees more effective, we believe clear direction will have the added bonus of increasing volunteer retention and reinforcing their sense of engagement and ownership.
- The Stewards Council section will offer a comprehensive resource guide, detailing federal guidelines that define a Union’s representational responsibilities and discussing the finer nuances of the minor dispute resolution process outlined in the 2007 Amended Agreement. This section will also explain how to file a grievance and to collect evidentiary support as well as how to prepare for and participate in a pilot representation hearing.
- The Executive Board section takes over where the Bylaws leave off by more clearly defining the duties and responsibilities incumbent on each elected official. It delineates which actions may be taken without Board approval and which may not; it codifies the process by which Executive Board meeting agendas will be prepared and distributed as well as how meetings will be conducted; and, it outlines protocols for interacting with the Company, other volunteers and staff.
- The Vice President of Finance section will provide expanded, detailed guidance about those policies and procedures related to the expenditure of NJASAP funds and reporting as outlined in the Bylaws and/or federal law. The section will offer staff, volunteers, and the membership information regarding membership status, budgeting, dues administration, purchase and travel authorizations and reimbursements, investment policies, Department of Labor reporting, IRS reporting, and auditing, in addition to several other applicable areas.
- The Employee section, as one could reasonably expect, outlines the conditions of employment with NJASAP, defines work rules, and stipulates other expectations and guidelines. This particular section of the NPPM was finished in the fall of 2009 and took effect at the beginning of the year.
The policy manual offers NJASAP stability by putting in place consistent practices, proven management techniques, and clearly defined expectations. Consistency is key to NJASAP’s credibility, serving to enhance our relationship with NetJets and enabling us to forge new partnerships with fellow labor advocates, public officials and industry stakeholders.
Maintaining our reputation as a formidable labor advocate is essential to our continued success – especially on Capitol Hill. Our legislative agenda has been discussed multiple times within this message and in those from Vice President of Industry Affairs Dan Lieff. While operational control remains our principal legislative initiative, we recently, we launched a letter writing campaign to focus attention on HR 3371, as passed by House. Although the language contains a number of troubling provisions, we are most concerned by proposed changes to the Pilot Records Database. Specifically, the current language opens the floodgates for all manner of comments and evaluations, formal and otherwise, to be entered into a pilot’s permanent professional record. Pilots, however, are given little recourse to correct erroneous or unfounded reports.
The legislation is currently before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. If your senator occupies a seat on this committee, we urge you to contact him or her to express your concern with HR 3371. A form letter, which you may customize as well as contact information for individual senators, is provided in the Industry Affairs Web area.
Finally, as the linchpin of NJASAP’s communication engine, the IT infrastructure enables our organization to overcome the challenges posed by a geographically disbursed volunteer network and membership. For that reason, maintaining a robust system is of incredible importance. In 2006, a Microsoft Exchange Server was purchased to perform double duty as an e-mail and a network server. Throughout the past three-and-a-half years, the server has performed well despite a substantially increased workload brought about by a rapidly growing organization. Earlier this year, however, signs of diminished capacity manifest themselves, prompting the Board to explore a variety of options for upgrading the system. In November, we accepted the recommendation of technology consultants to move to a virtualized network using VMWare. In this environment, a network of co-located servers will share the workload of processing Union e-mail and storing documents; the UnionWare software discussed in last week’s edition of The 411 will also be installed on the server system. Virtualization gives NJASAP the holy trinity of IT – flexibility, reliability and security.
Our IT partner is currently finishing the first phase of implementation and will begin testing next week. We anticipate migrating to the new system next weekend, which means we may experience some down time. If the transition takes place as scheduled, we will advise you of the same and provide alternate e-mail addresses that you may use to reach NJASAP in the event of an emergency or another time-critical issue.
What I had thought would be a rather brief weekly message has far exceeded my expectations; however, I would rather err on the side of offering too much information than be guilty of not providing enough. NJASAP is your union, and your dues money makes our efforts possible. I have a responsibility to lead with transparency and you have a right to know more about the processes and strategies we utilize to ensure NJASAP remains an industry-leading organization. My door is always open; my telephone is always on; and, my e-mail address is always available. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Regards,
Capt. Mark Luthi |
NJASAP NEWS |
FROM VICE PRESIDENT OF INDUSTRY AFFAIRS DAN LIEFF
Dear Crewmember,
Since we solicited help in writing members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation regarding changes to the FAA Pilot Records Database contained in HR 3371, several pilots have contacted their senators; thus far, letters have been sent to representatives from S.C., Flo., Texas and Mo. A form letter as well as a link providing contact information for each senator is available in the Industry Affairs Web area.
In addition to writing letters, NJASAP pilots are playing an active role in helping us secure meetings with their congressional representatives. In December, a North Dakota-based crewmember helped foster a meeting with Sen. Byron Dorgan and another pilot will be meeting with his senator next week; he has agreed to pass along a packet of information from NJASAP. We hope the senator will agree to meet with NJASAP officials this spring.
Please take the time to learn more about and to participate in the letter writing campaign. If implemented, the proposed changes to the pilot records database could have devastating long-term consequences for a pilot’s professional career. Should you have any questions about this legislation, the campaign or Industry Affairs in general, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Capt. Dan Lieff
FROM THE ELECTION COMMITTEE
The 2010 Officer Election Information Center may now be accessed from the NJASAP Web site. The information center includes the official election timeline, notice, and rules, Nomination, Second and Acceptance form, and NJASAP Election Manual as well as links to the Message Board Election Forum, BallotPoint voting portal, and Department of Labor election guidelines. A list of candidates running for the four positions will be provided after the nomination period begins in March.
Additionally, the 2010 Officer Election Notice of Nomination and Election was mailed to the membership on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010. Any pilot who has not yet received the mailing is encouraged to contact the NJASAP office to ensure his or her information is current.
Questions and/or comments about the election should be forwarded to the Election Committee.
Parties reach agreement to facilitate use of PLB days
The Paid Leave Bank (PLB) was created as a temporary program to complement the Joint Preventive Measures Campaign. Letter of Agreement 00-010, and specifically paragraph H.2., provided when the program came to an end, the Company and Union would “cooperatively establish an orderly process for crewmembers to schedule all days remaining in Paid Leave Banks.” Since the Company announced PLB accruals would end Nov. 25, 2009, the parties have worked to establish the process and have recently come to a resolution. An announcement stating the same will be released after both parties have signed the formal memo memorializing the process. In the interim, its major components are discussed below.
- The process was designed to give pilots as much flexibility as possible as they seek to use remaining PLB days; however, PLB accounts must be exhausted by the year’s end.
- Jan. 29, 2010 – April 30, 2010: Usage rules and the Company’s assignment rights will remain unchanged, which means the Company can only assign PLB days if a pilot has more than seven days accrued or if a pilot opted out prior to Nov. 25, 2009, and still has days remaining.
- May 1, 2010 – Sept. 30, 2010 (Accelerated Usage Phase): Crewmembers will have increased flexibility to use PLB days. For example, a pilot will be allowed to request the use of PLB days even if it results in a tour of fewer than four days as long as all remaining PLB days are used.
Under certain conditions and based on crewmember usage, or more specifically the lack thereof, the Company will have some increased rights to assign PLB days during this time. By way of background, on Jan. 16, the Company took a snapshot of all outstanding PLB days, which is approximately 3,000 day. If pilots use 20 percent or 600 of those days before April 1, and 20 percent each month thereafter, the Company will not have the right to assign PLB days. If, however, pilot usage does not meet the threshold, the Company may assign PLB days to reach the 20 percent threshold in inverse seniority order.
- Should involuntary assignments become necessary, the process requires the Company to notify pilots with PLB balances and to identify those crewmembers likely to be affected. The notice must be given 10 days prior to a Company-initiated assignment. Early notification is intended to give pilots the opportunity to request PLB days rather than to have them assigned.
Any questions about this issue may be directed to NJASAP PTO SMEs captains Brian Ward and Robert McIncrow. |
NOTES & REMINDERS |
LMRC to convene first quarter meeting … By mutual agreement, select aspects of the Labor-Management Relationship Program (LMRP) were temporarily suspended last September when the new NetJets leadership team began a system-wide restructuring effort. When the goals and objectives of NetJets 2.0 began to emerge in December, program administrators agreed to meet and begin the process of redefining the initiative in a way that better reflected the evolving Company. On Monday, March 1 at 9 a.m., Labor-Management Relationship Committee (LMRC) members will convene the first quarter 2010 meeting to discuss the revamped LMRP and to chart its strategic course going forward. The LMRC will be co-chaired by NJASAP President Capt. Mark Luthi and NetJets North America President and COO Bill Noe. Additional NJASAP representatives to the LMRC will include Vice President of Committee Affairs and LMRP Administrator Amy Vidovich and Vice President of Finance Jeff Burrows with additional Executive Board members attending as their schedules permit. NetJets representatives will include NJA President Bill Olsen, NJI President Shane Eyer, Administrative Services Vice President Adam Johnson, Scheduling Senior Vice President Doug Henneberry and LMRP Administrator Janet Pasqualetti. Non-voting NJA representatives will include Corporate Communications Vice President Todd Weeber and Labor Relations Vice President Mike Maratto.
Travel Committee releases 2010 amenities list … Finalized earlier this week, the 2010 Hotel Amenities List detailing primary and secondary hotel accommodation information in the Company’s top-tier markets is now available on the Travel Committee page of the NJASAP Web site. Feel free to contact the Travel Committee with any questions about the list or another travel-related matter.
JAN 2010 SOD SCHEDULE
01/31: BRIAN WARD
TEL: (303) 570-4806
bward@@njasap.com |
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JANUARY 22, 2010 |
FROM THE UNION PRESIDENT NEWS |
Dear Crewmember,
From Compass and weekly recurrent meetings to The 411 and an extensive subject matter expert network, NJASAP places tremendous importance on ensuring each and every member of this organization has ready access to critical resources and timely information. Our strategic communication plan was specifically designed to ensure news and information can be transmitted at a moment’s notice. Two decades of Union leadership has taught me the continuous flow of relevant, accurate communication can contribute significantly to an organization’s effectiveness. Indeed, knowledge has the power to unite and I believe the level of solidarity within this very pilot group is attributable, in large part, to the communication provided and the sense of ownership that compels you to stay current on Union activities.
Obviously, our communication initiatives and resources have grown throughout the past several years, keeping pace with the staggering evolution of our organization. For this reason, an NJASAP Subject Matter and Communication Directory is being developed to serve as a single point of reference for determining who to contact with a particular question. The directory will also outline the venues on which NJASAP will rely to communicate with you and your NetJets colleagues.
On more than one occasion, I have reiterated the NJASAP Message Board, and specifically the Crew Lounge, is not a forum in which NJASAP will publish official communication. The message board was created when the Strong Union initiative gained traction in 2004 for the specific purpose of facilitating a respectful dialogue about a myriad of topics amid a geographically disbursed group. Many members of the current Moderation Team took an active role in the message board’s initial set-up, and, since that time, Union leaders have left board oversight, in large part, to the team. However, our reliance on three or four volunteers to moderate an active message board community around the clock is neither realistic nor prudent. These volunteers have performed admirably and reliably; however, the community has grown to a size that simply cannot be consistently managed by so few.
This situation has been complicated by the dramatic change in the general tone that typifies postings within the crew lounge: Throughout the past six months, the level of civility has gone in a truly unfortunate direction, prompting the Executive Board to review the existing NJASAP Message Board Terms of Service (TOS) during our first quarterly working session held last week. As I reported in my Jan. 15 letter, we determined the TOS, as written, were appropriate, tracing the root of the problem to inconsistent enforcement and an overworked Moderation Team.
Our efforts to rectify this issue through manual development and moderation team recruitment, training and interim supplementation, are on-going. Steward Mike Pascalar has been given the unenviable task of drafting a comprehensive Message Board Moderation Manual; he will be assisted by Garner Miller, who will focus on the technical aspects of moderation. Expanding the moderation team will likely be equally as daunting a task as finding new volunteers willing to assume the mantle of enforcing the TOS as originally intended may be a challenge. While new team members are identified and trained, the Board will rely on its Stewards to serve as interim moderators, a common practice used when establishing a new committee or working group. Comprised of extensively trained volunteers representing a broad cross-section of the pilot group, the Stewards Council is well respected by the pilot group and its members are uniquely positioned to assume a variety of roles within the organization.
By moving in this direction, I believe we can restore the crew lounge to a community in which members are comfortable expressing their opinions in a respectful manner without fear of reprisal. We must move away from these week-long back-and-forth battles in which the pilot-poster feels compelled to defend his moral code. Frankly, it is time – nay, it is passed time – to restore the air of civility with which aviation professionals treat their colleagues when engaging in discourse. Enforcing the TOS should not be viewed as a way for the Board to prevent community members from expressing their opinions; rather, our goal is to return civility and respect to the community. Indeed, when pilots disagree about a topic, we want to move away from insulting replies such as “you are an idiot” to “I disagree with you because.” I think the difference in the tone and level of respect in this example is not lost on anyone.
NJASAP is a professional organization that will be capably managed by skilled leaders and volunteers who conduct themselves with integrity and take responsibility for their actions. As your elected leader, it is my duty to ensure NJASAP remains a powerful, effective labor advocate – even when that means I have to make difficult decisions that may not be popular with some. My responsibility is to you, my NetJets colleague, and it is one that I take very seriously. Our organization’s motto compels me to ensure NJASAP can offer professional representation for professional pilots, and that is exactly what I am going to do.
Fraternally,
Capt. Mark Luthi |
NJASAP NEWS |
FROM VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE CAPT. JEFF BURROWS
Annual audit continues … A yearly examination required by the NJASAP Bylaws, the annual audit of the organization’s finances will soon be finished as Columbus-based SS&G Financial Services has completed their examination of the Union’s 2009 records through Sept. 30. The analysis of NJASAP’s fourth quarter records is scheduled to be concluded by the end of February. Once complete, NJASAP will file required annual reports with the Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service. A copy of the CY2009 Annual Audit, in addition to other yearly reports, will be made available for membership review in the Vice President of Finance area of the NJASAP Web site. Reports from years previous are archived in the same area.
NJASAP Strategic Business Plan Development … Development of the NJASAP Strategic Business Plan continues as writers hope to submit the document for Executive Board approval next month. The comprehensive five-year plan will outline NJASAP leadership’s goals and objectives through 2014 in four specific areas:
- Financial initiatives will include charting annual expenses, monitoring investments, planning for an emergency fund, and, when appropriate, refunding dues.
- Infrastructures initiatives will be based on a thorough analysis of office staffing requirements, facilities improvements, including the option of purchasing as opposed to leasing a Union office, and other planned IT improvements.
- Operations initiatives will include communications enhancements, volunteer and committee development, LMRP participation, industry affairs campaigns, pilot representation, and continued contract compliance and enforcement.
- Outreach initiatives will include continued Union branding development as well as programs to assist other pilot groups interested in seeking independent Union representation.
Once finalized, the plan will be provided on the Union Web site for member review.
Executive Board approves UnionWare purchase … A robust database specifically designed for labor organizations, UnionWare will soon enhance NJASAP’s ability to securely access, manipulate and consolidate data related to dues processing, grievance data collection and membership information collection and retention. The Executive Board approved the software purchase last week, executing a maintenance agreement with vendor UnionWare at that same time. The decision to purchase UnionWare was largely based on the limited capabilities of several databases created in house that, in recent years, have grown to an unmanageable size.
UnionWare will merge the aforementioned data into one database and will automate several internal NJASAP processes such as Union and LMRP travel requests, purchase requests, and Union expense reporting. In addition, the software features a membership portal whereby NJASAP members can access individual accounts to update personal information, to determine the status of pending grievances, or to analyze pilot demographics and seniority. Software design and database implementation are scheduled to be completed throughout the next four to six months with the system launch scheduled for the third quarter of 2010. To learn more about UnionWare, feel free to visit their Web site.
NJASAP, NJA settle four class actions, talks continue on remaining three … In recent weeks, Union contract administrators and their NJA counterparts have engaged in continuous discussions to resolve outstanding issues and disputes. To ensure NJASAP members are fully informed of the parties’ progress, a brief description of each class action grievance (CAG) as well as its corresponding status is provided below.
Resolved Class Action Grievances
407-08: 800XPC SDP Hiring On or about Sept. 16, 2008, the Company awarded one or more 800XPC training captain positions in a manner that violated the provisions of 2007 CBA Section 6.8(B), including, but not limited to, failing to award the position(s) to one or more qualified applicants. The Union filed a class action to memorialize the issue and to submit information requests regarding the issue. Upon receiving the requested information and engaging in thorough discussions with the Company, the parties have been agreed the Company will make the process of instructor hiring more transparent to applicants, including full disclosure of the grading system used by the Company. With this understanding, Grievance 407-08 has been withdrawn from the NJASAP/NetJets Arbitration docket.
144-09: BBJ SDP Since the 2007 CBA was ratified, the Company has failed to provide a sufficient number of supplemental duty positions in the Boeing Business Jet Fleet as required by the agreement. The parties reached a settlement whereby the Company will provide a $2,326 payment to crewmembers who held a BBJ captain position on Dec. 3, 2009, the effective date of the settlement letter.
175-08, 126-09, 101-09, 131-09, 178-08, & 196-08: Credit Card & Loyalty Benefits The credit card and loyalty benefits issue is particularly complex as it involves CAG 175-08, filed in February 2008, and CAG 126-09, filed in early 2009. The grievances were filed after the Union received reports indicating loyalty benefits associated with a new credit card program offered diminished airline and cash card redemption values when compared to the former program. After an extensive review, contract administrators determined the customer loyalty benefits associated with the new credit cards were,in some instances better and in others inferior to those offered by the previous credit card programs. A comparison of several cards yielded the same results with the Joint Travel Committee conducting an independent review and reaching the same conclusion. Based on these findings, the Union decided against arbitrating the matter as the data collected could not substantiate a clear violation of CBA Section 20.3. Based on discussions with and information provided by the Company, the parties agreed the Union would be involved in the selection and vetting process associated with any change to the Company Credit Card Program going forward. Thusly, any and all differences in point redemptions will be identified prior to making any change to the program. All CAGs referenced above have been withdrawn by NJASAP.
1371-06: SIFA The Company has stated its commitment to review applicable provisions of Section 19.9: International Flight Program prior to the final NJA/NJI Integration Notice. Based on NJA’s commitment, the Union opted to formally withdraw the grievance.
Open Class Action Grievances
310-08: Last Day Travel Though traveling to a location other than a pilot’s crew base on the last day of his or her tour is allowed by Section 13 of the 2007 CBA, pilot reimbursement requests for the same were being denied, laying the foundation for the CAG. A second issue associated with this class action involves the use of alternate last day travel following a training event; the issues are still being discussed. Currently, any pilot who uses the same mode of transportation on the same day to go to his or her original destination will be compensated up to and including the full amount of the originally scheduled travel.
140-09: N&O Training A checkride failure occurred during the same week the Company launched its Part 121 N&O-style training program, prompting the Union to file CAG 140-09 based on the lack of standardized training. Company and Union representatives are currently discussing possible resolutions. The Union will provide additional information after the parties have resolved the matter.
143-09: Electronic Briefing by 1800 Contract administrators filed Class Action Grievance 143-09 on Sept. 14, 2009, which references Section 28.2(A)(1) and, more specifically, the requirement that crewmembers receive first duty day briefs by 1800 Local Crew Base Time (LCT) on his or her last day off. Settlement talks are on-going
Feel free to contact NJASAP Contract Administrators about these or any contract-related issue. |
NOTES & REMINDERS |
FROM THE STEWARDS COUNCIL
Car Rentals: GPS & Fuel … Based on a number of recent incidents, crews should take a moment to reacquaint themselves with the sections of the NJA FOM regarding car rental upgrades and fuelling. Specifically, NJA Policies, Section 1.7.4 of the FOM states a pilot will not be reimbursed if he elects to rent a GPS unit or to opt for the “fuel option” without receiving prior approval from the Company. A pilot’s fleet assistant chief pilot is the designated point of contact for these types of inquiries.
. NJASAP MEETING NOTICE: The Second Quarter 2010 General Membership Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, Apr. 14, 2010, at 4 p.m. (ET) at the NJASAP office. Any crewmember who is interested in attending the 2Q10 GMM, via teleconference, is encouraged to contact Brooke Scherer.
JAN 2010 SOD SCHEDULE
01/24: ZOLTAN PROKAY
TEL: (435) 669-0240
zprokay@njasap.com
01/31: BRIAN WARD
TEL: (303) 570-4806
bward@@njasap.com |
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JANUARY 15, 2010 |
FROM THE UNION PRESIDENT NEWS |
Dear Crewmember,
At midnight, 495 of our NetJets colleagues will begin a difficult journey when they leave our ranks as active pilots to navigate a challenging economic environment. The financial crisis has had a chilling effect on the aviation industry, making it especially difficult to find jobs that offer any type of stability or livable wage. For this reason, it is imperative NJASAP crewmembers continue to support our furloughed colleagues, and you have a variety of ways to do this. The Furlough Working Group is currently recruiting peer-pilots to pair with furloughees and their families as part of the Pilot Outreach Program. You may volunteer to participate in this initiative by completing an on-line form or contacting the FWG directly. Additionally, you can contribute to the NetJets Family Foundation, which offers NetJets employees an automatic payroll deduction option. You may also post job leads in the jobs forum of the Message Board.
For its part, NJASAP will continue to give the FWG the resources to support our furloughees. To that end, the group sent its first newsletter to furloughees earlier this week: Beacon will be published on a quarterly basis and will include a variety of NJASAP, Company and industry updates. We will also continue to explore all avenues that will shorten the furlough duration.
Turning our attention to this week, in many ways, it is a new day at NJASAP. Rather than convening leadership meetings to deal with the issue du jour thrust upon us by the Company, we have entered an era in which disputes and conflicts can be promptly and professionally addressed by existing resolution processes. The all hands on deck approach to conflict resolution and mitigation that characterized much of 2009 is no longer the norm. The move to utilize contractually stipulated processes to resolve issues presented the Board with the unique opportunity to focus almost exclusively on Union administration and management, continued infrastructure development and policy writing during its first quarterly working session of the year held this past week.
Our Union administration focus included a comprehensive review of the Terms of Service (TOS) that govern the use of the NJASAP Message Board. The decision to examine the TOS was made after the instances of personal attacks began to increase. Following a critical review and a lengthy discussion, the Board agreed the existing TOS are adequate, allowing for a functional, productive crew lounge. However, the Board’s assessment uncovered inconsistent enforcement of the TOS and moderation, resulting from the lack of clear guidance and an overworked Moderation Team. Indeed, there is simply too much area for the five-member team to cover to ensure members comply with the TOS and they have not had clear guidance on the process of offering consistent, unambiguous moderation.
The Executive Board has taken steps to change this: To begin, Steward Mike Pascalar and Moderation Team Manager Garner Miller will begin work on developing the Message Board Moderation Manual next week. The manual will give moderators guidance necessary to consistently apply the TOS, including taking action against members who violate the same. Language will be included that not only references the TOS, but also explains what the terms mean and how they should be applied, giving moderators examples of what will and will not be moderated. Our intent is to ensure all members of the message board community are treated fairly and held to the same standards.
The second part of our initiative will expand the moderation team to include 10 to 15 additional volunteers. Message Board moderation should not be a full-time job for any volunteer; therefore, while new volunteers are recruited and trained, NJASAP Stewards will assist current moderators. Once the new moderators are in place, the Stewards will step away from the process.
One component of consistent enforcement relates to the various forums to which active and inactive members should have access. The NJASAP Bylaws define message board access as a right and privilege of membership. Because pilots on a leave of absence, retirees and furloughees do not retain these rights, they are not entitled to message board access. However, the Executive Board and I wanted to ensure our colleagues have a forum to talk with fellow furloughees, which lead us to task Miller with creating a Furloughed Pilot Forum where furloughees may post and reply to messages. Additionally, they will retain private messaging capabilities, Briefing Room Access and read/write privileges on the job posting and buy/sell forums.
Our work on the TOS this week was intended to ensure the message board remains a community in which members can state their opinions without fear of unchecked personal attacks raining down up on them. I am very hopeful the steps we have taken will give moderators the resources to make sure that happens.
On a final note, I would, once again, like to assure our departing colleagues NJASAP will remain a constant source of support until they are recalled. We will continue to advocate on their behalf, to provide resources, and to implement the outreach programs necessary to support them and their families throughout this difficult time.
Fraternally,
Capt. Mark Luthi |
NJASAP NEWS |
FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT OF INDUSTRY AFFAIRS
Dear Crewmember,
In response to incredibly troubling provisions included in HR 3371, NJASAP is launching a letter writing campaign, and we need your help. The legislation is currently on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation’s docket, and it is critical pilots whose delegates sit on the committee communicate their opposition to the FAA Records Database called for by the legislation. The states include Alaska, Ark., Calif., Fla., Ga., Hawaii, Kan., La., Mass., Maine, Minn., Mo., Miss., N.D., Neb., N.J., Nev., N.M., S.C., S.D., Texas, Wash, W.Va., and Va.
The Pilot Records Database created in Section 6 of HR 3371 would require all comments made during training events by check airmen, whether the pilot passes or fails, and all disciplinary matters, whether it is related to the operation of an aircraft, to be put in the database. As written, the pilot has little recourse in correcting errors or challenging what is entered by current or former employers; this provision as well as NJASAP’s concerns were discussed in the 2009 Holiday Compass. A sample letter, which you are free to edit, is available in the Industry Affairs Area of the NJASAP Web site; a copy of HR 3371 is also available.
In December, President Mark Luthi and I visited Sen. Byron Dorgan in his Washington D.C. office where we spent considerable time discussing the shortcomings of HR 3371 and introducing him to NJASAP's principal legislative concern, redefining operational control, which was adopted that same week as a CAPA initiative.
Scheduling the highly coveted meeting with Sen. Dorgan can be directly credited to a NetJets pilot and North Dakota resident who contacted Dorgan’s office on the Association’s behalf. It is my pleasure to acknowledge this crewmember and to extend the Executive Board’s gratitude for his assistance.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with questions about this or any industry affairs-related matter via e-mail or telephone, (937) 708-9103.
Fraternally,
Capt. Dan Lieff
FROM THE NJA/NJI INTEGRATION TEAM
NMB ruling regarding NetJets flight attendants will not affect on-going NJA/NJI pilot integration
In recent communications, the Company has reported the NJI flight attendants (NJI-FA) have launched a card drive with the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) in a bid to organize. Because the NJA/NJLA flight attendants are affiliated with Teamsters Local 284, the NJI-FAs action has set the stage for the National Mediation Board (NMB) to consider the single carrier status of all NetJets flight attendants. The NMB’s involvement could lead to questions regarding the single carrier status of NetJets pilots.
When the Union first learned of the developing situation, the Integration Team investigated the matter to ensure our negotiated integration agreement memorialized in LOA 01-013 would not be put at risk by the flight attendants’ potential representation dispute. The team sought advice from staff and outside counsel familiar with the integration, We have since learned the on-going NJA/NJI pilot integration is not at risk.
The NMB reviews single carrier disputes by individual craft and class; therefore, a ruling pertaining to one craft and class within a Company will not necessary affect another. That is to say the NMB could rule all NetJets pilots constitute a single transportation system for the purpose of collective bargaining but determine the NJA and NJI flight attendants do not. While this may seem counterintuitive, counsel has assured the team this can and has happened at other RLA carriers.
Additionally, the September 2008 Recognition Notice sent by NetJets to NJASAP states the Company has voluntarily recognized the NJA and NJI pilots as part of a “single transportation system for the purpose of collective bargaining” and they will comply with our agreements to integrate the pilot groups, effectively ending any single carrier dispute affecting the pilot groups. It should be noted the Company appears to be arguing in favor of single carrier status for its flight attendants.
The Integration Team is confident the on-going NJA/NJI integration will continue unimpeded, and per LOA 01-013, the NJI pilots will be fully covered by the full 2007 Amended Agreement no later than Nov. 21, 2010.
Executive Board approves appointments to NJPAP chairmanship, Appeal Board
The Executive Board unanimously approved Capt. Tim Markley to replace Capt. Gerry Barker as chair of the NetJets Pilots Assistance Program (NJPAP) during its quarterly working session held in Columbus this past week. Barker resigned his leadership position to spend more time with his family; however, he will remain active with the NJPAP as a program mentor. “Tim has been involved with the NJPAP since its inception,” Vice President of Committee Capt. Amy Vidovich said. “In addition to his historical knowledge, he is extremely passionate about the program: We are confident he will do an excellent job.” Chairing this vital program requires an incredible time commitment, Vidovich continued, extending the Board’s gratitude to Barker for his service and continuing dedication to the program.
In other committee news, the Board approved captains Dick Snow and Tom McAllister to serve as alternates to the Appeal Board; the new appointees fill positions left vacant when one alternate was furloughed and another resigned. A BallotPoint services representative is scheduled to provide training to Snow and McAllister in February.
FROM THE ELECTION COMMITTEE
Officer election notice and rules released
The Notice of Nomination and Election for the 2010 Officer Election as well as the rules regarding the same have been released and are attached to this communication for pilot review. Questions about these documents should be directed to the Election Committee.
Election Discussions & Debates Forum to be added to Message Board
The Nomination Period for the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP) Officer Election will begin March 1, 2010. An “2010 Officer Election Discussions and Debates” forum has been created on the NJASAP Message Board to facilitate discussion about the election. According to Department of Labor regulations that govern union elections, NJASAP cannot censor any statements made by a candidate about the election, including, but not limited to, statements made via a union-sponsored communication resource.
As such, the Message Board Moderation Team cannot edit or remove any content from a Message Board thread containing election campaign speech. This means that threads in the “2010 Officer Election Discussion and Debate” forum will not be edited by individuals other than each post’s author. However, if posts—located in the “2010 Officer Election Discussions and Debates” forum—contain information unrelated to the subject of the thread containing campaign speech, such posts will be subject to moderation. Additionally, if the topic of a thread—not located in the election forum—is unrelated to the election but an individual(s) authors a post(s) which initiates discussion about the election, only those posts related to the election will be moved to the election forum.
Please be cautioned that all individuals who post in this area, like all other areas of the Message Board, may be held liable for their statements by others and cannot be advised of nor protected from the potential for liability by the Message Board Moderation Team.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Election Committee if you have any questions or concerns about this information at election@njasap.com. |
NOTES & REMINDERS |
NOTE: The COBRA Subsidy … The Company is responsible for providing information to you regarding COBRA and qualification for the COBRA subsidy. You may contact the NetJets Compensation and Benefits Department with specific questions as well as peruse the DOL and IRS websites for more detailed information and FAQs.
JAN 2010 SOD SCHEDULE
01/17: MIKE PASCALAR
TEL: (407) 474-7271
mpascalar@njasap.com
01/24: ZOLTAN PROKAY
TEL: (678) 521-9419
zprokay@njasap.com
01/31: BRIAN WARD
TEL: (303) 570-4806
bward@@njasap.com |
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JANUARY 8, 2010 |
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 NJASAP NEWS & NOTES
NJASAP MEETING NOTICE: The First Quarter 2010 General Membership Meeting has been scheduled for Jan. 13, 2010, at 4 p.m. (ET) at the NJASAP office.
4Q09 Virtual Seniority List published … The Fourth Quarter 2009 Virtual Seniority List (VSL) has been released, and the 30-day protest period during which time crewmembers may protest their placement on the VSL began, Friday, Dec. 11; the period will conclude Jan. 13, 2010, at 5 p.m. (ET). Any pilot who intends to protest his or her placement on the list should complete and submit the VSL Protest Form, which is provided on the Union Web site prior to the January deadline. Click here to review the list and/or to file a protest.
PTO provision resumes effect … As of Jan. 1, 2010, the provisions contained in CBA Section 10.4(B)(5) resumed effect. The section states, in part, “Crewmembers may request a personal day on an available day no later than seventy-two (72) hours prior to the start of the tour containing the available day” While the first come first served PTO Bidding Form will not allow a pilot to bid for days within 72 hours of submission, it will not block out the entire tour. As such, it is possible in select circumstances to submit a bid in violation of the above that will be denied in the daily awarding process. Feel free to contact the PTO Implementation Team with questions.
Advance approval decreases likelihood of reimbursement denial … As a reminder, crewmembers must obtain approval from the Company before renting a vehicle with a GPS device or returning a car with a fuel level lower that that with which it was rented. Additionally, it would behoove pilots to give the Company advance notice of any expense to be incurred that is unusual or outside the norm so it can be notated in iJet. “Following these guidelines will reduce or eliminate the chance of an expense being denied,” Joint Retirement and Compensation Committee Chair Capt. Rob McIncrow said. Feel free to contact the committee with questions about this, a reimbursement denial, or any related topic via e-mail.
Work on 2010 hotel list nears completion … Travel and Logistics Committee members continue to work toward finalizing the 2010 list of first- and second-choice hotels in primary markets. The delay in its formal release resulted from errors uncovered by the hotel manager when the list was merged with the contracted amenities list. “We want to ensure the list released to the crews is accurate,” Committee Chair Capt. Jeff Parson said. “Until that time, we are asking the pilot group to be patient.” Although an interim list is available, the hotels are not in alphabetical order; it may be accessed on the Travel Committee page of the NJASAP Web site. Parson encourages any pilot who has questions about why his or her accommodation was made at a certain location to contact the committee via e-mail. Time-critical issues should be brought to the Steward on Duty’s attention.
JAN 2010 SOD SCHEDULE
01/10: JIM BRADY
TEL: (734) 660-3344
jbrady@njasap.com
01/17: MIKE PASCALAR
TEL: (407) 474-7271
mpascalar@njasap.com
01/24: ZOLTAN PROKAY
TEL: (678) 521-9419
zprokay@njasap.com
01/31: BRIAN WARD
TEL: (303) 570-4806
bward@@njasap.com
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FROM THE NJASAP PRESIDENT
Dear Crewmember,
The Executive Board will convene its first quarterly working session of the year in Columbus next week, and we are certain to be greeted by an ambitious agenda as we endeavor to ensure all of NJASAP’s processes and policies comport with the recently ratified Bylaws. Two principal orders of business will be to appoint the Vice President of Compliance from the current Trustee pool and to review NJASAP financial business, including the 2010 planned budget. The appointment will be announced in next week’s edition of The 411.
In financial matters, the Bylaws restrict NJASAP from spending more than 80 percent of its annual dues revenue, a stipulation with which the forecasted budget complies. If, at any point during the year, expenditures exceed the cap, the Board is required to report the same to the membership. This feature was included in the Bylaws for the specific purpose of adding another layer of financial accountability and transparency.
We also plan to set a savings cap by determining a financial reserve that enables NJASAP to quickly and appropriately respond to a variety of situations; once the savings cap is reached, a dues refund mechanism will be triggered. As the Union president, it is my responsibility to ensure our organization has the financial wherewithal to launch strategic initiatives and contingencies but does not become a target based on the same.
This plan is likely to prompt some to question whether reducing the dues rate is a more prudent course of action; however, I believe such a move could prevent NJASAP from being able to adequately fund those reoccurring high dollar expenditures such as negotiations. We can surely agree this is a place in which NJASAP never wants to find itself.
In other matters, with the Bylaws in place, the Board can now finish the NJASAP Policy and Procedures Manual, a multi-phase initiative that has been in process since early 2009. This document will memorialize each and every aspect of our organization, including our committees’ scopes and missions, staff job descriptions, and internal organization – just to name a few. The document will also build in redundancies that ensure our dynamic organization has the fail-safes necessary to operate efficiently and effectively. Training programs for all committees will also be included. For any organization to ensure consistency and to secure its long-term viability, a manual of this kind must be approved, implemented and, most importantly, followed.
Separately, I, along with Vice President of Industry Affairs Dan Lieff and Capt. Rob McIncrow, an NJASAP Steward and SME, met with Ohio Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy on Wednesday afternoon; McIncrow is part of Kilroy’s constituency. We engaged in a very good meeting with the Congresswoman, discussing operational control, and several concerns relative to HR 3371. We also talked about employee rights, emphasizing the importance of ensuing NetJets furloughees are allowed to retain their seniority numbers even if they accept employment with another operator or carrier. At the conclusion of the meeting, we offered to serve as an aviation industry resource for Kilroy’s and her staff; our offer was well received.
On a final note, the effective date of the furlough notice is just days away – a fact that weighs heavily on my mind. During our quarterly working session, the Board will be briefed by the Furlough Working Group, and we will continue to make information and resources available as well as to brainstorm new ways to assist our furloughed brothers and sisters. The enormity of what lies ahead for the 495 cannot be denied; however, NJASAP will continue to vigorously advocate on their behalf and to seek appropriate options to hasten their timely return to the flight line.
Regards,
Capt. Mark Luthi
mluthi@njasap.com
FMLA amendment changes eligibility guidelines
Newly signed legislation amending the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 modifies the minimum number of hours a pilot must fly each year to qualify for FMLA; the annual minimum was previously 1,250 hours. The law closes a loophole that, because of the way in which some air crewmembers’ hours are calculated, effectively excluded more than 200,000 flight attendants and pilots from FMLA coverage. Additionally, the economic downturn has led to a dramatic reduction in flight demand, which resulted in a corresponding decrease in flight time accumulation, preventing pilots from logging the requisite number of hours to achieve FMLA eligibility.
In response, Congress passed and President Obama signed the Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act on Dec. 21, revising benefit guidelines for flight attendants and airline pilots; the law is attached. According to the Act:
“ … a flight attendant or flight crewmember will be considered to meet such FMLA requirement if he or she has worked or been paid for:
(1) at least 60% of the applicable total monthly guarantee (contractual salary amount), or the equivalent for the previous 12-month period for or by the employer with respect to whom such leave is requested; and
(2) a minimum of 504 hours (not counting personal commute time spent on vacation leave or medical or sick leave) during such period.”
The modified standards will compel the Company to approve the FMLA claims of those flight crewmembers who meet the same; prior to the modification, the Company had denied claims. To that end, any pilot who has recently been denied an FMLA request based on the pre-Dec. 21 hourly requirement but is still seeking leave should contact NJASAP Associate Counsel Troy Beynon.
FROM THE FURLOUGH WORKING GROUP (FWG)
Company to release information packet for furloughees
The Company has informed the Furlough Working Group it will be distributing an information packet today to crewmembers scheduled to be furloughed at the end of next week. The information will address three matters that have been the subject of repeated crewmember inquiry as well as other pertinent items.
Since early November, the Furlough Working Group has fielded a number of questions. Four of the most frequently asked questions are featured below.
- Company E-Mail As previously published, furloughed crewmembers will not have access to Company e-mail as of Jan. 16 via OWA or otherwise. Crewmembers who wish to receive periodic business updates are encouraged to submit their personal email address to Labor Relations, ler@netjets.com.
- CrewOps Access Access to CrewOps will cease as of Jan. 16; however, in mid-February to early March, a new web site will be launched for all North American crewmembers to include flight attendants. Active crewmembers will be able to access the site with their current CrewOps username and password; access links will be provided on the index page of the CrewOps web area. Furloughed crewmembers will be issued instructions for how to access the site, which will include periodic business updates, updated recall lists and other Company communications deemed appropriate for furloughed crewmembers.
- Concur Access The Company is scheduled to notify crewmembers their access to Concur will cease on Feb. 5. Therefore, affected crewmembers should make every effort to ensure their expense reporting is complete by that time. The Company has indicated it will work with any crewmember and NJASAP should extenuating circumstances prevent the pilot from completing the process. Separately, personal expenses charged to the Company credit card will be withdrawn from a crewmember's pay or reimbursement, which does not reflect a change in current policy.
- How many weeks will I receive unemployment now that I must file in Ohio? Gov. Ted Strickland has signed numerous agreements to provide federal emergency extended unemployment compensation benefits to eligible Ohioans. These extensions were made possible after the President signed the Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation (EUC) Act of 2008. The act was passed by Congress on June 26, 2008 and, since that time, was amended on Nov. 21, 2008, Feb. 17, 2009, Nov. 6, 2009 and, most recently, Dec. 19, 2009. In its current form, the legislation allows up to 53 weeks of federally extended unemployment compensation, in addition to the potential 26 weeks of regular unemployment compensation. All totaled, furloughed NJA crewmembers could receive benefits for up to 79 weeks.
Please do not hesitate to contact the FWG with questions, problems or concerns, fwg@njasap.com. |
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DECEMBER 30, 2009 |
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NJASAP NEWS & NOTES
NJASAP MEETING NOTICES:
The First Quarter 2010 General Membership Meeting has been scheduled for Jan. 13, 2010, at 4 p.m. (ET) at the NJASAP office.
PTO Implementation Team encourages pilots to make yearly election … As the year’s end approaches, the PTO SME would like to remind pilots about the deadline for submitting the 2010 Cash Out Election or PTO Sell-Back Form. According to 2007 CBA § 10.6, overflow PTO days may be sold back on Jan. 1 of each year or placed in the Long Term Bank, depending on the pilot’s election from the year before. The next cash out will occur in January 2010 and the payment will be included in the second January pay check.
A pilot’s last Cash Out election will remain valid until he or she changes it; therefore, a pilot need not submit the form each year if there are no changes to the election. If no election has been made, the default is for a zero percent cash out and all days will be placed in the Long Term Bank. However, if a pilot intends to submit a PTO Sell-Back Form for 2010, he or she must submit the form no later than Dec. 31, 2009.
Please note, cash out/sell-back elections must be made one year in advance. Therefore, a pilot’s 2010 election to be paid in January 2011 will be guided by the choices he or she made on or before Dec. 31, 2009. To make this election, please visit the CrewOps Web site, log-on to My Page, and click on the PTO Sell Back Form link on the right side of the screen.
Please do not hesitate to contact the PTO Team with any questions.
Attention Falcon 2000 and G200 Crewmembers: The transition to the PC (proficiency check) recurrent simulator training cycle will commence on Jan. 1, 2010. As a reminder, FAR Part 121 recurrent simulator training is presently conducted at FSI-CMH only. All other (non-CMH) training centers will conduct training under FAR Part 135. Unlike the LOS cycle, the PC cycle is focused primarily on individual tasks and maneuvers and is almost identical to the FAR Part 135 training and evaluation program. The PC cycle is scheduled to begin Jan. 1 and to end June 30. An updated LOS cycle will commence on July 1, 2010. Feel free to contact the Union Training Committee with any questions.
4Q09 Virtual Seniority List published … The Fourth Quarter 2009 Virtual Seniority List (VSL) has been released, and the 30-day protest period during which time crewmembers may protest their placement on the VSL began, Friday, Dec. 11; the period will conclude Jan. 13, 2010, at 5 p.m. (ET). Any pilot who intends to protest his or her placement on the list should complete and submit the VSL Protest Form, which is provided on the Union Web site prior to the January deadline. Click here to review the list and/or to file a protest.
DEC 2009 / JAN 2010 SOD SCHEDULE
01/03: GREG ROUNTREE
TEL: (501) 231-9278
grountree@njasap.com
01/10: JIM BRADY
TEL: (734) 660-3344
jbrady@njasap.com
01/17: MIKE PASCALAR
TEL: (407) 474-7271
mpascalar@njasap.com
01/24: ZOLTAN PROKAY
TEL: (678) 521-9419
zprokay@njasap.com
01/31: BRIAN WARD
TEL: (303) 570-4806
bward@@njasap.com
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FROM THE UNION PRESIDENT
Dear Crewmember,
While I would not go so far as to say 2010 will be a year of relative calm, I feel I can say with some degree of certainty that it is unlikely to be filled with the constant change and uncertainty that characterized much of 2009. We have seemingly arrived at a point where the plan, the players and the variables are known, freeing our organization to concentrate its many resources on projects and initiatives that speak to our mission of providing unparalleled representation and services to you.
With that in mind, and from an organizational standpoint, we have fully implemented an amended set of Bylaws that better reflect our core values, can sustain our incredible momentum, and guarantee compliance with federal guidelines. Their passage has also positioned the Association to finalize the NJASAP Policy and Procedures Manual, which is now close to completion after more than 14 months of continuous work. The manual is just one of many topics that will be discussed during the 1Q10 Executive Board working session scheduled for mid January.
The working session, which coincides with the effective date of the pilot furlough, will also give Union leaders an opportunity to receive a full briefing from the NJASAP Furlough Working Group, led by fellow Board member Capt. Amy Vidovich. Part of the briefing will include a review of the inaugural edition of the newsletter that will be sent to our affected brethren prior to Jan. 16. The impending furlough remains a sobering reminder of the harsh realities brought about by the economic crisis, and as I have stated on numerous occasions, NJASAP remains wholly committed to hastening our furloughed colleagues’ return to active duty. This will remain a top priority until all 495 pilots have rejoined our ranks. In the interim, you can assist our furloughed colleagues by making regular donations to the NetJets Family Foundation (NJFF). The Foundation will be the vehicle through which affected pilots can apply for and receive financial assistance. You may donate to the NJFF via automatic payroll deduction; to learn more, please visit www.netjetsfamily.org.
Although we have not yet encountered this situation, we are, proactively, attempting to identify a work-around should a furloughed pilot accept employment with an operator who insists he or she officially resign from NetJets. We intend to discuss this topic with NetJets to determine whether we can work together to put in place a mitigation strategy; however, any reluctance on the Company’s part to involve itself in this type of matter is understandable. Becoming enmeshed in a labor relations matter outside of its purview is not likely to be a situation in which NJA would like to find itself.
Separately, our Association will also continue to establish a presence on Capitol Hill. Indeed, the growing importance of involving ourselves in industry affairs cannot be denied. For instance, in the wake of the attempted terrorist attack on Christmas Day, we anticipate knee-jerk legislation is likely to be drafted that fails to substantively address any real issue. If that does prove to be the case, we hope the many contacts we have made will give us the edge necessary to ensure our voice is heard and that our nation’s legislators have the information necessary to make informed, prudent decisions. In the short term and beyond, NJASAP intends to build on a fledgling foundation to emerge as a true resource to Congressional leaders tasked with enhancing the aviation industry.
True, the year ahead is unique in that we are in something of a status quo period; however, that does not mean we can rest on our laurels. Quite the contrary, NJASAP must remain vigilant in defending your professional interests, fortifying the organization, and carrying forward joint projects with the Company. We will remain a tireless advocate intent on providing professional representation for professional pilots. You have come to expect and deserve nothing less. Following a year of tremendous change, you can rely on this single absolute.
Fraternally,
Capt. Mark Luthi
mluthi@njasap.com
FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE
Dear Crewmember,
Earlier this week, the Executive Board voted to approve the CY2010 NJASAP Budget, following an extensive two-month development process that involved my office in addition to the Director of Accounting, committee and working group leaders and fellow Board members. In accordance with the recently approved NJASAP Bylaws, specifically § 4.5(B)(5), the budget was constructed in a way to ensure planned expenses do not exceed 80 percent of projected dues income. The budget document is intended for informational and planning purposes; therefore, it does not imply approval for any expense. Rather, all expenses must be submitted for approval via the procedures outlined in the NJASAP Bylaws and documented per Association policies.
AT A GLANCE: CY2010 Financials
Income: $4.635M* Projected income for FY2010 is $4.63M. Dues revenues were forecast using both base salary payroll and gross salary payroll modeling for NJASAP members and management pilots. Changes to base and gross salary payroll resulting from the furlough scheduled for Jan. 16, 2010, were taken into consideration; however, the increase in base salary resulting from the NJI Integration, scheduled to be completed in November, were not. Base salary payroll was factored up by eight-and-a-half percent to determine gross salary payroll; this figure was determined by calculating Base-to-Gross Override (BGO) from October 2008 through October 2009.
Expenses: $3.70M* Expenses were analyzed in two areas: operations expenses and volunteer expenses. Operations expenses refer to those associated with managing NJASAP, including staff salaries and benefits, office and administrative costs, and legal and other professional fees. Volunteer expenses include those associated with Association committees, the Stewards Council and the Executive Board.
Net income available for savings: $935,586* Net income will be invested in accordance with the NJASAP Investment Policy Statement (IPS).
Planned expenses expressed as a percentage of dues revenues are an estimated 79.81 percent, which complies with the cap put in place by the NJASAP Bylaws.
Currently, a five-year Strategic Business Plan (SBP) is being developed and will outline the Association’s longer term financial planning goals and objectives.
The CY2010 Budget Executive Summary is available for review on the NJASAP Vice President of Finance web area; the full budget may be reviewed at the NJASAP Office. Should you have any questions about the budget or other finance-related matters, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Fraternally,
Capt. Jeff Burrows
* This figure is an estimate.
FROM THE FURLOUGH WORKING GROUP
COBRA subsidy information released … The stimulus package, which was enacted as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) temporarily reduces the premium for COBRA coverage for eligible individuals. In select instances, COBRA can be used to extend employer-provided group health coverage if a worker would otherwise lose the coverage due to certain events such as a job loss.
Individuals who may take advantage of the reduced COBRA premium are those who were involuntary terminated from employment or whose family member was terminated from employment between Sept. 1, 2008 and Feb. 28, 2010. Eligible individuals will pay only 35 percent of the full COBRA premium under their plans for up to 15 months. The remaining 65 percent will be reimbursed directly to the employer, plan administrator, or insurance company through a payroll tax credit.
The premium reduction is generally available for continuation coverage under the Federal COBRA provisions, as well as for group health insurance coverage under state continuation coverage laws. However, if you are eligible for other group health coverage such as that obtained as part of new employment or via spouse's plan or if you are eligible for Medicare, you are not eligible for the premium reduction.
The company should provide notice of your eligibility to elect COBRA and to receive the premium reduction; the notice should include any forms necessary for enrollment. If the amount you earn for the year is more than $125,000, or $250,000 for married couples filing a joint federal income tax return, you may have to repay all or part of the premium reduction through an increase in your income tax liability for the year. If you think your income may exceed the amounts above, you may wish to consider waiving your right to the premium reduction. For more information, consult your tax preparer or visit the IRS web page on ARRA.
For more information visit the resource links below or contact the NetJets Compensation & Benefits Department.
IRS Resource: COBRA
DOL Resources:
COBRA Premium Reduction FAQs
General Cobra FAQs
Please note, the DOL site has not been updated to reflect the Feb. 28, 2010 extension of the COBRA subsidy.
Employment Opportunities: The Furlough Working Group (FWG) continues to accept pilot resumes for the contract flying database. Please consider sending your resume to the group, fwg@njasap.com, if you have not already done so. The FWG will begin advertising the database to charter operators in January. Additionally, when solicited, the FWG provides resumes to employers who request a specific qualification or location. The FWG notifies each crewmember via e-mail of when and to whom their resume was sent.
On a final note, job opportunity postings are continually updated in real time in the Employment Info and Job Posting Forum of the NJASAP Message Board. |
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DECEMBER 23, 2009 |
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NJASAP NEWS & NOTES
NJASAP MEETING NOTICES:
The First Quarter 2010 General Membership Meeting has been scheduled for Jan. 13, 2010, at 4 p.m. (ET) at the NJASAP office.
4Q09 Virtual Seniority List published … The Fourth Quarter 2009 Virtual Seniority List (VSL) has been released, and the 30-day protest period during which time crewmembers may protest their placement on the VSL began, Friday, Dec. 11; the period will conclude Jan. 13, 2010, at 5 p.m. (ET). Any pilot who intends to protest his or her placement on the list should complete and submit the VSL Protest Form, which is provided on the Union Web site prior to the January deadline. Click here to review the list and/or to file a protest.
DEC 2009 / JAN 2010 SOD SCHEDULE
12/27: SCOTT TIMKO
TEL: (724) 612-7335
stimko@njasap.com
01/03: GREG ROUNTREE
TEL: (501) 231-9278
grountree@njasap.com
01/10: JIM BRADY
TEL: (734) 660-3344
jbrady@njasap.com
01/17: MIKE PASCALAR
TEL: (407) 474-7271
mpascalar@njasap.com
01/24: ZOLTAN PROKAY
TEL: (678) 521-9419
zprokay@njasap.com
01/31: BRIAN WARD
TEL: (303) 570-4806
bward@@njasap.com
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FROM THE UNION PRESIDENT
Dear Crewmember,
It is difficult to enjoy the holiday season with the same sense of pleasure as in years past when I consider the harsh realities that lie ahead for 495 of my colleagues. I regret despite our very best efforts that we were unable to prevent the reduction in force. What little comfort I can offer is NJASAP will continue to make every possible effort to assist these colleagues and their families as well as to work with senior NetJets executives to hasten their return to the flight line.
Members of the Furlough Working Group assisted by a number of other Union advocates will play a central role in providing timely assistance and resources to our furloughed pilots. It is in these very instances the importance of the men and women who volunteer on behalf of the organization becomes quite clear. As such, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my personal thanks to each and every member of the Union Volunteer Network, including my fellow Executive Board members as well as the Stewards and committee and working group leaders and volunteers. It is their collective efforts that have enabled NJASAP to emerge so quickly as an industry-leading organization.
This year, in particular, has been especially challenging as we sought to respond appropriately to the economic downturn, to implement furlough mitigation efforts, to maintain joint, cooperative initiatives, to resolve conflicts and disputes in a timely, financial prudent manner and, finally, to launch a furloughed pilot resource plan.
Our volunteers display a genuine dedication to the NJASAP objective and ideals and a selfless commitment to working to that end. These countless hours of work and advocacy often go without praise and gratitude, and for that very reason, I wanted to acknowledge their contributions today. I am hopeful our volunteer network will continue to grow in the year ahead and our existing volunteers – the majority of whom have accumulated invaluable institution knowledge and niche expertise – will continue to work in the service of NJASAP.
I would also like to recognize you, the members, for remaining committed to our Association. The strength of a labor organization corresponds directly to the sense of engagement and ownership shared by its membership. Throughout the next year, the Board and I will focus on how we can further empower you and your colleagues and perpetuate our organization’s momentum. And with those final thoughts, please accept my sincerest wishes for a happy holiday season and a peaceful new year.
Fraternally,
Capt. Mark Luthi
PTO Implementation Team explains sell-back process, encourages pilots to make yearly election
As the year’s end approaches, pilots should be mindful of the deadline for submitting the 2010 Cash Out Election or PTO Sell-Back Form: According to 2007 CBA § 10.6, overflow PTO days may be sold back on Jan. 1 of each year or placed in the Long-Term Bank, depending on the pilot’s election from the previous year. The next cash out will occur in January 2010, and the payment will be included in the second January pay check.
Please note, cash out/sell-back elections must be made one year in advance. Therefore, a pilot’s 2010 election to be paid in January 2011 will be guided by the choices he or she makes on or before Dec. 31, 2009. To make this election, please visit the CrewOps Web site, log-on to My Page, and click on the PTO Sell Back Form link on the right side of the screen.
Please do not hesitate to contact the PTO Team with any questions.
UNEMPLOYMENT CLARIFICATION: NJA pilots must file for unemployment benefits in Ohio
Recently, the FWG was informed select unemployment administration procedures had changed. Specifically, because NetJets reports and pays unemployment insurance for its employees to the state of Ohio, its employees must file for benefits with the state of Ohio. The option to file in your state of residence is no longer available. Affected pilots may open a claim online after the effective furlough date at http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us. Please note, this clarification is not applicable to NJI furloughees.
As a reminder, please continue to check the Job & Employment Message Board Forum. The forum is updated as soon as new job postings are made available.
Legislation approved to extend COBRA premium subsidy Earlier this week, President Obama signed into law a measure to extend the federal subsidy of COBRA health insurance premiums for employees who are involuntarily terminated; the extension was embedded in the defense appropriations bill and applies to workers who involuntary lose their jobs through Feb. 28, 2010. Specifically, the nine-month, 65 percent premium subsidy would be extended by six months to a total of 15 months.
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DECEMBER 18, 2009 |
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NJASAP NEWS & NOTES
NJASAP MEETING NOTICES:
The First Quarter 2010 General Membership Meeting has been scheduled for Jan. 13, 2010, at 4 p.m. (ET) at the NJASAP office.
Increased calls for assistance prompt Board to action … The backlog of crewmembers requesting assistance with obtaining their VIN and PIN to vote in the on-going 2009 Bylaw Referendum prompted the Executive Board to convene an emergency meeting this morning to discuss a motion to extend the referendum period. The motion, which was presented by President Mark Luthi and unanimously approved, extends the referendum period through Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, at 5 p.m. (ET).
Association staff members will continue to assist pilots who have lost their PIN and/or VIN today as well as throughout the weekend: The office will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (ET), Saturday and Sunday.
Taking this course of action was necessary to ensure pilots who are unable to contact the office between normal business hours are given the assistance they need as well as to help those crewmembers who have contacted the office within the last 24 hours. What’s more, throughout the past 72 hours, the number of pilots who have voted in the election has increased significantly, which also played a role in our decision.
Legal counsel has confirmed this move complies with the NJASAP Election Manual and existing Bylaws. Additionally, we have consulted with a former Department of Labor (DOL) inspector, who has examined the matter and found no DOL issues.
Extending the timeline will help us ensure each pilot’s voice is heard and to confirm the time taken by crewmembers who have already voted was worthwhile.
Should you have any questions about this matter, please do not hesitate to contact the Board.
Attention: Ultra, Encore, Encore+ Pilots … NetJets crewmembers in all variants of the CE560 should have received the most recent revisions to the Normal Checklist, Normal Preflight Checklist, SOPs and the Flight Profiles via mail. If you have not received the revision, please contact the UTC or the NJA Training & Standards Department as soon as possible.
The implementation of the new Checklists, SOPs and Profiles will be completed in three specific phases. Phase 2, or the Practical Application Phase, began this past week on Monday and is expected to last 60 days. During Phase 2, crewmembers are expected to use the revised Checklists, SOPs and Flight Profiles during all line operations and training events. FSI will reinforce the use of these new procedures during recurrent simulator training events. During checkride events, areas of crewmember deficiency will typically be addressed by the check airman during the debrief. Phase 3, or full implementation of the new procedures, is scheduled for Feb. 12, 2010.
Should you have any questions, comments or concerns about these new procedures, please contact the UTC or the NJA Training & Standards Department.
DEC 2009 / JAN 2010 SOD SCHEDULE
12/20: NEIL CHANEY
TEL: (419) 480-7552
nchaney@njasap.com
12/27: SCOTT TIMKO
TEL: (724) 612-7335
stimko@njasap.com
01/03: GREG ROUNTREE
TEL: (501) 231-9278
grountree@njasap.com
01/10: JIM BRADY
TEL: (734) 660-3344
jbrady@njasap.com
01/17: MIKE PASCALAR
TEL: (407) 474-7271
mpascalar@njasap.com
01/24: ZOLTAN PROKAY
TEL: (678) 521-9419
zprokay@njasap.com
01/31: BRIAN WARD
TEL: (303) 570-4806
bward@@njasap.com
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FROM THE UNION PRESIDENT
Dear Crewmember,
So much has changed within our industry throughout the past year – not to mention NetJets and its senior leadership team. The economy combined with questionable management practices threatened our Company to the extent that led many of us to question NetJets’s long-term viability. The challenges have, indeed, been numerous this year.
To that end, it has been a tremendous undertaking to stay one step ahead of the incessant changes that have confronted our Association. This however, started long before 2009. Beginning in 2004, we launched the Strong Union effort to achieve the kind of representation this pilot group deserved and to negotiate a contract that recognizes the skill and professionalism that characterize the NetJets pilots. One year later, we ratified a hard fought agreement and secured the Teamsters Local 1108 charter. In 2007, we engaged in the Interest-Based Bargaining Effort, which led to the signing of a superior agreement that remains the industry leader. Of course, the Teamsters-to-NJASAP transition in 2008 remains fresh in our minds.
Turning our attention to 2009, in January we voiced concerns about the Company’s commitment to the Labor-Management Relationship Program before calling on NetJets leaders to cease their wasteful practices. We then took the lead in developing the furlough mitigation campaign, which gave our junior pilots several additional months of work. In August, a sea change occurred at the highest levels of the Company’s management structure, ushering in a new cadre of leaders and compelling us to agree to temporarily suspend non-time critical joint projects. Thereafter, we worked to identify new ways to mitigate a pilot furlough, and when they could not be implemented, we activated the Furloughed Pilot Assistance Initiative.
This past year, leaders, Stewards and volunteers have frequently found themselves trying to address one issue while anticipating the next two, three or four – a practice that is not unique to NJASAP advocates. Adopting a strategic mission that embraces proactivity is imperative to the success and effectiveness of any organization.
However, several critical steps proceed the fulfillment of this imperative, beginning with securing a firm foundation through the development of policies and procedures. Rarely do my weekly communication prepared not contain a reference to the continuing development of the NJASAP Policy and Procedures Manual. The fact is I believe in an organized infrastructure governed by policies and procedures that hold leaders accountable for their actions and safeguard the Association’s best interests. Indeed, it would be impossible for NJASAP to remain a successful, viable organization if chaos and mob-rule characterized our management strategy.
Confidence in the appropriateness and effectiveness of our policies and procedures gives Union leaders and volunteers the guidance necessary not only to manage the Association’s day-to-day affairs but also to plan for the future. Planning and preparation, two hallmarks of proactivity, are integral to sustaining NJASAP.
To that end, the Executive Board has turned its attention to developing a five-year plan that will provide a blueprint for each aspect of our organization from committee affairs to industry affairs to financial affairs. Although the plan is in the early drafting stages, we have opted to forge ahead with our industry affairs initiatives. As I stated in last week’s communication, our intent is not only to shape legislation currently being considered by Congress, but to guide our elected leaders’ efforts in a direction that serves to enhance the aviation industry as a whole.
Throughout the past decade, we have watched as policy makers have negated 20 years of advancement; however, it would seem the tide is beginning to turn. We now have leaders and decision makers in place who have demonstrated an understanding of and a genuine desire to enhance the safety of air travel. I am especially encouraged that labor advocates are being asked to serve as part of committees and working groups tasked with tackling a myriad of issues, including fatigue, flight and duty time, and pilot training.
Our efforts on Capitol Hill will ultimately help secure a negotiating environment in which we can vigorously advocate for and defend the positions we take on various areas of our collective bargaining agreement. I firmly believe what we do today to shape that environment will pay dividends in the future. For that reason, we cannot afford to take a wait and see attitude; rather, we must move ahead with focus and resolve.
The most successful organizations learn from the past, focus on the present, and prepare for the future. To that end, our advocacy extends well past today: We are brainstorming scenarios as to how our industry, our Company and our Association are likely to evolve in one-, two-, five-, and even 10-years. We do this for the specific purpose of defending your interests – for providing professional representation for professional pilots.
On a separate note, the Executive Board issued a communication earlier today announcing the deadline to participate in the 2009 Bylaws Referendum has been extended through this coming, Monday, Dec. 21, at 5 p.m. (ET); the announcement is reprinted at right. The Board elected to take this course of action to ensure each and every pilot has the opportunity to vote. Due to the influx of calls from pilots who required assistance with their PIN and/or VIN within the past 24 hours as well as the difficulty some have with contacting the office during normal business hours, the referendum period was extended and additional office hours have been scheduled for this weekend: the office will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
While this decision may seem questionable to some, neither I nor any of my fellow Board members felt it was appropriate for the referendum to conclude when pilots were waiting for assistance with the registration process. NJASAP is not now nor will it ever be in the business of keeping its members from participating in the democratic process. Each of you have a voice and you the right to use it.
Fraternally,
Capt. Mark Luthi
mluthi@njasap.com
FROM VICE PRESIDENT OF INDUSTRY AFFAIRS
Dear Crewmember,
President Mark Luthi and I met with North Dakota Sen. Byron Dorgan and his aviation legislative assistant this week to discuss operational control and other aviation issues. The senator was very attentive and gracious, spending a fair amount of time discussing our proposal to expand and enhance the definition of operational control. He and his staff were very interested in our proposal, which has started to take root in Washington D.C., and is gaining traction with labor.
Luthi and Lieff were joined by NJASAP Associate Counsel for the Fourth Quarter 2009 CAPA Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting. NJASAP's Operational Control Proposal was unanimously approved by the BOD and will now become an official CAPA issue, placing the resources of the 28,000-pilot strong trade association behind the initiative. There is clearly a tremendous amount of pressure on legislators to fix the safety woes of the industry, and I believe they are beginning to see, one way or another, operational control is at the heart of it.
Several other positions were also unanimously adopted by the CAPA BOD during the three-day meeting, including opposition to the use of data taken from CVR and FDRs for disciplinary purposes as well as the installation of video cameras in the cockpit. Maintaining FMLA protections for crewmembers and preventing prescriptive legislation that would impact crewmembers off-duty time were also adopted as issues.
For more information on NJASAP Industry Affairs and how you can help, please visit our web area.
Fraternally,
Capt. Dan Lief
dlieff@njasap.com
Grassroots toy fund a tremendous success … NetJets pilots banded together to contribute approximately $11,000 in support of the grassroots initiative to help furloughed pilots purchase gifts for their children; the initiative was led by F/O Tom Aldrich. Donations, 100 percent of which will be converted into gift cards from major retailers, will be sent to families through the remainder of the week. In total, 89 children will receive a $121 gift card.
Separate grassroots efforts continue to help affected pilot families in especially challenging situations. To find out more about these initiatives, please visit www.helpanetjetspilot.com. If you are aware of a family that has a particularly challenging need, please contact Deb Mantello, dmantello@msn.com, or Chris Ensign, cbensign@gmail.com.
Finally, pilots may also lend a hand to the furloughed pilots by opting into the NetJets Family Foundation (NJFF) automatic payroll deduction plan; more information about how the Foundation can help our furloughed pilots is provided in the 2009 Holiday edition of The Compass.
FROM PTO SME BRIAN WARD
PTO Implementation Team explains sell-back process, encourages pilots to make yearly election
As the year’s end approaches, pilots should be mindful of the deadline for submitting the 2010 Cash Out Election or PTO Sell-Back Form: According to 2007 CBA § 10.6, overflow PTO days may be sold back on Jan. 1 of each year or placed in the Long-Term Bank, depending on the pilot’s election from the previous year. The next cash out will occur in January 2010, and the payment will be included in the second January pay check.
Please note, cash out/sell-back elections must be made one year in advance. Therefore, a pilot’s 2010 election to be paid in January 2011 will be guided by the choices he or she makes on or before Dec. 31, 2009. To make this election, please visit the CrewOps Web site, log-on to My Page, and click on the PTO Sell Back Form link on the right side of the screen.
Please do not hesitate to contact the PTO Team with any questions.
FROM THE FURLOUGH WORKING GROUP
UNEMPLOYMENT CLARIFICATION: NJA pilots must file for unemployment benefits in Ohio
Recently, the FWG was informed select unemployment administration procedures had changed. Specifically, because NetJets reports and pays unemployment insurance for its employees to the state of Ohio, its employees must file for benefits with the state of Ohio. The option to file in your state of residence is no longer available. Affected pilots may open a claim online after the effective furlough date at http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us. Please note, this clarification is not applicable to NJI furloughees.
As a reminder, please continue to check the Job & Employment Message Board Forum. The forum is updated as soon as new job postings are made available.
House approves measure to extend COBRA premium subsidy
By an overwhelming majority, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation Wednesday that would extend the federal subsidy of COBRA health insurance premiums for employees who are involuntarily terminated; the extension was embedded in H.R. 3326, a measure referred to as the Department of Defense Bill.
Specifically, the nine-month, 65 percent premium subsidy would be extended by six months to a total of 15 months and would apply to those who lose their jobs through Feb. 28, 2010. Under current law, employees who lose their jobs after Dec. 31 are ineligible for the subsidy. Washington observers say the bill is on “fast-track” consideration and could be quickly approved by the Senate.
Furloughed crewmember starts training initiative … Furloughed crewmember Ed Skorak has started a Furloughed Pilot Training Initiative and is currently negotiating with three top training facilities to procure recurrent and initial training at a discounted rate for his fellow NJA furloughees; he is actively seeking input from affected pilots who may be interested in obtaining training. There is no obligation to sign up for the program; rather, it is intended to give the furloughed pilots group purchasing power when negotiating training rates. To that end, the more pilots involved the lower the rates.
Thus far, Skorak has received enthusiastic responses from the NJA pilots who have read his posts on the NJASAP Message Board; however, to ensure each furloughed pilot is aware of the initiative, he asked the Furlough Working Group to include it in an official NJASAP communication; NJI pilots are also welcome to sign up.
In addition to the training initiative, Skorak hopes the group will band together as part of a collective effort to persuade the Ohio Department of Labor to designate WIA funding to help those who need financial assistance for additional training.
Skorak may be contacted via e-mail, eskorak@live.com, or telephone (302) 593-0953. Please be sure to include your name, personal email address, phone number, and list of type ratings. |
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DECEMBER 11, 2009 |
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NJASAP NEWS & NOTES
NJASAP MEETING NOTICES:
The First Quarter 2010 General Membership Meeting has been scheduled for Jan. 13, 2010, at 4 p.m. (ET) at the NJASAP office.
FROM THE STEWARDS COUNCIL
MEL: Broken External Covers
In conjunction with the Company, the Stewards Council would like to remind everyone to properly MEL any external covers (e.g., pitot, static port, or AOA) that are either broken or missing the Remove Before Flight streamer. If you MEL or encounter a cover that has been placed on the MEL, do not place that cover on the aircraft. Feel free to contact the Stewards Council with questions about this matter.
Motorcycle Enthusiasts: Save the Date! … Fellow NetJets pilot Steve Ponder has extended an invitation to all NetJets motorcycle enthusiasts to join him in the first memorial ride in honor of his son on May 22, 2010; the ride will raise funds for the Moffitt Cancer Center. Beginning and ending in Zephyrhills, Flor., the ride is scheduled to include a poker run, lunch and a return followed by a cookout. Any pilot interested in participating may contact Ponder via e-mail, sponder@netjets.com.
DEC 2009 / JAN 2010 SOD SCHEDULE
12/13: SCOTT FOGEL
TEL: (240) 417-9900
sfogel@njasap.com
12/20: NEIL CHANEY
TEL: (419) 480-7552
nchaney@njasap.com
12/27: SCOTT TIMKO
TEL: (724) 612-7335
stimko@njasap.com
01/03: GREG ROUNTREE
TEL: (501) 231-9278
grountree@njasap.com
01/10: JIM BRADY
TEL: (734) 660-3344
jbrady@njasap.com
01/17: MIKE PASCALAR
TEL: (407) 474-7271
mpascalar@njasap.com
01/24: ZOLTAN PROKAY
TEL: (678) 521-9419
zprokay@njasap.com
01/31: BRIAN WARD
TEL: (303) 570-4806
bward@@njasap.com
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FROM THE UNION PRESIDENT
Dear Crewmember,
Manpower aside, the sporting discussion and vigorous debate amid Union leaders, Stewards and volunteers is among the most highly valued contributions of NJASAP advocates. A healthy debate of the issues helps ensure the Executive Board steers clear of a groupthink mentality – the likes of which can prove disastrous for an organization. I believe the same sense of organizational engagement that compels pilots to assume the mantle of Union advocacy also prompts them to question procedural doctrine, policy decisions, new initiatives and the validity of longer term projects – ultimately the strategic plan put in place by the Executive Board.
As a Board, we encourage each member of our volunteer force to voice dissenting opinions in a respectful, constructive manner. Dissent is good. Debate is good. Thought-provoking discussion is good. Indeed, they are integral to our forward motion so long as the commitment to working in the membership’s best interests drives the debate. Even embroiled in the most heated discussion, the dissenters must share this goal – this principal motivator. Frankly, we may not always sing in the same key, but we damn well better be singing from the same sheet of music.
Earlier this week, I, in consultation with the Executive Board, made the difficult decision to suspend two members of the Union Volunteer Network. These weighty decisions were made with great reluctance after numerous, independent attempts to resolve those issues proved unsuccessful. Undeniably the Executive Board holds its volunteers – and its Stewards in particular – to standards intended to protect the integrity of our Association and to reflect our stated credo, Professional representation for professional pilots.
Based on this very philosophy, the Board cannot allow any pilot in his or her capacity as a representative of the Association to vehemently advocate against participation in the organization or to spread disinformation. It cannot and will not be tolerated for one simple reason: Member participation is central to a labor organization’s effectiveness. If a union cannot maintain an engaged, united, informed membership, it cannot possibly hope to fulfill its primary purpose of deftly serving the same. As I have stated many times, the advancements we have made in the past five years have not happened by accident, they are the direct result of the active role you have taken in your Union.
This belief in member involvement, for instance, is at the core of our repeated calls for each pilot to participate in the 2009 Bylaws Referendum, which I am going to issue once again: Please take 10 minutes to communicate your support for or opposition to the proposed amendments by participating in the referendum. The bottom line is this: I am okay with however you decide to vote – so long as you vote. The window of opportunity to participate in the referendum is quickly coming to an end as the polls will close at noon (ET), next Friday, Dec. 18, 2009.
In other Union matters, I am very pleased to report North Dakota Sen. Byron Dorgan, chair of the Senate Aviation subcommittee, and members of his staff have agreed to meet with NJASAP officials next Wednesday afternoon in his Washington D.C. office; Vice President of Industry Affairs Dan Lieff, Associate Counsel Cara Seidt and I are scheduled to travel to the nation’s capitol next week for the Fourth Quarter 2009 CAPA Board of Directors meeting. We intend to discuss operational control, our principle industry affairs initiative, as well as House Resolution 3371 with the senator. An overview of both meetings will be featured in next week’s edition of The 411.
From an aviation legislation perspective, Sen. Dorgan is a central decision maker, holding tremendous sway within his subcommittee and occupying a senior position on the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Indeed, the preliminary findings published by the NTSB regarding the crash of Colgan Airlines Flight 3407, which detailed serious problems associated with crew rest, compensation, training and disparate standards between commuter and major carriers, prompted Dorgan to convene a series of hearings to investigate airline safety. In June, his panel received testimony from federal regulators as well as industry and labor leaders.
Establishing a presence on Capitol Hill is important not only to advancing our legislative agenda, but also to laying the foundation for future collective bargaining talks. What we can do today to protect and enhance our industry, as a whole, will significantly impact the negotiating environment – and our careers – in the years to come. Indeed, the progress we make and the contacts we cultivate will prove consequential to the bargaining atmosphere. Although our collective bargaining efforts have resulted in industry-leading agreements, thus far, the aviation industry is continuously evolving and NJASAP must stay ahead of the fray.
Until next week, please help us demonstrate the solidarity of this group by voting in the Bylaws referendum, providing feedback to elected leaders, and maintaining the level of professionalism that has long characterized this pilot force.
Fraternally,
Capt. Mark Luthi
Board approves committee appointments
The Executive Board is pleased to announce several committee appointments approved during its Wednesday afternoon business teleconference:
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Eduardo Sousa has accepted a position to serve as part of the Joint Reimbursement and Compensation Committee. |
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Scott Dodge has accepted a position to serve as part of the Non-Routine Flight Operations Committee. |
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Margaret “Peg” Carnahan has agreed to serve as chair of the Uniform Committee; she replaces Zoltan Prokay who will now focus on his duties as an NJASAP Steward. |
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Union Safety Board (USB) Co-Chair John Youskauskas has assumed leadership of the USB, and ASAP Event Review Committee member Bob Ferguson has stepped into the role of ASAP subcommittee chair, which was left vacant after Youskauskas assumed his new role. Former USB Chair Brian Clark will continue to work with the committee, focusing on the development and implementation of the Safety Management System. |
“It is a pleasure to welcome Eduardo and Scott to the Union Volunteer Network, and I am also very pleased Peg, a long-time member of the Uniform Committee, has agreed to assume leadership of this important group,” Vice President of Committee Affairs Amy Vidovich said. “Additionally, our Safety Board continues to be comprised of incredibly knowledgeable and engaged volunteers who will remain vigilant in advocating for the highest standards of operational safety not only at NetJets but also throughout the aviation industry.”
FWG proposes idea for unused employment web site subscriptions
NJA pilots asked to provide input on matter
As part of the furloughed pilot support initiative, NJASAP purchased 500 non-refundable subscriptions to two on-line employment web sites, Climbto350.com and Avjobs.com; these purchases were made prior to the formal furlough announcement to ensure the resources would be immediately available to affected pilots. Of the 495 pilots scheduled to be furloughed, 466 are NetJets pilots, leaving 34 subscriptions unused.
By using the 3Q09 Virtual Seniority List to furlough crewmembers, the Company is treating NJA and NJI pilots as a single group. This action, when combined with LOA 01-013 and the Recognition Notice sent in September 2008, signals the full integration of the groups is an eventuality. As a sign of solidarity and brotherhood, the Furlough Working Group has recommended to the Executive Board the unused subscriptions be given to those NJI pilots scheduled to be furloughed; this action will not cause the Union to incur additional costs. The Board has indicated the matter should be put before the membership, using the polling feature of the NJASAP Message Board. To participate, please log on to the Message Board. Should you have questions about this matter, feel free to contact the FWG.
FROM THE JOINT UNIFORM COMMITTEE
Uniform allowance rollover from 2009 to 2010
In accordance with Letter of Agreement 00-009, Paragraph J, crewmembers may rollover the unused balance of their uniform allowance for up to one year. Notwithstanding the 2007 CBA, on Jan. 1, 2010, the remainder of any 2009 uniform allowance will be added to the agreed upon 2010 allowance of $400; the rollover will only take place from 2009 to 2010 unless extended by mutual agreement.
Side letter 00-009 was intended to assist the Company in these difficult economic times; however Paragraph J was included to assist crewmembers with the purchase or replacement of more expensive items, such as the Loro Piana overcoat. Click here to review LOA 00-009. As previously communicated, unused uniform allowance funds are not given to M&H, the uniform vendor; rather, they remain the property of NJA.
On a final note, the purchase of uniform or accessory items for any purpose other than a pilot’s exclusive use is contrary to the intent of the uniform allowance. It is unethical, and, as such, strictly prohibited. |
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DECEMBER 4, 2009 |
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NJASAP NEWS & NOTES
NJASAP MEETING NOTICES:
The Fourth Quarter 2009 General Membership Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. (ET) in the NJASAP office. If you are interested in attending the meeting via teleconference, please contact Karen Calloway to obtain additional information.
The First Quarter 2010 General Membership Meeting has been scheduled for Jan. 13, 2010, at 4 p.m. (ET) at the NJASAP office.
Motorcycle Enthusiasts: Save the Date! … Fellow NetJets pilot Steve Ponder has extended an invitation to all NetJets motorcycle enthusiasts to join him in the first memorial ride in honor of his son on May 22, 2010; the ride will raise funds for the Moffitt Cancer Center. Beginning and ending in Zephyrhills, Flor., the ride is scheduled to include a poker run, lunch and a return followed by a cookout. Any pilot interested in participating may contact Ponder via e-mail, sponder@netjets.com.
DEN Christmas Party RSVP deadline is today … The Denver Christmas Party has been scheduled for Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Embassy Suites Hotel-Tech Center; pilots from the DEN as well as the COS and EGE bases are welcome to attend. A manager's reception scheduled to begin at 5:30 in the lobby will precede the party. The cost to attend the party is $60 per person; however, furloughed pilots and their guests will not be charged. The evening’s events will feature a wine and cash bar, buffet and DJ; cocktail party attire is appropriate. Rooms may be reserved at the NetJets rate of $89 per night. When making your reservation, please inform the clerk you will be attending the NJA Christmas Party. Please RSVP by sending an e-mail to Ray Lallo, lallohf@aol.com, before midnight tonight; crewmembers scheduled to be furloughed in January are asked to stipulate the same in their RSVP. Detailed party and payment information will be sent via e-mail.
DEC 2009 / JAN 2010 SOD SCHEDULE
12/06: PAUL KONRATH
TEL: (405) 863-2255
pkonrath@njasap.com
12/13: SCOTT FOGEL
TEL: (240) 417-9900
sfogel@njasap.com
12/20: NEIL CHANEY
TEL: (419) 480-7552
nchaney@njasap.com
12/27: SCOTT TIMKO
TEL: (724) 612-7335
stimko@njasap.com
01/03: GREG ROUNTREE
TEL: (501) 231-9278
grountree@njasap.com
01/10: JIM BRADY
TEL: (734) 660-3344
jbrady@njasap.com
01/17: MIKE PASCALAR
TEL: (407) 474-7271
mpascalar@njasap.com
01/24: ZOLTAN PROKAY
TEL: (678) 521-9419
zprokay@njasap.com
01/31: BRIAN WARD
TEL: (303) 570-4806
bward@@njasap.com
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FROM THE UNION PRESIDENT
Dear Crewmember,
During this week’s Monday night meeting, a principle questioned raised by the pilots in attendance was whether the impending furlough of 495 pilots would cut too deeply, preventing NetJets from meeting flight demand. Having reviewed the Company’s research and also conducted independent analysis, NJASAP leaders believe the planned reduction in force will allow the Company to adequately staff its flights. It is a terribly unfortunate reality the numbers do support.
Even more regrettable is the likelihood the furlough will not be short-lived. However, this will not prevent our Association from continuing to explore all realistic options for returning our furloughed pilots to the flight line. In the year ahead, we will persevere in this endeavor and continue to support affected pilots and their families to the very best of our ability.
In the midst of this fateful situation, I feel a measure of reassurance based on the to-date performance of Mr. Sokol and his team. While bottom-line oriented, the team of senior executives seems to be rational and reasonable. To wit, NetJets North America President and COO Bill Noe is an experienced pilot who has proven responsive and levelheaded in addressing labor/management issues. Likewise, I anticipate newly ensconced NetJets Aviation President Bill Olsen will continue to work cooperatively with NJASAP on matters of mutual interest.
The Company continues to abide by the contract as evidenced by the scant grievances filings: Since September, 13 grievances have been filed. Additionally, very few pilot representations have taken place. I believe the 2007 Amended Agreement continues to serve both parties well; therefore, it is unrealistic to speculate the Company will seek concessions as implementation of the NetJets Five-Year Plan continues.
Although we are engaged in significantly fewer joint initiatives, we continue to work cooperatively on a variety of matters, the most notable of which are safety issues. However, a persistent source of consternation exists in the form of the NetJets Training and Standards Department. While I believe on-going issues can be resolved to our mutual benefit, doing so will require a systemic change within the department – a position NJASAP has maintained for quite some time. To begin, AOMs and an FOM followed by SOPs must be developed and then a consistent training regimen for Company training personnel must be put in place to ensure our operations are standardized.
This type of restructuring effort will not be easy; however, it is necessary. Indeed, rebuilding the foundation of this vital department has the capacity to prevent the reoccurrence of difficulties like those stemming from the early Fall implementation of the Part 121 N&O-style training program. Obviously, addressing this particular matter will require a longer-term approach; however, it can certainly be done.
In other matters, both NJASAP and the Company are examining various alternatives to offer continued support to the NetJets Family Foundation (NJFF): In the wake of Mr. Santulli’s decision not to donate his committed $333,333 share to the program, the parties have discussed splitting his pledge and remitting it to the Foundation in monthly installments. Additionally, rather than provide in-kind contributions as initially agreed, NetJets, as a Company, has fulfilled its initial pledge via check.
The NJFF will be the vehicle used to provide assistance to furloughed pilots and NJASAP pilot participation is pivotal to ensuring the Foundation has the financial wherewithal to provide this support. If you have not already done so, please visit the NJFF Web site, www.netjetsfamily.com, to learn more about donating via payroll deduction. Quite frankly, the Foundation cannot sustain the kind of support our furloughed pilots will need without the participation of each and every NetJets pilot.
Within the past few weeks, NJASAP has returned its focus to internal matters, continuing to draft the NJASAP Policy and Procedures Manual and to encourage participation in the on-going Bylaws Referendum. As I have stated previously, the Bylaws were revised in an effort to streamline policies, to equally distribute responsibilities amid Executive Board members and to resolve conflicts with Department of Labor guidelines. I understand the amended language regarding election cycles and Executive Board term lengths are considered controversial by some, which should compel you to participate in the election. Please take the time to read the proposal, to determine whether you support or oppose the language, and to vote. Your opportunity to do so will end Dec. 18, at noon (ET).
Our Association will continue to focus on developing our industry affairs agenda. In the wake of the Colgan Airlines crash earlier this year, Congressional leaders have placed a renewed focus on aviation safety. Although we had hoped House Resolution 3371, The Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009 would help bring the industry closer to one level of safety, it has fallen far short of our expectations. The provision related to information that can be placed in the pilot records database, in particular, is seriously problematic. I, along with Vice President of Industry Affairs Dan Lieff, intend to address this and other issues when we travel to Washington D.C. next week for the Fourth Quarter 2009 CAPA meeting.
In addition to attending the CAPA meeting where we will propose adoption of the CAPA Policy Manual, we are working to confirm meeting dates with FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt to discuss our principle legislative initiative, operational control. Similarly, we have requested time with Sen. Byron Dorgan, chairman of the Aviation Operations, Safety and Security Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee, as well as ALPA President Jon Prater.
As we near the year’s end, our Company continues to reverberate from the changes that have taken place as a result of the restructuring effort. Just as you have done throughout the past several months, please continue to remain focused in the cockpit and to provide a level of safety that is second to none during the busy holiday season. I am proud of the professionalism demonstrated by this group in spite of the upheaval and uncertainty. It is, indeed, the reason NetJets remains the industry leader.
Fraternally,
Capt. Mark Luthi
mluthi@njasap.com
NJASAP sponsors pilot survey … The Association has partnered with the Indiana University Center for Survey Research (IUCSR) to conduct a survey of the pilot group; the IUCSR replaces the Wilson Center for Public Research, which was recently closed by President Phil Comstock. “The Wilson Center began surveying the pilot group in 2004, and we have enjoyed our relationship with Phil and his employees,” Vice President of Industry Affairs Dan Lieff said. “I am happy to report although we will no longer work with the Center, Phil will continue to work with NJASAP in an advisory capacity.”
The Indiana University-based Center conducts surveys and provides research services for IU faculty and administration, federal, state, and local government agencies, media, and nonprofit organizations. With that in mind, any pilot whose caller ID registers "IUPUI" from the (317) area code should be advised the call is being made as part of the Association’s survey. All pilots who are contacted are strongly encouraged to participate in the same. Questions about the survey may be addressed to Lieff.
GRASS ROOTS INITIATIVES
Helpanetjetspilot.com … A group of NetJets pilots have launched an independent effort to provide additional support to furloughees in particularly challenging situations; the group has currently identified two such families. First Officer Tyler Darby and his wife are expecting triplets, and F/O Brian Conardy and his wife are expecting twins. Both couples expect their new family additions to arrive just as their health care coverage terminates. What’s more, Tyler’s wife is unable to work as a result of the pregnancy and was forced to quit her job, and Brian’s wife is a school teacher.
You can help in many ways such as sending your Atlantic Bucks, donating your AVtrip points, Donating funds or assisting with the purchase of Baby items or even sending them coupons for the purchase of baby items. For more information, visit www.helpanetjetspilot.com. If you are an affected crewmember in a uniquely challenging situation or know of a crewmember who is, please contact Deb Mantello, dmantello@msn.com, or Chris Ensign, cbensign@gmail.com.
Toy Drive continues … A grassroots effort to establish a holiday fund to provide gifts for the children of those pilots who received a furlough notice earlier this month continues; and to date has raised over $4000.00. The effort is being led by F/O Thomas Aldrich and is independent of the NetJets Family Foundation.
The deadline to donate is Dec. 15 to ensure gifts cards can be purchased and sent to families in enough time to enable them to make use of the same; donations received after that date will be returned.
Pilots may contribute via PayPal by sending a donation to toma2451@insightbb.com or check made payable and sent to Thomas Aldrich, 6825 Hillock Court, Florence, KY 41042. Pilots may also purchase gift cards directly from major retailers and sent to Aldrich who will send them on to affected who have requested assistance specific to the purchase of Christmas presents. While 100 percent of the funds raised will be used to purchase holiday gifts, donations are not tax deductible.
Separately, if you are a furloughed pilot who has a specific need this holiday season or you are a pilot who knows of someone with a need, please feel free to contact Aldrich via e-mail, toma2451@insightbb.com; please include your address and the number of children in your e-mail request. All requests will be kept confidential and the donor/recipient list will only be made available to NJASAP General Counsel Sonya Cook for auditing purposes.
Fellow pilots offer services to furloughed crewmembers … G200 Capt. Bert Botta, who accepted the early out option, is offering the services of his small business, which includes counseling pilots for hiring and offering resume and communications skills assistance, to pilots affected by the furlough. Botta has a graduate degree in Counseling Psychology and maintained a private practice in St. Louis when previously employed with the airlines. He has also served as a certified leader of a men's leadership training program and conducted several seminars. Botta can be reached via e-mail, botajet@mac.com, or telephone, (415) 577-4841.
Peter Figgins, a check airman in the HS800XPH, has offered his assistance to affected crewmembers interested in or currently applying for work with Emirates. Figgins was hired in 2007 by Emirates and would be happy to share his experiences with anyone considering employment; he may be reached via e-mail, pfiggins2000@yahoo.com.
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DECEMBER 4, 2009
Informational teleconference series concludes tonight … The fifth and final informational teleconference sponsored by the Furlough Working Group (FWG) is scheduled for this evening, Wednesday, Dec. 2nd, at 8 p.m. (ET). The purpose of the conferences is to give pilots and their spouses a detailed overview of the preparations that have been made in anticipation of a furlough as well as to answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
The content of this week’s call will be very similar to the week previous; however, new information will be presented at the beginning of the teleconference, which will include an update regarding the Career Change Resume Service. With that in mind, crewmembers who participated in the previous calls may find it beneficial to dial in and listen to the first part of tonight’s teleconference. Spouses are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Access Information:
Direct Dial: (800) 214-0694
Toll-Free: (719) 955-1425
Access code: 715892
Because the conferences will be conducted in lecture mode, questions should be e-mailed in advance of and during the event to fwg@njasap.com.
Furloughed pilots urged to ensure personal e-mail addresses are appropriate … As the FWG continues to collect resumes for the contract pilot database, the group would like to encourage affected pilots to evaluate their personal e-mail addresses to determine the professionalism and suitability when seeking employment. If not, please consider creating a new address for your job search; several internet services providers offer free e-mail addresses.
All Nippon Airways Group seeks pilots … All Nippon Airways groups are seeking contract pilots through Crew Resources Worldwide formerly known as Hawaii Aviation. Fellow NetJets pilot Loren Wheeless has been impressed by the accommodations, training and compensation he has received as part of Nippon, which is continuously hiring Q400 Captains and B-767 captains and first officers. Minimum requirements and information can be found at http://www.crewresourcesworldwide.com/index.htm. Those who are seriously interested in this potential employment opportunity may contact Wheeless via e-mail, ljw371@gmail.com.
Considering alternative to employment as a pilot may be prudent … Former NetJets pilot John Leaphart did just that when starting his own consulting company, applying his skills as an aviation consultant, expert witness, aircraft acquisition agent and SEC compliance consultant. Eager to share his experiences, he can be reached at 803-917-2254 or via e-mail, flyingjohn@msn.com.
Furloughed pilots encouraged to create a general resume … The FWG has secured a career change resume service and will continue to submit interested parties’ names and e-mail addresses to the vendor.
Additionally, the Furlough Working Group continues to accept resumes for inclusion in the contract pilot database. Resumes, which should be formatted in Microsoft Word or Adobe, may be e-mailed to the group.
Both services are being provided free of charge by NJASAP. |
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| THE 411 ARCHIVE |
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