The Air Line Pilots Association, in a scathing statement announcing a new Web site devoted to Tilton's removal, said that in recent years the airline, a unit of UAL Corp., has "gone from being the finest airline in the world ... to a shell of its former self," according to Captain Steve Wallach, chairman of the union's master executive council.
Though insisting the campaign is "not a personal attack on Glenn Tilton," Wallach said United's poor showing in terms of on-time arrival, customer complaints and misplaced luggage "are a reflection of his inability to lead, his incompetence as a manager and his failure in virtually every category that can be measured."
Labor relations have long been difficult at United, fueled by a difficult trip through bankruptcy where salaries were reduced and pension plans were terminated. Tensions have escalated in recent weeks as United filed suit against ALPA and certain pilots, claiming a handful of aviators are misusing sick leave and taking other steps that have led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights.
Pilots are upset over United's plan to furlough upwards of 950 fliers as the airline cuts capacity. Though the union has no formal authority to make management changes, the negative press could pressure UAL's board to consider a change. If nothing else, the Web site should make for an interesting upcoming board meeting: Both Wallach and Tilton are UAL directors. - Lou Whiteman
See ALPA Web site calling for Tilton's removal
See TheDeal.com story on United suing pilots
Pilots at United Airlines on Monday called for the resignation of CEO Glenn Tilton, highlighting the growing tension between the airline and its labor groups.
