The Alaska Pilots Podcast

Negotiations Post April 1 Informational Picket Jun 16, 2022

Join host Strategic Communications Chairman David Campbell as he discusses the recent increase in pace of contract negotiations with Negotiating Committee Chairman Chris Gruner and MEC Chairman Will McQuillen. Also in this episode, Strategic Planning Chairman Ronan O’Donoghue and McQuillen discuss how the MEC’s strategic plan has brought us to where we are now and how the MEC will continue to leverage it to bring these negotiations to a successful conclusion in the form of a ratifiable Tentative Agreement.

Alaska Pilots Vote to Authorize Strike May 27, 2022

On May 25, a strike authorization ballot sent to the Alaska Airlines pilots closed. With nearly 96 percent of members participating, an overwhelming 99 percent of Alaska pilots authorized union leaders to call a strike if necessary and after the parties are permitted by the National Mediation Board (NMB) to take that action.

Following the initial announcement of this ballot, Alaska management requested to meet with ALPA. That request was honored and on May 24 – 26 the two parties sat at the negotiating table in direct talks. In today’s episode, MEC Chairman Will McQuillen, Strategic Planning Chairman Ronan O’Donoghue, and Strategic Communications Chairman David Campbell discuss the significance of this historic vote and the outcome of this week’s negotiations.

Strike Authorization Ballot Approved by Alaska Airlines MEC Apr 26, 2022

On April 21, the Alaska Airlines Pilots Master Executive Council (MEC) unanimously voted to approve a strike authorization ballot. While the pilot group is not on strike now a “yes” vote will authorize the MEC to call a strike if mediation is unsuccessful, all the procedures of the Railway Labor Act have been exhausted, and the National Mediation Board allows the Alaska Airlines pilots and management to exercise self-help at the end of a cooling off period.

In this episode, host Strategic Communications Chairman David Campbell speaks with MEC Chairman Will McQuillen, Negotiating Chairman Chris Gruner, and Strategic Planning Chairman Ronan O’Donoghue about what this ballot means and why the MEC felt management’s actions at the bargaining table make this step necessary.

Listeners may find this flow chart of the Railway Labor Act’s negotiations process helpful.

Family members of pilots are encouraged to learn more through a committee designed for them. Please go to AlaskaPilots.org and follow the FONE link found on the top right margin.

ALPA’s Comprehensive Term Sheet Mar 18, 2022

On March 10, the Alaska Pilots’ Negotiating Committee released a comprehensive term sheet covering the union’s solutions to the issues concerning pilots. In this episode host Strategic Communications Chairman David Campbell, MEC Chairman Will McQuillen, Negotiating Chairman Chris Gruner, and Scheduling Chairman Scott Rubin discuss that term sheet.

The most impactful and immediate way to show support for these efforts is to join us for the all-base rallies and informational picket on April 1. Follow the link for more information.

April 1 Informational Picket

The Importance of Informational Picketing on April 1 Feb 26, 2022

RSVP to the All-Pilot-All-Base picket.

On April 1, 2022, the Alaska Airlines pilots will conduct informational picketing in each of the five bases which include: Anchorage, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. In this episode host Strategic Communications Chairman David Campbell discusses the importance of physical displays of unity and resolve with MEC Chairman Will McQuillen and Strategic Planning Chairman Ronan O’Donoghue.

Learn more at AlaskaPilots.org.

The Power of Picketing Feb 10, 2022

On February 3, the Alaska pilots conducted an informational picket at an event in New York City where the COO and EVP Constance Von Muehlen of Alaska Airlines was speaking. In this episode host Communications Chairman David Campbell is joined by MEC Chairman Will McQuillen, MEC Secretary Garin Tentschert, and Strategic Preparedness and Strike Committee (SPSC) Chairman Ronan O’Donoghue. They discuss their experiences at that event as well as upcoming mediated negotiations sessions, the next picketing event coming up on April 1, and other SPSC events.

Links of interest:

Video of Constance Von Muehlen Walking the Picket Line

The Railway Labor Act Flow Chart

Informational Picketing Leaflet, New York City

Family Outreach and Negotiations Education Committee (FONE)

Mediation Under the Railway Labor Act (RLA) Jan 21, 2022

In this episode Podcast Host, Strategic Communications Chairman David Campbell discusses the Railway Labor Act (RLA), including what it means to be in mediated negotiations and the process of being released before engaging in a legal strike. ALPA’s Senior Advisor and Chief Negotiator Bruce York, along with Senior Labor Relations Counsel Zach Henige join this episode to discuss what to expect during RLA mediation and what tactics are available to us to advance the pilots’ goals. Bruce York has been negotiating airline contracts for more than 40 years and shares his experience regarding ways management teams have in the past attempted to stymie the work of ALPA. Also on this episode are MEC Chairman Will McQuillen and Negotiating Chairman Chris Gruner.

This week the pilots’ Negotiating Committee, including Chris Gruner, began negotiations in the presence of a mediator, Mike Tosi, assigned by the National Mediation Board. Pilots may recall, the company stated it was filing for mediation with the intention of moving negotiations to a conclusion. Alaska pilots may read the committee’s update detailing the results of these three days of mediated negotiations.

The Alaska Airlines pilots have been negotiating with their company for nearly three years in attempts to bring the contract more in line with their industry peers. On January 19, 2022 the parties met to conduct the first mediated session with the assistance of a national mediator assigned by the National Mediation Board (NMB).

RLA Flow Chart

Company Failures Over Holiday Weather Impacts Pilots Jan 07, 2022

This episode discusses how management’s failure to address recurring weather issues affect pilots, the eroding culture at Alaska Airlines, and the Company’s inconsistent COVID-19 policies that are outside of industry best-practices. Additionally, the history and details of Severe Irregular Operations (SIO) is explained. For Alaska Pilots, references to contractual and LOA language addressing SIO may be found in the MEC Update of December 26. In addition to MEC Chairman Will McQuillen and MEC Vice Chairman Joe Youngerman, Communications Chairman David Campbell welcomes Contract Compliance Chairman Mike (Rino) Reinmuth and Scheduling Committee Chairman Scott Rubin.

For Alaska Pilots:

Contract Compliance Phone Number: (888) 767-2228

Company Failures Over Holiday Weather Impacts Pilots Jan 07, 2022

This episode discusses how management’s failure to address recurring weather issues affect pilots, the eroding culture at Alaska Airlines, and the Company’s inconsistent COVID-19 policies that are outside of industry best-practices. Additionally, the history and details of Severe Irregular Operations (SIO) is explained. For Alaska Pilots, references to contractual and LOA language addressing SIO may be found in the MEC Update of December 26. In addition to MEC Chairman Will McQuillen and MEC Vice Chairman Joe Youngerman, Communications Chairman David Campbell welcomes Contract Compliance Chairman Mike (Rino) Reinmuth and Scheduling Committee Chairman Scott Rubin.

For Alaska Pilots:

Contract Compliance Phone Number: (888) 767-2228

The Year in Review and What’s Ahead Dec 14, 2021

This episode reflects on some of the accomplishments of the Alaska Airlines pilot group, which include efforts on trying to secure a market-based contract and comments from MEC Chairman Will McQuillen, MEC Vice Chairman Joe Youngerman, SPSC Chairman Ronan O'Donoghue and SPSC Vice Chairman Drew Coyle on the state of the industry and the path the MEC is taking to safeguard the pilot group's future.

November MEC Meeting Recap and More Nov 19, 2021

Hear from union leadership about the final MEC meeting of 2021, an update on ALPA’s Do the Right Thing campaign, polling results, and what’s next in the national mediation process.

Upcoming Coffee Sits

If you will be passing through SeaTac, please join MEC members in the North Concourse:

Sunday, November 21, 2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Coffee & Pizza
Monday, November 22, 8:00 a.m. – 1100 a.m. Coffee & PastriesTuesday,
November 23, 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Coffee & Pastries

Remember, the holidays may be a time of increased stress for some. If you need any assistance, call ALPA first. Pilot Peer Support volunteers are standing by 24/7 at (309) 777-ALPA or (309) 777-2572.

Alaska Air Group, INC. SEC Form 10-Q

Portions quoted in this episode may be found under Item 5 on page 48 and the highlighted section beginning after page 50.

Alaska Airlines: Do the Right Thing-Value Your Pilots Oct 27, 2021

ALPA’s Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council, launched an aggressive campaign to inform the public that negotiations between the pilots and the company have stalled. While Alaska Airlines’ management repeats its core value – to “Do the Right Thing” – it fails to live up to it by rejecting the pilots’ desire to bring their contract into parity with industry peers. Hear the pilots’ union leadership correct the company’s narrative. You can also help show support for the Alaska pilots by following them on social media.

Private Mediated Negotiations End Sep 24, 2021

After three days in private mediation with Alaska Airlines, the talks ended on September 20, 2021. ALPA’s negotiating team had suggested private mediation—employing the assistance of a private mediator who is a nationally-known labor relations expert well versed in the airline industry to explore whether any efficient pathways to a comprehensive agreement existed. ALPA proposed this process to explore every avenue to address contract goals consistently voiced by Alaska pilots, but unfortunately the Company’s positions did not reflect the commitment required to move negotiations constructively forward. The pilots’ union has been clear that substantial improvements to both job security and work rules are essential; pilots have serious concerns over both of these contract areas, and these sections are clearly deficient when compared to other pilot contracts in the industry. These areas have been addressed by management teams at peer airlines where they have agreed to significant improvements over what the Alaska pilots currently have.

MEC Proposes Limited Private Mediation Aug 26, 2021

Contract negotiations between the @AlaskaPilots and @AlaskaAir are not progressing at a pace consistent with the market-based changes that the pilots are seeking. The pilots’ union has recommended (and Alaska Airlines management has agreed) to hire a third-party facilitator for limited mediated discussions. This episode discusses why the pilots’ Master Executive Council (MEC) made this decision, what it expects to achieve during these talks, and other work in progress to achieve the priorities in negotiations the pilots have identified.

Listeners may be interested in documents mentioned in this episode including the Comprehensive Contract Opener and a video about the MEC’s work to stop company furloughs at Alaska Airlines with the support of the Alaska Pilots. Video Link.

Alaska MEC leadership will be on the road hosting more pilot and family events as part of West Coast Cookout Tour as it continues in Southern California on August 26, and heads to Mesa, AZ August 30, and Las Vegas NV September 1. Click here for details.

Pilots Hold Fast to their Bargaining Expectations Jul 21, 2021

Pilots Hold Fast to their Bargaining Expectations

In this episode, MEC Chairman Will McQuillen and Negotiating Committee Chairman Chris Gruner discuss with host Communications Chairman David Campbell the commitment ALPA leadership has in maintaining and pressing for the contract improvement priorities identified by Alaska pilots. Those goals are clear, consistent, long overdue, and are driving the efforts of the Negotiating Committee.

San Francisco Crew Base

Given that Alaska Airlines has been vague on whether they would maintain a pilot domicile in San Francisco, ALPA conducted its own research on the viability of keeping a crew base in that city. Also in the episode, Chairman McQuillen reveals what ALPA discovered.

State of the Union, June 2021 Jun 12, 2021

This episode recaps some of the significant events over the last month, in particular the latest developments at the negotiating table, the latest MEC efforts related to the San Francisco base, the West Coast Cookout Tour and more.

If you haven’t had a chance to watch the MEC’s video concerning Scope, you may watch it here.

Upcoming dates and locations for the West Coast Cookout Tour may be viewed here. Keep checking back as more dates will be added.

SCOPE: Protect, Provide, Prepare May 21, 2021

Job security is an important part of any career. Scope language in modern pilot collective bargaining agreements is designed to protect current flying, provide opportunities for growth of a pilot group, and prepare for unexpected events. In this episode, we shed more light on this issue as it relates to Alaska Airlines pilots. Follow the link below to watch the video referenced in this episode which the Alaska MEC released recently.

SCOPE

Look for the MEC in a City Near You May 02, 2021

Unity and solidarity empower the Alaska MEC’s Negotiating Committee to achieve the pilots’ priorities in the next contract. Solidarity is built through trust and transparent dialogue between elected union leaders and the pilots they represent—a task complicated during COVID-19 restrictions. Listen now to the innovative ways the MEC will overcome this obstacle to be on the road connecting with its pilots.

Alaska MEC’s Strategic Plan Apr 07, 2021

Alaska pilots are negotiating improvements to their Collective Bargaining Agreement. Hear from ALPA leaders and ALPA’s Lead Economic and Financial Strategist Liz Spear about why now is the time for our Company to agree to long overdue improvements. Details of the union’s work may also be found in the MEC’s Strategic Planning Executive Summary which is also discussed in this episode. Part of that summary includes the MEC’s perspectives on the recent changes to executive management at Alaska Airlines. The MEC recently updated and released its Strategic Plan to the Alaska Airlines pilots.

To read the Strategic Plan Executive Summary, Alaska Airline pilots may logon to the AlaskaPilots.org website and click on the Strategic Plan link.

Leading the Puck Feb 12, 2021

Join host Communications Chairman David Campbell as he speaks with MEC Chairman Will McQuillen, Negotiating Chairman Chairman Chris Gruner, and Strategic Planning Chairman Ronan O’Donoghue about some of the issues facing Alaska Airlines pilots such as vaccinations, what the union knows about the Company’s basing plans—particularly in San Francisco, the MEC’s work to update its Strategic Plan, and negotiations.

Facing Forward: 2021 Jan 01, 2021

As we turn the page to 2021, now is the time for the Alaska Pilots to continue the work of negotiating improvements to their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). In this episode, host Captain David Campbell speaks with Master Executive Council (MEC) officers—Captain Will McQuillen, Captain Joe Youngerman, Captain Scott Mokos and Captain Garin Tentschert. Most of their discussion will reference and add more detail to a four-minute video message released last week. We recommend you watch that video—linked below—before listening to this episode.

VIDEO LINK

Terms and references in this episode that may be unfamiliar to some listeners:

Canoll: Captain Tim Canoll served as the Air Line Pilots Association International’s president from 2015- 2019.

CBA: Collective Bargaining Agreement.

SME: Subject Matter Expert. These are pilots who are committee volunteers and have special skills, knowledge, and experience who help support the Alaska MEC. While these pilots volunteer their time on behalf of, and to improve the lives and safety of their fellow pilots, their work almost always creates an ancillary benefit to the company. Some examples include adding an important level of safety, cost savings, and ensuring flight operations processes run smoothly. The company receives these benefits at minimal, and in many cases, no cost.

Important Holiday Message for Pilots and Families During What May Be a Stressful Holiday: CALL ALPA FIRST Dec 16, 2020

Learn more about your union’s resources and how ALPA may assist you if holiday stress is impacting you or your family. ALPA has a number of committees whose purpose is to provide direct assistance to pilots. These have been organized under the umbrella of Pilot Peer Support (PPS) and consist of HIMS, Professional Standards, CIRP, and Aeromedical. In this episode, Host Strategic Communications Chairman David Campbell speaks with chairmen from each of these committees. Learn how you, or your flying partner, may be assisted by them and the value of calling ALPA first.

Helpful Links:

Pilot Peer Support Call (309) 777-2572; (309) PPS-ALPA

HIMS

Professional Standards

CIRP

Aeromedical

End of 2020 and Look to the Future Dec 06, 2020

MEC Chairman Will McQuillen, Negotiating Committee Chairman Chris Gruner, and Strategic Planning Chairman Ronan O’Donoghue discuss closing out year 2020 and what is facing the pilot group in the near future with host Communications Chairman David Campbell. Topics include the recent EIL recalls, the removal of vacation open time, vaccines, and grievances.

FAQ For Pilots Returning From EIL.

Management’s Unapproved Changes to Vacation Open Time Trading Nov 04, 2020

Shortly before the pilots’ contractual provision to trade vacation days was to begin, in a process known as open time vacation trading, Vice President of Flight Operations announced to the pilot-union leaders that he intended to remove available days from the open time availability—a step never taken in the past. Despite objections from ALPA (the union representing Alaska Airlines pilots) management moved forward with their plan. In this episode, host Strategic Communications Chairman Captain David Campbell discusses, among other topics, the Company’s changes with MEC Chairman Captain Will McQuillen and Negotiating Committee Chairman First Officer Chris Gruner.

Listeners may also be interested in reading the latest Chairman’s Message dated November 2, 2020 in which MEC Chairman McQuillen addresses this topic.

The Turning Point Represented by October 1 Oct 04, 2020

October 1 was a significant day for the pilot group at Alaska Airlines; it marked a turning point of sorts. Join host Captain David Campbell as he discusses this with MEC Chairman Captain Will McQuillen, and what this means for negotiations with Negotiating Chairman Chris Gruner. Also covered in the episode is the desire management had to turn off important rules used to generate pilot’s flying schedules in the software program called The Optimizer. These rules are in place for safety, to mitigate fatigue, and to improve quality of life. ALPA was able to convince management to leave these time-tested rules in place for the upcoming bid month. It is our expectation that management will not attempt to make similar changes in future months. Listen to the episode to hear a full account of the interesting work ALPA undertook to protect their pilots.

Throughout this episode references are made to links in the show notes. Below are those links in the order they occur.

Tribute video to our pilots who chose early retirement

The new In The Loop page of the AlaskaPilots.org website and Facebook Group page. In The Loop Web Page Facebook Group

Telephonic polling conducted by the University of New Hampshire begins on Monday October 5. Calls will come from (603) 397-0660 and be identified as either UNH Surv Ctr or NH Call. On some phones, this call may be identified as “Scam Likely.” We suggest pilots add this phone number to their contact list so that, if randomly selected, the call will reach them.

The November Scheduling Committee Summary

Position Bid 2021-04 Information and FAQ

Pilot Peer Support: 309-PPS-ALPA (309-777-2572)

Pilot Peer Support (PPS) is a group of ALPA pilot volunteers who are trained to talk about any personal or professional problems pilots may be experiencing. PPS volunteers listen and offer confidential and nonjudgmental support as well as information to help them make informed decisions. A PPS volunteer can help with any issue without jeopardy to the pilot’s career. PPS volunteers are not counselors or mental health professionals—they are fellow pilots trained to provide empathy and support to deal with life’s stresses, with access to appropriate resources to help you make the next step.

August MEC Meeting Recap Aug 23, 2020

Listen as Captains McQuillen, Campbell, O’Donoghue, Swoveland, and First Officer Gruner discuss the recently concluded quarterly MEC meeting. Topics include the direction given to the Negotiating Committee, an update to the Strategic Plan, what we have learned from Alaska Airlines management regarding basing, and other topics.

Become an ALPA committee volunteer—click here.

Bid Award Results Discussed Aug 21, 2020

This episode covers the bid award results of the recent Position Bid 2020-11a. Expect a subsequent episode in the next day or so which will recap the recently concluded quarterly MEC meeting.

Honoring Seniority, Bidding Pitfalls, And What You Need to Know about Bid 2020-11a Jul 30, 2020

UPDATE: The initial upload of this episode included overlapping audio tracks. If you are experiencing that issue, refresh your podcast app and that should upload the correct version. If not, you may need to delete this episode and re-download it.

In this episode Host Captain David Campbell and others discuss what is different and what is the same about how management will award Bid 2020-11a, how seniority will be followed during the awarding process, and what that looks like now that there will be pilots who are both flying and on Extended Incentive Lines. Because there are both vacancies and reductions in the bid, pilots should be very familiar with the bid award process so that they may place their preferences appropriately.

If you have questions after listening to this episode, contact a member of your Membership Committee at ALAMembership@alpa.org or Contract Compliance at (888)767-2228.

Position Bid 2020-11a Jul 27, 2020

A short preview of the episode we are working on about position bid 2020-11a.

EIL, REIL, ELOA, EO Awards and What Comes Next Jul 23, 2020

This episode answers some questions about the awarding of the EIL, REIL, ELOA, and EO, what pilots who were awarded one may expect, and what the MEC is working on next.

A Scheduling Committee document is mentioned in this episode that may help pilots understand their contractual rights when a trip is canceled. Click, Control Your Life by Understanding 25.T,U, and V. More questions may be answered by your Contract Compliance Team at (888) 767 2228.

Please join ALPA’s Call to Action to tell congress to fund an extension to the Payroll Support Program.

Bidding for EIL, REIL, VELOA, EO Jul 13, 2020

Voluntary Leave and Incentive Line LOA page.

Contract Compliance Team (CCT) phone number: 888-767-2228.

Bidding and Bid Award Process for EIL, REIL, ELOA, and EO Retirement Jul 05, 2020

Bidding for the recently negotiated Letters of Agreement (LOA) for Extended Incentive Lines (EIL), Retirement Extended Incentive Lines (REIL), Extended Leaves of Absences (ELOA) and the Early-Out Retirement Program offered by Alaska Airlines to its pilots is underway and will close on July 15 at 09:00 PDT.

In this episode Strategic Communications Chair, Capt. David Campbell speaks with MEC Chair, Capt. Will McQuillen; Negotiating Chair, First Officer Chris Gruner; Strategic Planning Chair, Capt. Ronan O’Donoghue; and Membership Chair, Capt. Will Swoveland. Topics include the bid award process which has been redesigned to ensure seniority will be honored and should help pilots when making decisions about how to bid. The panel also answers a number of recurring questions.

A one-stop-shop of LOA related information has been created on the AlaskaPilots.org website and can be found on the Voluntary Leave and Incentive Line LOAs page. If pilots still have questions, call the Contract Compliance Team at (888) 767-2228. For questions directly related to retirement, contact a member of the Retirement and Insurance (R&I) Committee. The CCT phone number and contact information for R&I Committee members may be found on the webpage linked above.

Voluntary Leave and Incentive Line Letters of Agreement Jun 17, 2020

Three new LOAs were approved on June 17 by the Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) and Alaska Airlines executive management. These agreements create a number of voluntary extended leaves and incentive lines which, depending on the level of participation, could minimize—or possibly eliminate—the need to furlough. In this episode, MEC Chairman, Will McQuillen, Negotiating Chairman, Chris Gruner, and Strategic Communications Chairman David Campbell discuss the details of those agreements, what has transpired since management’s Virtual Town Hall webcast on June 4, and the road ahead.

LOA 20-03 Military Leave Extension

LOA 20-04 Extend Leaves of Absence

LOA 20-05 Extend Incentive Lines

Two Minute Episode Jun 14, 2020

This breaking podcast update covers what occurred at the Special MEC meeting on Sunday, June 14. We will release a more detailed episode in the days to come covering the new LOAs that were approved by your MEC today having to do with new leave and staffing options for our pilots.

Management Predicts Cancelation of Position Bid, Exits COVID-19 Protections MOU May 27, 2020

In this episode, MEC Chairman Captain Will McQuillen and MEC Vice Chairman Captain Joe Youngerman discuss management’s conflicting messaging regarding the recent position bid award, their unilateral decision to exit the COVID-19 Protections MOU, and questions raised about furloughs.

The MEC and ALPA National have a number of resources to help pilots deal with this potentially stressful time. If you are an Alaska pilot, please call the Pilot Peer Support number with any concerns—large or small—day or night at (309) PPS-ALPA or (309) 777-2572.

Position Bid Concerns, Update on Pandemic Response, Negotiations, Aeromedical Resources and More May 07, 2020

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

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

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

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

Scheduling Issues, Status of CARES Act Grant, and Other Issues Discussed Apr 11, 2020

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

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

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

Continuing Work in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic Apr 04, 2020

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

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

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

MEC Recap of the Week of March 23rd Mar 28, 2020

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

Job Protection During the Time of COVID-19 Mar 20, 2020

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

Please help us keep you updated with breaking news by signing up to receive text alerts through TextCaster.

Your MEC’s Response to the Coronavirus: MOU 20-01 COVID-19 Protections Mar 15, 2020

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

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

MOU 20-01 COVID-19 Protections

State of the Union, January Jan 27, 2020

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

State of the Union Dec 02, 2019

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

Negotiations Continue into Significant Contract Cornerstone Issues Nov 08, 2019

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

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

Uniform Litigation Update Sep 25, 2019

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

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

What Uniform and HIMS Negotiations Reveal About Alaska Airlines: Part II Aug 27, 2019

Host Capt. David Campbell continues his conversation with captains Will McQuillen, Joe Youngerman, and Jon Wrigley about what recent negotiations surrounding uniforms and HIMS reveal about Alaska Airlines. In part two, these elected pilot leaders talk about what the MEC is doing in the face of these frustrating times with management, share why they are still hopeful about our future, and explain what the pilots can do to help their MEC and negotiating committee be successful in executing the strategic plan.

Listeners may also be interested to read the MEC’s proposed letter of agreement (LOA) on the uniforms and the accompanying letter to the Company sent by MEC Chairman, Capt. Will McQuillen. Click on the link below and find each of those documents on your MEC's Communications page.

Uniform LOA Letter to Ladner

What Uniform and HIMS Negotiations Reveal About Alaska Airlines; Part I Aug 22, 2019

Three former and current MEC chairman sit down with host Captain David Campbell to discuss what the recent interactions with management surrounding HIMS and uniforms reveal to us about Alaska Airlines management and what we might expect in the future.

We know pilots have concerns about management’s unilateral decision on the uniform and we will discuss whether getting fitted for and ordering is required at this time.

Alaska MEC’s Strategic Planning Document Discussed Jun 19, 2019

The Alaska MEC has shared an executive summary of its strategic planning document with its pilots. In this podcast, host Capt. David Campbell, Strategic Communications chairman, discusses that document in more detail with MEC chairman Capt. Will McQuillen, MEC vice chairman Capt. Keith Louis, and MEC Strategic Planning chairman Capt. Ronan O’Donoghue.

In a video released in August 2018, the Alaska MEC first reported that strategic planning efforts led them to conclude that it would be up to the Alaska pilot group to safeguard its future. That meant, among other things, to take control of its destiny and forge a path to a reliable future. Pilots may view that video here.

Negotiating the next contract provides a significant opportunity to make improvements that will help Safeguard Our Future. The information presented in the executive summary and this podcast will help familiarize Alaska pilots and their families with their MEC’s strategic plans.

To read the document, go to alaskapilots.org and click on the “executive summary” icon.

Negotiating Committee Chairman, F/O Chris Gruner speaks with host Strategic Communications Chairman Capt. David Campbell. May 09, 2019

Strategic Communications Chairman, David Campbell sits down with Negotiating Chairman, Chris Gurner and MEC Chairman, Will McQuillen to discuss pending contract negotiations and the importance of Safeguarding Our Future through the collective bargaining process. Part of that conversation dealt with Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act and the fact that it contains no requirement of arbitration.

A conversation among your MEC Officers. Apr 01, 2019

SOF

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