Management Must Recognize Pilots’ Contributions,
Sacrifices
The pilots of Mesa Air Group (MAG), who are represented by the
Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), began negotiations
with management this week for a competitive wage and benefits
package that recognizes the pilots’ sacrifices and
contributions to the airline over the years, provides incentives to
retain qualified professionals, and makes Mesa the airline of
choice for prospective pilots.
“Mesa’s pilots must also be rewarded for their
contributions to this airline, namely for our efforts in
maintaining operational excellence. We are at a critical juncture
and must act quickly to make the necessary changes that will ensure
the long-term viability of our airline,” said First Officer
Marcin Kolodziejczyk, chairman of the Mesa Air Group unit at ALPA.
“No longer is being ‘the cheapest’ a guarantee to
winning new business. Mesa needs to focus on rebuilding its brand
as one that respects its pilots, values our contributions, and
continues to provide our partners with a quality product. The
pilots have done their part by consistently delivering outstanding
service to our partners and our passengers. We expect Mesa
management to do their part by negotiating a fair
agreement.”
Much has changed since the pilots were last at the bargaining
table with MAG management. In December 2008, the pilots narrowly
ratified a short-term agreement with significant work-rule
improvements that brought them in line with the industry in many
key areas. However, provisions such as increasing captain pay rates
and improving health care and other benefits were not addressed in
those negotiations due to the precarious financial situation of the
company, and they remain at levels that were negotiated in their
2003 contract.
A year ago, MAG entered into Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection;
the company recently emerged after restructuring the airline and
its fleet to meet the needs of its partners. The union was actively
involved in working to protect pilots’ rights while at the
same time ensuring the company’s survival. It was a painful
process that, among other things, resulted in hundreds of pilots
being furloughed, displaced from their bases, and/or downgraded
from captain to first officer.
Meanwhile, the pool of qualified, professional pilots is
shrinking, and industry analysts forecast a severe pilot shortage
within the next 10 years due to pilot retirements and the
decreasing number of new pilots entering the profession.
Competition for qualified pilots is already fierce, and many
regional and mainline carriers are currently hiring pilots on an
ongoing basis. Several of these carriers have also made significant
improvements to their pilot agreements to assist them in retaining
and attracting qualified professionals.
The MAG pilots intend to make similar improvements to their
contract. MAG is now a stronger, leaner airline with an aggressive
plan to maintain current business, secure new business, and reward
senior management, aircraft lessors, suppliers, and other
shareholders.
“Mesa’s pilots must also be rewarded for their
contributions to this airline, namely for our efforts in
maintaining operational excellence,” said Kolodziejczyk.
“As one of the largest stakeholders in Mesa, the pilots are
an integral part to the company’s current and future plans,
and we deserve to share in its success.”