ERA pilots seek union representation
24 September 2009
Dear Era Helicopters Pilot:
Several ERA pilots have shown a strong interest to improve and maintain 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, overtime pay, improvements to working conditions and benefits, elimination of “at will” employment, and other benefits which only can be gained through the collective bargaining process. These improvements will greatly benefit all ERA pilots and your families.
As has been the case with the thousands of OPEIU unionized helicopter pilots in the United States and Canada, 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: gompilots.org The website 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 widespread as those at ERA 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 us know. Also, please inform us if you are willing to help with the organizing campaign. Your confidence will be respected and protected.
Union Busting
Management has hired a Labor Consultant (Union Buster). Union Busters are highly paid specialists. ERA’s union buster will orchestrate management’s anti-union campaign and make all decisions regarding the campaign. He is well aware of management’s advantages, both logistically and legally, and will use these advantages to counter your pro-union/pilot campaign.
We heard that management circulated a survey asking for your input regarding possible improvements to your benefits. This is just one of many tactics used by union busters. Other tactics you can expect include antiunion letters that will avoid your issues and be full of scare tactics, attacks and more "we really care about you" dialogue, phony employee advocacy groups, captive audience and one-on-one meetings and more.
If you can force management to make improvements with just the threat of a union imagine what you can accomplish after you unionize. Please keep in mind that no matter what improvements management should make during the union organizing campaign it will be the point from which you will start from during negotiations.
Management is willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a Union Buster to keep you from unionizing; money that would be better spent on you and your families.
Please keep in mind that you have the legal right to participate in union activity. The Railway Labor Act Section 152. (Fourth) General Duties states: ”No carrier, its officers, or agents shall deny or in any way question the right of its’ employees to join, organize, or assist in organizing the labor organization of their choice, and it shall be unlawful for any carrier to interfere in any way with the organization of its’ employees”.
If you have any questions and/or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
All our best,
Jeff Rusich Ken Brunner
OPEIU Representative President, OPEIU Local 107
800-978-1536 (voicemail) 337-288-4070
opeiurep@aol.com kebflyer@cox.net
GOMPILOTS.ORG
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