justin

Can somebody explain the US union regulations in airlines to me please? I've been trying to work out why there is a cap on the RJ operations by American airlines, why are RJ's considered different to small bigger jets like the 717 and A318? I mean, I can't see any reason why the 717 is OK for major airlines but the ERJ170 is not allowed because it is classed as a RJ. And somebody once told me that one reason Delta and Continental want the 764 is for some dodge with their pilot union with regards to the 777, although maybe I have heard wrong. Why is the 764 advantageous to operate against the 777 with regard to pilot labour agreements? I'd be grateful is somebody could explain this as it's a total mystery to me, thanks,

Justin

AlphaSigOU

It's known as a 'scope clause' in union terminology. The scope clause limits a subsidiary company of an airline (for example, American Eagle) on the number, range, and type of aircraft that may be used to feed into hub airports. This is mainly for job security. Pilots from the subsidiary airline who transfer to the mainline receive certain rights regarding seniority.

As for the 764, the real reason is because of commonality with the 767-200 and 767-300 models (and in turn, 767-qualified pilots can also fly 757s) ; all that would be required is a short course on differences between aircraft types. The 777 is an entirely different animal altogether -- it requires its own separate type rating by the FAA.

Hope this helps - if someone can explain this better, please feel free to jump in.

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Chuck Corway (AlphaSigOU)

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Scott

Chuck gave the rational and concise explanation of the scope clause. To amplify a bit: The industry has almost rid itself of the "2-tier" compensation system pioneered by AA. During the 1980's, AA developed an "A" scale package for current pilots. New hire wages were designated "B" scale and were planned to NEVER merge with the senior brethren. In effect, unequal pay for equal work. Of course, wages are generally higher with seniority in a given a/c and seat, (ie MD-80 captain) but this gulf was monstrous. Negating the disparity became a high priority for unions. Labor has largely won the battle: however............
Enter the world of Regional Jets. These gems serve a useful role with regional carriers, but are increasingly tapping the narrow-body feed from major airlines. There is some economic justification, but AA, UA, DL, CO, US, etc refuse to "buy and fly" with their own labor resources. Why? Just a reformed version of the "B" scale. Scope clauses create a ratio between the number of narrow-bodied aircraft, block-hours flown, and other parameters and the total of RJ's the regional partner may fly on behalf of the host. And yes, most regionals pay substandard wages. My carrier is in technical violation due to nearly a hundred aircraft grounded following 9-11. ALPA has, of course, adopted a conciliatory stance and seeks to reach an equitable interem agreement. And yet many of my first officers will be furloughed as routes are shunted off to the express carriers. That hurts.

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justin

Thanks for the info guys. So does this mean that if, say Delta or AA, were to fly ERJ's or CRJ's with their regular crews there would be no restriction? Here in the UK BA has been operating a lot of their domestic and less busy Euro routes with franchise partners for years, but now the main ones, Brymon, City Flyer Express and British Regional are 100% owned subsidiaries, but still operate seperate to BA, probably for the same reason's as the American regional subsidiaries. However, many European operators are buying a lot of RJ's for their main fleets to replace older narrow bodies and there appears to be no restrictions. I must admit this is all a mystery to me as I've never worked in an industry with unions as a power so I have no experience or knowlege of how these things work.

Justin

b737gearboy

That's exactly right! The airline I am furloughed from could have UNLIMITED RJ's flown by mainline pilots. Management loves having the contract carriers operating the rj's because of lower salaries and benefits. Also the company does not have to outlay the capital to purchase the airplanes. It is pretty frustrating when you know you are about to lose your job and see entire sections of terminals that used to have mainline airplanes and now there is nothing but RJ's!!!!!

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