ALPA Portal

Press Release

United, Aer Lingus Pilots Sign Protocol Agreement
In Response to Airlines’ Proposed Partnership

Chicago, Ill., Feb. 2, 2009—Representatives from the United Master Executive Council of the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) and the Irish Air Line Pilots Association (IALPA), which represents the pilots of Aer Lingus Airlines, today signed a protocol agreement that will bring the two groups together to protect the interests of pilots from both airlines in light of the recently announced partnership between United and Aer Lingus.

Press Release

United Pilots: Leadership Void Costly for UAL in 2008

Chicago, Ill., December 29, 2008— Pilots for United Airlines said today that under CEO Glenn Tilton’s watch, United Airlines in 2008 clearly failed in its efforts to regain its former stature as the world’s preeminent airline. Over the past year, the airline has been plagued by an appalling lack of leadership and vision among Tilton and his executives. Tilton and his executives have kept United Airlines mired in financial and operational stagnation ever since it exited bankruptcy nearly three years ago.

Based upon Tilton’s past performance, the pilots see no signs that things are going to get better in the future under his watch. During Tilton’s tenure, the pilots point out, it has been apparent that United does not have a strategy that will enable it to take charge of its destiny.

Press Release: United Pilots Intend Full Compliance

Chicago, Ill., November 18, 2008--The United Master Executive Council of the Air Line Pilots Association has been advised that Federal Court Judge Joan Lefkow plans to issue a preliminary injunction against ALPA in the case of UAL v. ALPA.

The Court has issued a set of findings but has not yet issued an injunction. Nonetheless, ALPA has already advised the United pilots that it remains essential not to engage in any form of economic action involving United Airlines. ALPA will have no further comment at this time, except to say that ALPA, the United Master Executive Council and the United pilots will comply fully with the Court’s Order when it is issued.

ALPA CONTACT:
Dave Kelly
847/292-1708
david.kelly@alpa.org

United Pilots: Fuel Hedge Losses Further Proof of Misdirection of Airline

October 21, 2008-- United Airlines’ announced $779 million loss for the third quarter, $519 million attributable to poor fuel hedges, is yet another example of incompetence and lack of fiscal responsibility by its CEO and his executives, according to the pilots of United Airlines.

United CEO Glenn Tilton, who, ironically, came to United from ChevronTexaco, one of the nation’s largest oil companies, ought to perform better.

Read On ...

Master Chairman 'Pulls Down' Industrial Relations Committee

October 17, 2008--As many of you know, the UAL-MEC has an Industrial Relations Committee, commonly referred to as the “IRC.” This committee was founded in 1985 and serves an important two-way communications function between our membership and your MEC leadership. Under our MEC Policy Manualm the Master Chairman, with the approval of the MEC, appoints the IRC chair, and he, in turn, appoints the other members of the IRC. In addition, local coordinators are also established within the IRC structure.

United Pilots: Glenn Tilton’s Excessive Pay Package Must Go

September 29, 2008 – Pilots for United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAUA) today demanded that the UAL Board of Directors cut the pay for its CEO, Glenn Tilton, as a reflection of concern and solidarity with passengers and employees who are being forced to tighten their belts.

At $10.3 million a year, Tilton’s compensation package -- including salary, stock grants, options and other added extras -- is the highest in the airline industry. The CEO of American Airlines is paid $4.6 million a year, the CEO of Southwest Airlines makes $1.3 million and the CEO of JetBlue gets $514,000. United’s pilots believe that there is no justifiable reason for the worst airline executive to be compensated the most. United Airlines has lost more money this year than nearly all other US competitors combined.

UAL-CAL Joint Statement

Pilots from Continental, United Form Strategic Alliance

September 24, 2008--In response to the announced corporate alliance of United Airlines and Continental Airlines, the pilots of both carriers, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), have formed their own strategic alliance in order to protect and enhance the careers of their respective pilot groups.

United Pilots to CEO: Stop Taxing Our Passengers

Chicago, Ill., Sept 15, 2008 – Pilots for United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAUA) said today that they strongly oppose the airline’s plan to double the fee it charges passengers for checking a second bag, which essentially raises taxes on passengers at a time when a stimulus is needed.

“There they go again,” said Captain Steve Wallach, Chairman of the United Chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association. “The management at United should be trying to improve conditions for passengers, not finding backhanded ways to charge them more. Passengers do not like hidden fees, for good reason: It makes them feel like they’re getting taken advantage of.”

UAL Rolls Back Meal Plan

UAL Management’s Flip-Flop on Meal Policy Demonstrates Inadequate Leadership

Chicago, Ill., September 2, 2008--Today’s announcement by United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAUA) that it is reversing plans to charge passengers on overseas flights for meals is further proof that the airline’s CEO and his executives are out of touch with the needs of its passengers.

United Pilots Call for Tilton to Resign as CEO

August 11, 2008—The United Chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) today called for the resignation of Glenn Tilton as CEO of United Airlines (NasdaqGS: UAUA) and stressed the need for new leadership and direction at the helm of the air carrier. United Airlines now ranks at the bottom of nearly every performance and customer satisfaction category, and its financial performance is steadily deteriorating.

The United Chapter of ALPA has launched a Web site (www.GlennTilton.com) that highlights the failures of Glenn Tilton’s management. United’s passengers, investors, media and the general public are invited to visit www.GlennTilton.com for detailed information on why Glenn Tilton must go.

“Under Glenn Tilton’s tenure, United has gone from being the finest airline in the world, with the best route structure and safety record, to a shell of its former self,” said Captain Steve Wallach, chairman of the United Master Executive Council. “He has had every opportunity to turn this company around, and tap the abilities of its first-class employees, but instead he has run it into the ground. We believe that with the intense challenges facing our industry, United Airlines will not be able to thrive as long as Glenn Tilton, with his proven record of incompetence, continues as CEO. It is time for Glenn Tilton to go.”

With Glenn Tilton in charge, United Airlines has gone from being the world’s preeminent airline to the bottom of nearly all performance and customer satisfaction categories:

In performance, United ranks 18th of 19 for on-time arrivals; 17th of 19 in customer complaints and tenth of 19 for misplaced baggage, according to the latest Department of Transportation data.
In customers’ willingness to pay for the product, despite capacity reductions, load factors in the first 6 months of 2008 are down 2.6 percent, compared with a similar period in 2007.
In stock performance, UAUA is down 73 percent since United exited bankruptcy on February 1, 2006.
In profitability, United has lost more money in 2008 than it has made since exiting bankruptcy.
In overall reputation, United is rated “below the rest” and tied for last place on the latest J.D. Powers satisfaction study.
A recent “Employee Climate Survey” conducted by United revealed that only 38 percent of United employees take pride in United, down 15 percentage points from 2006. Average Fortune 500 companies find that 84 percent of their employees express pride in the company for which they work. Sixty-two percent of United’s employees are not proud of their company, 70 percent are dissatisfied with their jobs, 73 percent are looking for new jobs and 77 percent do not think United is a great place to work.

“This is not a personal attack on Glenn Tilton,” said Captain Wallach. “These dismal numbers speak for themselves. They are a reflection of his inability to lead, his incompetence as a manager and his failure in virtually every category that can be measured. We have tried every conceivable way to convince him to invest in, and maximize the goodwill of, his employees. He has failed miserably.

“We continue to believe that United can restore its place among the leaders in the airline industry, and we continue to urge all United pilots to work to bring about that goal,” said Captain Wallach. “But time is running out. United faces tremendous challenges. The first step must be a change in leadership and direction.

“It is time for Glenn Tilton to go.”

For more information on why Glenn Tilton should resign, go to www.GlennTilton.com.

United MEC In the Media
CNBC's Squawk Box (August 12, 2008)
Chicago Tribune (August 12, 2008)

Special Message from MEC Chairman Captain Steve Wallach

August 1, 2008--As you are probably aware by now, on July 30 United Airlines filed a lawsuit in federal district court in Chicago alleging that ALPA and individual pilots have engaged in unlawful activity by encouraging pilots to call in sick and to refuse junior/senior manning assignments. The federal judge today set that motion for a hearing on August 27, 2008.

The United MEC is taking this opportunity to confirm its position that pilots should not engage in activities either individually or collectively that may disrupt operations. Specifically, the United MEC and its officers do not condone and strongly oppose calling in sick when you are not ill, refusing to accept junior/senior manning assignments for the purpose of disrupting operations, or pressuring other pilots in any way with respect to their individual decisions to accept junior/senior manning assignments.

If there is a continuation of the sick leave levels that United experienced in July, and if United is unable to obtain pilots who will accept junior/senior manning to avoid flight cancellations, United will argue that it is a justification for the court to issue a preliminary injunction. Please understand that this is a serious matter, and that failure to comply with our legal obligations could have serious consequences.

UAL MEC Press Release

United Pilots: UAL Release on Sick Leave Lawsuit ‘Inaccurate, Alarmingly Misleading’

Chicago, July 30, 2008--The United Chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association can confirm that it is in receipt of a lawsuit filed today in federal court by United Airlines against the union regarding sick leave. ALPA attorneys are currently reviewing the complaint.

“ALPA cannot comment on the pending litigation at this time until our attorneys have had the opportunity to review it,” said United MEC Chairman Captain Steve Wallach. “A UAL press release issued today, however, concerning the lawsuit contained inaccurate and alarmingly misleading information. The United Chapter of ALPA believes this is not a constructive approach to labor relations.”

Contact:
Dave Kelly
847/292-1708

CAL, CAL Pilots Join Forces In Face of Airlines’ New Alliance

July 2, 2008--The pilots of United and Continental Airlines announce their intent to align efforts geared toward promoting the careers and futures of their respective groups in the face of the recent Global Cooperation agreement between their respective airlines. Leaders of the two pilot groups, both represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), decided to build upon the relationship formed when merger discussions involving Continental and United brought them together earlier this year.

On June 19, United Airlines and Continental Airlines announced an agreement to link their networks and operations worldwide, and for Continental to join the Star Alliance. This agreement not only represents a new dynamic for both airlines, it also has the potential for significant impact on the careers of the pilots of both airlines.

Statement by Captain Steve Wallach, Chairman of the United Master Executive Council Of the Air Line Pilots Association

Regarding S. 3130, “The Increasing Transparency and Accountability in Oil Prices Act of 2008.”

June 17, 2008 -- “The Increasing Transparency and Accountability in Oil Prices Act of 2008 represents a welcome and common sense approach toward reforming our nation’s oil industry. The skyrocketing price of oil not only threatens the future and viability of our domestic airlines, it is undercutting the long-term health of our nation’s economy. I applaud Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) and his colleagues for acting with urgency in scheduling today’s congressional hearings regarding this Act. It is time that the oil industry undergoes reform, and that transparency in the energy commodity futures market will help align the price of oil with supply and demand.

UAL-MEC Press Release

Statement by Captain Steve Wallach, Chairman of the United Master Executive Council Of the Air Line Pilots Association, Regarding Financial Impact of Possible Merger Between United Airlines and US Airways

May 7, 2008 -- “We are aware of continued speculation in the media of a possible merger between United Airlines (Nasdaq:UAUA) and US Airways (NYSE:LCC) and have serious concerns that the highly-touted financial benefits to be derived from such a merger are unlikely to be achieved because these benefits are based on assumptions that have no basis in reality. We therefore believe that a merger with US Airways should be a last resort and not a first choice for United.

Press Release Archive

UAL-MEC Press Release

Statement by Captain Steve Wallach, Chairman of the United Master Executive Council Of the Air Line Pilots Association, Regarding Speculation of Possible Merger Between United Airlines And US Airways

April 29, 2008--“Continental Airlines’ abandonment of merger discussions has produced intense media speculation that United Airlines is in final merger negotiations with US Airways. This speculation has created enormous concern among the pilots of United.

UAL-MEC Press Release

UAL Survey Confirms Neglect of Employees

Chicago, Ill., April 2, 2008—A recent employee survey conducted by United Airlines confirms what the airline’s pilots and other employees have been expressing to CEO Glenn Tilton and his executives over the past several years: that the airline has neglected its employees for far too long.

Read On ...