EraMED pilots seek union representation

Dear EraMED Pilot:

Several EraMED pilots have shown a strong interest to improve working conditions, unionize the pilot workforce and seek a collective bargaining agreement. The Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) has agreed to help.

There are many important issues; wage improvements, a concise, well defined pay scale with planned growth, improvements to working conditions and benefits, elimination of “at will” employment, a fair dispute resolution process and other benefits which only can be gained through the collective bargaining process. These improvements will greatly benefit all EraMED pilots and your families. 

As has been the case with all of the other OPEIU unionized helicopter pilots, credible improvements to their wages and benefits came about only after they unionized and achieved their first collective bargaining agreement. Those pilots have set the initial standard, and now have legally binding contracts which define their wages and benefits, provide for a fair conflict resolution process and respect seniority.

Enclosed for your consideration is an Authorization Card. You can also download a card from the OPEIU pilot organizing website at: EMSPILOTS.COM. The website also contains a lot of valuable information about the union organizing and collective bargaining processes, your legal rights regarding union activity, OPEIU aviation local unions and much more. Please take the time to review all of the information on the website.

Organizing a group of pilots as wide spread as those at EraMED is a difficult task.  Gathering the addresses of each pilot sometimes leads to some individuals being left off of our initial list. If you hear of a pilot who may be interested, but has not received a letter from us, please let me know. Also, please inform me if you are willing to help with the organizing campaign. Your confidence will be respected, and protected.

Union Busting

During union organizing campaigns operators always hire a Labor Consultant (union buster) to run their anti-union campaign. Union busters are highly paid specialist.

The union buster will orchestrate EraMED’s anti-union campaign and make all decisions regarding the campaign. They are well aware of management’s advantages, both logistically and legally, and will use these advantages to counter your pro-union/pilot campaign.

Their campaign will be built on deceit and lies. They will spread rumors and mistruths about the OPEIU and the union organizing process.

You can expect them to prepare antiunion letters that will avoid your issues, and be full of scare tactics, attacks and "we really care about you" dialogue. Other things you can expect from the union buster will be: captive audience meetings, one-on-one meetings and a sudden interest in your concerns.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

All my best,

Jeff Rusich
OPEIU Representative
800-978-1536 (pager/voicemail)
opeiurep@aol.com

EMSPILOTS.COM