This is First Officer Scott Shankland with the APA Information Hotline for Friday, March 27.

The meetings will include a short briefing followed by an opportunity for member feedback and Q & A. The meetings are scheduled for three hours; however, your National Officers will stay until all member questions are addressed. All APA members are highly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to interact with your National Officers.

ASAP RENEWAL: As reported in a national membership blast yesterday, APA and AA management have successfully bargained an agreement on a renewed ASAP Memorandum of Understanding. This successful negotiation is the result of a long process involving dedicated members on both sides. Our perseverance produced an enhanced program that provides critical safety information to the airline and the FAA, while locking down improved protections for pilots.

As a result of one of the major program improvements, pilots can now feel protected in sharing all related information regarding any event that is accepted into the ASAP program. This reinstates the original concept upon which the ASAP program was created—protection in exchange for self-disclosure of information.

The conclusion of these negotiations is a demonstration of how successful bargaining can occur when both parties are engaged in a good-faith effort. The pilots of AA were the original creators of ASAP and we have now reinstated a program that once again sets the industry standard.

The new MOU still requires review and approval by the FAA. We anticipate that this process will be complete within the next couple weeks. Until then, all pilots should continue to utilize the APA Safety Committee for P2 reviews and assistance with NASA/ASRS reports. They may be easily accessed from the prominent button on the members' home page of alliedpilots.org.

NEGOTIATIONS TO RESUME NEXT WEEK: Three days of mediated bargaining between APA and AA negotiators is scheduled for next week. This upcoming week’s session will take place at the Flagship University at the AMR headquarters complex near DFW. Negotiations updates will be posted to the apanegotiations.com Web site as warranted.

That’s all we have for today. Remember, your participation is essential to our success in getting the contract you deserve! Thanks for checking this hotline.