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AIR LINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION
International

July 27, 1948

Subject: Seasonal Layoffs of Copilots

To     : All Local Councils

Dear Chairman:

Since the inception of the commercial air transport industry, the junior copilots for the air carriers of this country have been faced with the threat and the actuality of being furloughed each winter during the slack season, until they have accrued sufficient seniority to hold a permanent year-round piloting position with their companies. 

The trend toward this year-end furloughing has increased since the war with the advent of the new planes of larger passenger capacity and the trend has been even more noticeably pronounced because of the leveling off of the industry's rapid expansion rate. Until "all weather" flying is here with winter schedule completions comparable to those of the "good weather" months, the public is going to continue to shy away from the air lines during the winter months, and this will mean furloughing pilots.

The Executive Board at its third meeting on May 6-9, 1948, gave considerable discussion to this seasonal layoff problem, and approved the following resolution: 

"RESOLVED, that the local council of each air line give consideration to the following recommendations: 

"(1) That as many vacations as possible be granted in the slack season to enable the maximum retention of pilots. 

"(2) That leaves of absence, if requested, and when possible, be taken in the slack season. 

"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Headquarters maintain contact with all furloughed copilots and notify them directly when opportunities for seasonal or permanent employment occur, for which they may be qualified."

Though these seasonal economic layoff factors affect only a small percentage of ALPA members, these members should be given every consideration in an effort to assist them maintain their positions. There are two steps as set forth in the Executive Board's Resolution that can be taken by the ALPA members throughout the country which will materially help alleviate this. First, that as many vacations as possible be granted in the slack season to enable the maximum retention of pilots. Second, that leaves of absence, if requested, and when possible, be taken in the slack season. This in itself will not solve to problem but it will mean the retention of many pilots who would otherwise be furloughed.