Centerlines - June 2008 - (Page 15)

COVER STORY Unionized pilots picket outside Detroit Metropolitan Airport in support of the pilots at Pinnacle Airlines, whose contract became amendable on April 30, 2005. COURTESY OF AIR LINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL “Carriers are wasting their time even thinking about asking pilots for further concessions,” said Bruce York, the representation director at Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). “They didn’t ask oil companies for a break on gas not withstanding record proﬁts for those suppliers. They paid the increased cost.” Within the next couple of years, nearly 90,000 of the 100,000 unionized ﬂight attendants will be in negotiations, said Corey Caldwell, spokeswoman for The Association of Flight Attendants-CFW. Glass said some unions still believe that the major carriers have deep pockets that will enable them not only to weather the harsh climate of escalating oil prices but also deep enough to pay out raises. However, those unions at the middle-tier or low-cost carriers “understand that their carriers don’t have as deep a pocket as the majors.” There are two very different readings on how the carriers—and their unions—will negotiate during these uncertain economic times, Glass said. “One view,” Glass said: “We should be worried.” The other view: “Oil is the only issue and proﬁts would be healthy if not for price increases there,” said ALPA’s York. “Airline shut downs, while devastating for the employees involved, help competitor’s ﬁnancial health by further reducing capacity, and increasing fares and load factors.” Those that subscribe to this view, Glass said, believe their carrier will be a survivor. In a bit of good news for the airports, Caldwell said “more of the picketing, especially in contract talks, is getting away from the airports. We recently picketed at the US Airways headquarters during their media day.” TIPS TO AIRPORTS • • • • • • Stay in constant communication with all parties—national, local and those leading the picket line. Make boundaries very clear: physical space allowed, behavior expected, number of pickets, time permitted. Detail all requirements in your permit. Stress the need for ﬂexibility: there may be a need to cancel or move picket line due to an emergency, be it related to weather, congestion or security. Do not permit the picket line to interfere with routine airport operations. Advise your passengers with a note on the airport’s website that an informational picket may be underway. Provide a link to your travel tips section with some advice. Sources: Jerry Glass, president, F&H Solutions Group; Monica Hargrove Kemp, general counsel, ACI-NA. www.aci-na.org | CENTERLINES 15 http://www.aci-na.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Centerlines - June 2008

Centerlines - June 2008 Contents President’s Message Canadian Airports Associates’ Corner Guest Column On the Hill and On the Stump Policy Center Cover Story: Hotter Than Last July? Revenue Arena: Building Non-Aeronautical Revenue Environment: Wind Turbines at Boston Logan Passenger Focus: Des Moines Deals with the Iowa Caucuses Safety and Security: Inline Explosives Detection Systems Air Service Recruitment: Holding on to What You’ve Got On Management: Managing Capital Programs Now Underway Grand Opening Conference Previews and Reviews New Members Index of Advertisers/Advertiser.com Box Scores

Centerlines - June 2008

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