SLAYING THE INTEGRATION-RUMOR DRAGON

By: Integration Team Member & Vice President of Committee Affairs Capt. Amy Vidovich

The lack of informative communication and the Union’s IBT-to-NJASAP transition period have allowed an integration rumor dragon to take shape in the wake of the Company's mid-September message announcing its intention to recognize NJA and NJI as a single transportation system. This is why the Union has enlisted a few brave souls from its ranks to lead the charge and slay the dragon; chief among them is Steward Brian Ward, who will lead the NJASAP Integration Team. However, for Ward and his team to be successful, he must have the support and participation of every NJASAP member. Armed with knowledge and refusing to spread rumors that give the dragon its fire-breathing power, the membership can make all the difference.

 From Whence it Came  While negotiating the 2005 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Union leaders sought to increase NJA pilots’ long-term job security by eliminating the threat of a non-unionized sister company usurping their work. Thusly, a process that would guide the merger of NJI and NJA into a single transportation system was created via Letters of Agreement (LOA), including LOA 01-013; the LOAs should eliminate the need for litigation or National Mediation Board involvement.

The Company communicated its intent to begin the integration process when it released the Initial Recognition Notice on Sept. 16, 2008. Per the LOA, the Company must send a Final Integration Notice on or before Nov., 21, 2010, stipulating the integration has been completed. Until that time, the status quo will be maintained at both companies; however, when the integration is complete, the provisions of the 2007 Collective Bargaining Agreement will apply to all pilots. No crewmember will be displaced or lose pay at that time.

The Hunting Strategy  This is the first of several communications you will receive regarding the integration; similar communications will be prepared for the NJI pilots. Along with progress updates, several educational articles will be published both electronically and in the Union’s Compass magazine. The articles will include the return of the Did You Know (DYK) Education Series, which will address common questions and concerns. An integration area of the Web site is being developed and will contain all information pertaining to the integration; it will be launched Friday, Oct. 21, 2008.

 Relatedly, password protection will be removed from the main part of the NJASAP Web site to facilitate a freer flow of communication with our NJI brethren. An integration web area specific to NJI crewmembers will also be launched next Friday. In addition to integration news, the NJI web area will contain general information about Union membership, 2007 CBA information and a link to their own message board. Initially, only the NJASAP Integration Team and the NJA pilots who have bid and moved to NJI will have access to the message boards. However, later in the process, a contract section will be added to their message board similar to the IBB section utilized on the NJASAP message boards to facilitate a better understanding of the 2007 CBA. All message boards will be merged after the Final Integration Notice is sent.

 Communication with NJI pilots will be facilitated by the Gulfstream Pilot Action Committee, more commonly referred to as GPAC. This group contacted the newly elected Executive Board during their first week in office to communicate they are in the process of conducting a democratic, yet unofficial election, to allow the group to choose pilots from within their own ranks to speak for them throughout the integration process. NJASAP leaders have indicated they will work to include NJI pilots in the process and to keep them informed. 

 Committee leaders also expressed concern with the flow of inaccurate information from NJI managers. In response, the Union Integration Team has agreed to assist them in providing accurate information to their pilots and to answer any questions they may have about our Union and our contract. However, NJASAP will not become their bargaining agent until the Final Integration Notice is sent. Additionally, NJI pilots will not be able to become NJASAP members or to pay dues until the integration has reached the point where NJASAP may legally represent them. Throughout the integration process, NJASAP will maintain a keen focus on the best interests of its existing membership.

 Finally, the lines of communication with NJA management are active and strong and will remain so throughout the integration as it is the parties’ best interests to facilitate a smooth transition.

 First Stab at the Rumor Dragon: Upgrades at NJI  One of the newer rumors making the rounds is that NJI crewmembers have been upgrading en mass. Upon hearing this rumor, Union officials contacted Company management, who researched the issue and learned that NJI pilots are attending an Upgrade Class. However, the pilots pay and status will not change as a result of attending the class. So long as this remains the case, NJI management will not be in violation of the applicable LOAs. But, should they upgrade pilots in contravention to the LOA, the Union will pursue the issue without hesitation. 

 Your participation is critical to quelling uncertainties within our own and the NJI pilot group. Thusly, when you talk with a concerned pilot, direct him or her to the Union Web site, www.njasap.com. Treat the NJI pilots courteously and with respect, keeping in mind they will soon be our fellow brothers and sisters. Send questions to integration@njasap.com, and stay informed. Together we can slay the rumor beast. 

he credit for much of today's announcements must be attributed to previous and present Union leaders as well as Company officials, who have endeavored to lay a foundation that allows both parties to work in a professional, goal-oriented manner. To wit, the NJASAP membership's collective future only continues to grow brighter.