Pilots/Democrats - call and/or email your senators!

[October]

Current law prohibits foreign airlines from carrying passengers or carrying cargo between two US domestic points. A proposed provision would modify that section of the law as it applies to air cargo.

The proposed provision (commonly called Alaksa cargo cabotage provision) to HR2115 was inserted in the FAA bill without hearings or debate. It was accepted by the House Republican conferees over the opposition of the Democratic members, also without hearings or debate.

Under these proposed changes, Air China Cargo could set up a distribution center in Anchorage with a dedicated fleet of 747 freighters based there for the purpose of transporting US domestic traffic between Alaska and the other 49 states.

Would Air China pay US corporate income taxes on the millions of dollars of revenue they would reap in the operation? NO!

Would Air China be subject to US laws and regulations concerning employment rights, drug and alcohol testing of employees, pilot training and other safety requirements? NO!

Would these 747's be piloted by US crewmembers? NO!

Would US carriers be granted reciprocal opportunities in mainland China? NO!

This is just a first step in shipping US (airline) jobs "overseas."



(No link - this is from the Air Line Pilots Association president, Mr. Duane E. Woerth...condensed and paraphrased.) (Visit Alpa.org)

[tsipple]

1. October, Please Get Me a Link!

I'll post it right away to Pilots for Dean. This is important news.

[October]

9. Sorry for the delay...

I don't have a link. This was an email sent to Fedex pilots. I only have a pdf file.

[SharonAnn]

2. Hmmm, all the pilots I know are either Right-Wing Republicans

or Right-Wing Libertarians.

Sounds like this is something they would go for, you know, competitive businesses, "let the market work", etc.

But then, of course, they do belong to unions and get great pay and benefits.

Oh, what's a person to think, anyway?

[October]

10. Unfortunately...true...

We still try to educate the pilot group about unions, etc., but many come from military backgrounds and seem preconditioned to vote only for the very people who will most hurt their careers and take away their pay/benefits -- otherwise known as republicans.

[TreasonousBastard]

3. WTF?????

Who put this in there?

Who could possibly benefit from this? Besides China?

We also, btw, prohibit foreign flag vessels, or vessels with foreign ownership, to trade between our ports.

I don't necessarily agree that this is such a good idea, but without reciprocity, I can't see any reason to change it.

[Nashyra]

5. Will have my husband post on the American Airlines Pilot

website if it is not already there.

[tsipple]

4. October, I Have Information Up Now

News posted to Pilots for Dean. Please e-mail me (links at web site) as you get more information. Thanks.

[October]

7. Thanks! eom

[karlschneider]

6. I just looked at ALPA's site,

http://www.alpa.org/alpa/DesktopDefault.aspx

didn't see anything about it. (I'm not a member, though...I fly corporate, not airlines)

[October]

8. Since the legislation is so specific to air cargo...

they may feel it only relates to part of the union as a whole. However, this is a "foot in the door" approach, and as goes cargo pilots...

[tsipple]

11. Details Posted to Pilots for Dean

I have the full information from ALPA up on the web site now. Click to view and take action. Thanks!

[October]

12. You're good.

Thanks!