Cherokee_Cruiser
Bronteroc
A blast from the past, but an example of what Ford Harrison will do:
Dear Teammates,
As you may be aware, there is an effort underway by a group of pilots seeking to organize a union to represent you. Authorization cards are now being solicited for the “Virgin America Pilots Association” (VAPA). Although it is early in the process, I wanted to share my thoughts on why I believe VAPA is not in the best interests of our pilots or our Company.
Many of you have firsthand experience being a member of a union and probably have some war stories about the bureaucracy, adversarial atmosphere, inflexibility, lack of responsiveness and how it all turned out for individual pilots and the carrier itself. In fact, many of us joined Virgin America to get away from these very issues and to create a different kind of airline. Together, we have overcome enormous odds. As one of the few growing U.S. airlines, we are now poised for even greater growth and plan to achieve our first full year operating profit in 2012. I firmly believe that what has made us different is our ability to work together through a direct relationship. Electing a union would change all of that and subject us to the same model that has failed consistently in our industry.
Some of you might think that VAPA, as an “in-house” union, would be different than being part of a national organization and would be free of the baggage that characterized the unions you may have experienced at other carriers. But the truth is that a union is a union, no matter what you call it. It brings with it the same requirements to pay dues, the same need to conduct arduous contract negotiations, and the same inability to discuss individual concerns directly with management. In fact, an “in-house” union might need to charge even higher dues because of its lack of infrastructure and resources. And given how many “in-house” pilots unions eventually give up and merge with a national organization, VAPA could end up being nothing more than a stalking horse for ALPA or the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
In the coming weeks, someone may ask you to sign a VAPA authorization card. These cards are used to secure a union election. If at least 50 percent of our pilots sign cards, the National Mediation Board can authorize an election, and if a majority of those voting in the election choose representation, our entire pilot group would end up unionized. ********* will send you more detailed information on this issue later this week. But let’s be clear on one point-- if you don’t want a union, or if you’re not sure whether you want one, do not fill out an authorization card.
I am proud of our pilot team and the airline you have helped build. We are at another critical juncture for our Company, and I know you will weigh the facts on this issue logically and professionally, as you always do. Please feel free to reach out to me, ****** or ****** with any questions.
Thanks,
Dear Teammates,
As you may be aware, there is an effort underway by a group of pilots seeking to organize a union to represent you. Authorization cards are now being solicited for the “Virgin America Pilots Association” (VAPA). Although it is early in the process, I wanted to share my thoughts on why I believe VAPA is not in the best interests of our pilots or our Company.
Many of you have firsthand experience being a member of a union and probably have some war stories about the bureaucracy, adversarial atmosphere, inflexibility, lack of responsiveness and how it all turned out for individual pilots and the carrier itself. In fact, many of us joined Virgin America to get away from these very issues and to create a different kind of airline. Together, we have overcome enormous odds. As one of the few growing U.S. airlines, we are now poised for even greater growth and plan to achieve our first full year operating profit in 2012. I firmly believe that what has made us different is our ability to work together through a direct relationship. Electing a union would change all of that and subject us to the same model that has failed consistently in our industry.
Some of you might think that VAPA, as an “in-house” union, would be different than being part of a national organization and would be free of the baggage that characterized the unions you may have experienced at other carriers. But the truth is that a union is a union, no matter what you call it. It brings with it the same requirements to pay dues, the same need to conduct arduous contract negotiations, and the same inability to discuss individual concerns directly with management. In fact, an “in-house” union might need to charge even higher dues because of its lack of infrastructure and resources. And given how many “in-house” pilots unions eventually give up and merge with a national organization, VAPA could end up being nothing more than a stalking horse for ALPA or the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
In the coming weeks, someone may ask you to sign a VAPA authorization card. These cards are used to secure a union election. If at least 50 percent of our pilots sign cards, the National Mediation Board can authorize an election, and if a majority of those voting in the election choose representation, our entire pilot group would end up unionized. ********* will send you more detailed information on this issue later this week. But let’s be clear on one point-- if you don’t want a union, or if you’re not sure whether you want one, do not fill out an authorization card.
I am proud of our pilot team and the airline you have helped build. We are at another critical juncture for our Company, and I know you will weigh the facts on this issue logically and professionally, as you always do. Please feel free to reach out to me, ****** or ****** with any questions.
Thanks,
