Continental Airlines signed a Partnership Accord with its pilots union, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int`l (ALPA), to codify key aspects of their new approach to labor/management relations….
Continental Airlines signed a Partnership Accord with its pilots union, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int`l (ALPA), to codify key aspects of their new approach to labor/management relations.
During what are arguably the most challenging economic and financial circumstances in aviation history, major airlines are being forced to undertake drastic measures to remain competitive, some even attempting to reinvent themselves. In such an environment, Continental and its pilots have determined that the old ways of confrontational labor relations are detrimental to both sides` interests.
More than a year ago, Continental Airlines and the Continental Master Executive Council of ALPA (CAL ALPA) began to develop a relationship based on providing each other with accurate, factual information and considering each other`s input regarding operational and other issues. This evolving process has been beneficial to both parties in resolving a number of important issues, most recently resulting in an agreement to expedite the recall of 310 furloughed Continental pilots without imposing burdensome costs on the carrier.
The agreement signed today formalizes this process and commits Continental and CAL ALPA to a partnership relationship based on mutual respect and trust. It also assures that each party will receive a fair share of the financial and economic rewards.
This agreement further reflects Continental`s policy of open, honest and direct communication with all employees, said Gordon Bethune, Continental`s chairman and CEO. Additionally, treating each other with dignity and respect has become a cornerstone of our success. Working together works for us and this agreement will ensure that everybody wins together.
Duane Woerth, ALPA president, lauded the effort by Continental management and pilots union leadership, saying, You tried a new path — based on cooperation, trust and mutual respect — and that`s bearing fruit for your pilots.
This could be a model for the industry, he added. Certainly ALPA believes that pilots and management must work together to meet the challenges we face.
Capt. Jay Panarello, chairman of the Continental ALPA Master Executive Council, reviewed the steps that led to today`s signing. He said that soon after he took office in August 2003, a roundtable meeting of company and union leaders was held. There, he said, We committed to address legitimate concerns based on fact, not propaganda, and to temper our communications.
Results were immediate, he observed. We nipped a number of problems in the bud before they got out of hand. The concept of partnership took hold and today`s signing ensures that this better way of doing business survives.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
