3 March 2010

I read the email your DO recently sent to all STAT pilots. We know that management has hired a labor consultant "union buster" to orchestrate an antiunion campaign for them. I have been warning you about this because I knew it was coming. I have been working for the OPEIU for twenty years. During that time I have run numerous campaigns. There has only been one factor in common with all of them; the companies involved hired a union buster.

Union busters are highly paid specialist and are very good at what they do. A typical antiunion campaign can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. I personally know that many operators have spent millions. To them it is never about money, it is about control.

In the future you can expect more antiunion email and letters, antiunion meetings at bases, visits from supervisors and so forth. Union busters have an arsenal of tactics; they distort the truth, confuse, intimidate, make promises and spread negativity. However, they will never seriously address your issues.

They want to put the union supporters on their heels and drag them into their negatively. If they are successful at doing that, the outcome is obvious. We will respond when they lie. However, we will not be pulled into their negativity. We will stay focused on your issues.

The DO's email mentioned the costs involved and how it would be a burden on you due to your size if you unionize. We are well aware of that. That is why the decision has been made to have you become members of OPEIU Local 109 (AMC). However, you will have your own collective bargaining agreement and base representatives. Once you unionize all of you will receive a survey asking what you want in your union contract and you will elect a pilot bargaining team among your peers. Your bargaining team will work closely with the skilled OPEIU negotiator during all phases of bargaining.

During the negotiations process the OPEIU will pay for all expenses incurred by your bargaining team. And no pilot will pay any union dues until after you as a group vote to accept your union contract. Local 109 dues are 1% of base pay, excluding workover, supplemental pay or ACCRA Cola adjustment. 

The Professional Helicopter Pilot's Association (PHPA) recently held its annual meetings. The PHPA is an umbrella organization of the OPEIU that is operated by pilots from all of the OPEIU Aviation Locals (AMC, Air Log, PHI, Ft. Rucker, CHL and CHC). The PHPA was briefed about your campaign and overwhelming supports your efforts. In the future you will hear from some of them and hopefully will have a chance to meet a few of them.

If you have any questions and/or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

All my best,

Jeffrey Rusich
OPEIU International Representative
800-978-1536