New member of the NMB announced....

[Seggy]

Anyone with any information on her?


Linda A. Puchala, Nominee for Member, National Mediation Board

Linda A. Puchala is currently the Sr. Mediator (ADR) and the Associate Director of Alternative Dispute Resolution Services at the National Mediation Board. She joined the National Mediation Board in May 1999, as a Mediator, working on both airline and railroad cases. In her current capacity, Puchala directs the Board's ADR training programs, develops and maintains the training curriculum, and delivers training to interested parties. She also remains active as a mediator in airline and railroad cases, and she conducts facilitation and grievance mediation. Prior to joining the Board, Puchala had over 30 years of experience in Labor Relations, including work as International President of the Association of Flight Attendants, CWA, AFL-CIO, and Staff Director, Michigan State Employees Association, AFSCME, AFL-CIO. Puchala holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Cleary University in Howell, Michigan.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press...ounces-More-Key-Administration-Posts-3-13-09/

 

[kellwolf]

AFA is happy about it, so that's at least a step in the right direction. No comment yet from ALPA or the AFL-CIO, so we'll probably hear from them in the next couple of days. From what I've read, seems like a good move for those of us mired in negotiations.

 

[blee256]

AFA is happy about it, so that's at least a step in the right direction. No comment yet from ALPA or the AFL-CIO, so we'll probably hear from them in the next couple of days. From what I've read, seems like a good move for those of us mired in negotiations.

What is the USWs take onit. hahahah

 

[higney85]

Great, so now we get roller bags now?

I'm excited that things may now have some movement.

 

[SlumTodd_Millionaire]

When I talked to Captain Prater a week or so ago, he was very happy with this pick (although he couldn't tell me who it was, at the time). Sounds like it should be a very good thing for all of us.

 

[pilotlight]

so whats is the time frame, when will this person be involved with pinnacle negotiations?

 

[kellwolf]

so whats is the time frame, when will this person be involved with pinnacle negotiations?

Probably not directly involved in negotiations. But with her on the NMB, that swings it back in labor's favor. Seriously ups the odds of getting released instead of "Oh, just keep them at the table. We don't want a strike on our hands" as we've seen for the past 8 years.

 

[higney85]

I don't know about everyone else but I would like to see genuine efforts from both sides of the table to have a contract that doesn't involve a strike. In a strike both sides lose out, and the future gets an added label or "risky" when the pilot group is known as a strike happy bunch. That being said if mgmt doesn't step up and negotiate fair and honestly, I will be there with my shoes ready to walk. The RLA never had an "on ice" step in the flow chart. We need to see worthwhile gains in overall contract progress OR a release into the 30 day cooling off period. From there it will be mgmt's stupidity to not sign a contract for the pilots since the entire company would then be put in considerable risk. I wouldn't expect this process to be over any time in the near future, but I have a personal expectation for a contract by the end of the year- however way we get to it.

 

[SpiraMirabilis]

You should get the release now. It's during the 30 day cooling off period that real negotations occur.

 

[SlumTodd_Millionaire]

You should get the release now. It's during the 30 day cooling off period that real negotations occur.

The NMB likes to see you down to only a few open items before being released into the cooling off period. That increases your chances of being able to get everything settled within the 30 days of "super-mediation." I think PCL is almost there, so I would expect a release before the fall time.

 

[kellwolf]

The NMB likes to see you down to only a few open items before being released into the cooling off period. That increases your chances of being able to get everything settled within the 30 days of "super-mediation." I think PCL is almost there, so I would expect a release before the fall time.

Compensation, scope and hours of service was pretty much it last time I checked. Then again, scheduling and PBS was wrapped up, and the company re-opened that, so who knows.

I'd MUCH rather not have to strike, but with our management, if they know there's no chance of a strike, they'll do all they can to drag their feet. I would, too if I were getting 2005 wages in 2009 as a manager. That being said, we've been past the point of no considerable progress for well over 6 months to a year. The PBS thing set us WAY back, and I don't count that as "progress" since it basically put us back to where we were 6-9 months prior.