Thanks for the transcript, my wife and I both have read it and want you to know that we are behind you 100%.

 Lets get this job that we started  finished and pray that it all works out in the end. We cannot believe that it has been one year already, how time flies by. It is indeed very  depressing that no resolution seems to be there for us at this time. How our lives have changed in just one year is amazing. I myself am grateful  to still be married because what I have put my wife and family through since July 9, 2001 has been unforgivable. This is the reason that I chose to go to work while waiting to get my job back because I was not a happy person being at home. I would like my career back or at least would like to have  the option of coming back to Cathay Pacific and I don't believe that will  ever happen unless you get in Nigel. Keep up the great work, we all appreciate your dedication and all that you have done for us over the past  year. Without the financial and emotional support we would have not made it this far, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are behind you and  will do everything that we can to support you and the AOA. All the best,
 

Nigel, Just a note to confirm my support for you in the coming election. Thanks very much for standing again, I do hope it doesn't damage your family life too much.

Have the GC discussed the possibility of changing the parameters of the IFALPA Recruitment Ban? I feel that the Ban should be the result of the 49'ers requesting assistance from IFALPA and not the AOA. This would mean that the Ban would only be withdrawn if the 49'ers were re-employed or themselves requested (a majority) its removal. This would hopefully concentrate CX's efforts on settling the 49'ers issue.

To remove any safety concerns of "new recruits" flying with AOA members perhaps they could be allowed AOA membership whilst still under the IFALPA Ban which would pressure them into supporting the AOA's negotiations with CX in order to lessen the likelihood of being dismissed for no reason and having to find a another job in the face of the IFALPA Ban. I know this might appear to be "wimping out" but I feel it could strengthen the AOA both morally and financially whilst showing our emphasis on Flight Safety. I would be interested to know if this has been discussed and discarded.

Anyway, thanks again and I'm sure you won't need any luck to win this election.

Brgds




Thank you for your support. It certainly does trash my family 'life', but fortunately it doesn't damage my family. I could not do this without the steadfast support of my family and they see the job that needs finishing.

The GC have devoted a great deal of time and consideration to the Recruitment Ban discussion however we didn't think of that one. I see the reasoning in your suggestion however it would not be politically acceptable to the Membership to hand over such a serious lever to a 'special interest group'. Obviously the Ban is in place because of the reality of The 49ers however it would add considerable pressure on to The 49ers and more pressure is not what they need. It is the mandate of the GC to evaluate the whole landscape and make the moves based on what is best for the Membership as a whole. Right now the Ban is in the best interests of the Membership - of which The 49ers are a part.

Your second point is probably academic post-EGM due to the successful motion to prohibit membership of the 'replacement workers'. The reality is that these "new recruits" have already breached the Ban and are therefore of dubious integrity. It is unlikely that they are the union-joining type and would be completely useless under any industrial pressure. To be honest, I would have more "safety concerns" for any GC suggesting to our Membership that we should take these questionable characters into our union ;-)

Thanks again for your support
 

Hi Nigel, Peter & Phil,

I know you are probably sick of hearing from me firing in all directions however I know I'm consistent in two respects:

 1. I want the Association to survive and be the only pilots association.
 2. I want the best achievable for the 49ers.

 No matter who wins this election it will become very divisive, and  yes I agree that I have become part of the divisiveness, not  deliberately and only because I am expressing an opinion that is  against current direction.

 Is there any chance of delaying the election for 6 months to 1 year?

 My reasons are to give Nigel the chance with the court cases and the  upturn to either prove himself right or acknowledge that another  direction must be taken. You know I don't believe that Nigel's  direction will work, however I cannot help but feel uneasy about  pulling the rug out from underneath him this close to the final  options. To do so now would make the union weaker, and in fact no  matter who wins the AOA will become weaker.

 I don't care about the rules and what they may say, I'm sure there  would be a way around it, even if it came to Phil and Peter pulling  our with a gentleman's agreement from Nigel to resign in 1 year if  results are not achieved.

 In the remote chance that you guys agree to this I would suggest that  the process was kept very secret from the members, GC even and  management. Otherwise management will simply have another time frame  to delay to.

 Are you guys interested in talking it over amongst the three of you?  It may just save the AOA and the 49ers.

Regards to all
Member B


Member B

I really think that asking the candidates is fundamentally flawed. There is a process/constitution. If you want to change that then you need to write to the Gen Sec.

On a personal observation, however, Member B - you're bouncing around like a squash ball in a 40 degree C court at the moment. I've only just read your response to XXX, which you copied to me, and included:

"Nigel and the GC have tried and failed. How much more time are they asking for? Indefinite?"


Make your mind up, mate!


I could not and will not agree to some secret "power broking" between 3 candidates to circumvent the constitution/Rules. You've been watching too many movies.

Nigel
 

You have my support in your run for re-election.

I'm with you all the way Nigel-you still have my vote 

Hi Nigel. Thanks for your manifesto. It was well thought out and to the point.

Even though I am a based A scaler and have seen my salary cut by 29% and my prov fund contributions cut by a proportionate amount, I feel that your words are valid. I will be voting for you but please please start considering the base guys. I will be paying my 49er dues until this is all resolved but the idea that I have to be sacrificed yet further for the good of B scalers is repulsive. I refer to another manifesto from another candidate I have just read. Please thank your family for all of their sacrifices in loaning you to our cause. We owe them. Regards,

Thanks for taking the time to pass on your thoughts and concerns. The 49ers appreciate your support and so do I. Thank you for your vote.

I will pass on your kind words to my family as they will appreciate it.

  I voted for you as a president two years ago. I will vote for you again! You have been a great leader and I trust you. 

For what it is worth I did not vote for the recent action, probably because I was suspicious management would react rashly to the industrial position, BUT I must say to abandon you after you have been so principled and shown so much mettle would be 'rather bad form'! You therefore have my vote and I do hope you can keep an open mind when dealing with such difficult combatants. 

All the best to you and your family,

Thank you for your support and I take on board your comments. I rather cheekily suggest that it would be less an abandoning of Nigel Demery - it would be abandoning reason ;-) As much as management would like to make the dispute about personalities I think most of us now know that the Association is not just the President or the General Committee. I thank you for you vote and fully intend to keep my mind open - it has always been one of our advantages over management.

 Just a quick message of support. Thank God you are seeking re election, for a while I was worried you had had enough. It  must be very frustrating at times to be deemed militant or irresponsible when all you and the  committee has done is stand up to management and their disgraceful behaviour. I sincerely hope you are successful in your re-election. Good luck

Thanks very much for your support - and your concern ;-). Frustration comes with the job I'm afraid and I am certainly used to being called "militant".  I have been doing union work for long enough now to realise that being attacked is usually a sign that you are on the right track. My only concern is that those less experienced will make the mistake of thinking that feeling tired is the same as being beaten. If we can generate enough discussion with those suffering 'industrial fatigue' then they will vote to let me finish the job. I'm hoping those that can see the wood for the trees, like yourself, will reach those corners of the Membership I may not get to before they vote.

You said PRIVATE, so I'm keeping it at that. I am more than happy to extol your virtues as I see them to anyone that will listen, but I don't think that this was what you were asking for. I DO, however, want to thank you for canvassing opinions on this matter - the gesture is greatly appreciated.

In considering whether to run for President again, I would like you first of all to look at what is best for yourself and your family. Those considerations should override ALL others. Should you decide that your health and the health of your family can stand another year of you being President then I would be delighted if you were to carry on. I believe that it would allow the membership to clearly state in which direction they wish to go and, in the event of your re-election, would send a strong message to management (not quite as strong as electing JSW, but almost!). Whether this management is actually capable of receiving messages or not is a matter for debate!

No matter what you decide, you will always have the gratitude, support and friendship of my wife and myself.

 Big decision this weekend. I have put a lot of thought into your question.  First of all, thanks for asking our advice.  

I do not expect you to stay in office until this dispute is over, the choice is entirely you and your families, they are first.  None of us expected this to go on so long.  I do not know who the others are that will run in order to prevent an automatic appointment, I hope that if you decide not run you will do so knowing there is a suitable candidate who will join in the race. 

I cant help but ask myself the million dollar question..."will they talk to a new president and sort this out".  I am sure you have an opinion on this, I am grasping at any hope to be honest.

Good luck with your decision Nigel.  Have a good weekend.

I think that so far you have done a far better job than anyone else could possibly have done.  Personally I don't think that we would have come as far as we have now without you at the helm.  There are few others with the straight patience and straight up honesty that also has the memberships ear as you have.

I really do hope that you run again, however as it is probably the hardest job going, my wife and I will understand if you have had enough!

Since you'll have 49 at least of these to read, I'll make it short.  You have my vote and continued support, however, I will respect your decision.

We were going to write a 2 pager to you and Lou, but we've seen one that did it better  and before me. You have our 100% trust and support if you want/need it. 

 And let me add one more thing (as if everyone hasn't heard quite enough from me already...!)...

We all know that the reason we do not have a resolution to this dispute is because of management's intransigence and unreasonableness. We all know that management is the problem; if they wish to become part of the solution, then that is up to them.

We have to realise that Turnbull does not have a problem with Nigel. He has a problem with anyone who questions him, or stands in his way, or who will not simply roll over and give him what he wants. Whoever it was that finally stood up to Turnbull, was going to have a problem with him. Turnbull has had these personality clashes ever since he was a youth...nothing has changed.

Anyone who tells you differently simply has not known him long enough. Turnbull is the problem or part of it, at least. Don't let us be misled in this...changing Presidents isn't going to make management more reasonable, it will simply encourage them to ask for more.

Run, Nigel...don't let anyone pretend that this is anything other than management's fault. 

 Personally, I think you're a royal pain in the ass.  However, to much of the membership and the 49ers, you've become an icon - a symbol of standing up against the managerial juggernaut.  I'm sure that Al would make a great prez, and I'm happy to serve under anyone democratically voted.  

One thing to keep in mind is that you need not run with the intention of being here another year (shhh! don't tell anyone), but only until we achieve resolution (teaching you to suck eggs I'm sure).  No one is going to bag you for stepping down after our industry leading contract with 28% pay increases is signed in November.

 Its up to you pal

 Now that I've got your attention with my last email, here goes.  Nig, it's simple. You MUST run for Prez again to finish the job you started.

I, for one, am perfectly happy with the way you are handling things.  If you don't, I can see Cathay stalling with the new Prez and negotiating team.  Maybe they are running out of options and will have to NEGOTIATE with whoever the next Prez is.  The membership will need time to digest the new guy's platform.  Do we have the time?  No.  Will the membership consider a new Prez a setback?  Yes.  Regardless, you won't feel satisfied until you get closure on this issue.  You started it, you finish it!  When we have a tangible settlement with CX, you abdicate and enjoy the rest of your flying career.  That will give the new Prez enough time to settle in and await the next battle, of which I'm sure there will be.

You are da man!

Further to my last note, you are without question my first choice for President. But as I said, it's been a long road and I would understand if you decide not to run. 

I really hope you decide to stand again. You have always had and will continue to have my 100% support. All the Best,

Nigel, I think it is extremely important you remain President.

Greetings Nigel

Thanks for your enquiry.

Speaking for myself, personally, if I didn't have faith in the Leadership of the HKAOA I wouldn't still be hanging around like a bad smell.  I'd have been on me bike some time ago.

Having said that, and as much as I feel for the serious plight of some of my fellows, I would like you to know that I also feel EXTREMELY concerned for you and your family.  The very least your wife can expect after all this is over is "cannonisation"!.

Please, please PLEASE put your own life/sanity and that of your long suffering and understanding family first. However, if you stand again, you'll get my vote!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

I shall never, ever be able to convey my thanks to you, and the other tireless workers of the GC, for all that you have done for the Association at large and the 49ers in particular.

It's been a long hard road.  We aren't at the destination yet but I think we can see it.  I am tired, very, very tired and I know you must be as well.  I have no problem with you not running for re-election however I do think that you are the strongest believer in your statement "I consider your future the very core of our Association's future".  You will be sitting on the GC as Immediate Past President, yeah?  That should keep the newbie in line.  Just keep reminding him how we got here and where we are supposed to be going, not just the 49ers but the entire union.  Nothing will ever be like it was, there is no turning back.

 Thank you Nigel, for all the support and the tireless effort you have put in over the last two years and indeed as long as I have known you. 

Good luck and I will support whatever you decide.

If you feel you can stand another year (!) you have my full support as President! I believe you're on the right path, and I guess it would be nice to see the job through.

Hope the PC went well!

I still have the same high level of confidence in you as I always have. You'll have my 100% support in the future.

Firstly thank you.

Thank you for asking.

Thank you for leading.

Thank you for your compassion.

Thank you for your counsel.

Thank you for your guidance and above all thank you for being honest.

There is a widely held suspicion that you and the committee are the reason that we have no settlement so far. This is ill informed. The only reason we do not have a settlement is because Management do not want one. There may be a personality clash between you and Turnbull, I do not believe this should be a significant hindrance should a deal be their desire. If a back door arrangement is concluded that does not involve you as the instigator or future President then so be it.

I for one will know who the real leader of this association is. I will know who is responsible for a resolution. I could not even attempt, nor should I, to advise you on whether to run for President or not.

Nigel I know you will do what is best for the Association. Please consider too what is best for you. Please too do not make the 49ers the reason for running again if you do not wish to do so. The resolution of this dispute one way or the other does not come down to you. The resolution or lack there of will ultimately fall on each and every member. The membership will be at fault and not one 49er will consider you responsible.

Sorry if I have avoided answering your question.

Regardless of your decision I will always consider you to be an exceptional man.

Thanks for the opportunity to allow us unofficially to give you a vote of thanks for everything you have done.

To my mind while this dispute is unresolved, there is no finer person to represent me and my family when dealing with this difficult management than you. I would like you to represent us.   The reason management would dearly love you out of that position is simply because you are good at your job and they want a patsy to mould to their thinking.

  I have a BA buddy staying with me at the moment (You met him briefly). He has just told me that BALPA has got rid of all of their management patsies and replaced them with younger sharper guys who are finally going to challenge the management bullshit fed to them over the years. A strike there is not out of the question. Too many hours flying and not enough pay. You can bet that Eddington has been priming Turnbull. Well Eddington has a shock coming to him.

I can only imagine what an extra strain on you and your family's resources all this must be. So, with that in mind perhaps when this is all over bar the tedious detail, you could hand over to someone that you might recommend. For one reason only - to give yourself a break and for no other.  There has been plenty of management and paid freehillers writing on the Cprune trying desperately to induce dissent among the membership. The very fact they are there, tells me we are winning the fight.

 The strike option, as unpleasant as it is, although a last resort MUST be a real possibility if we are to bring those bastards to the table. It is ultimately the only deterrent we have.   If we 'go', then our terms and conditions will be written by pilot hating accountants and the profession will be finished in Cathay. There will be nothing left to savour. We just may as well pack up and go home.

Stay with us Nigel!

 I have nothing but the deepest respect for your efforts and in particular your strong sense of moral conviction, which comes across clearly whenever you speak or write. I have no doubt that hindsight might show some better way, but even now I cannot see it - I think things have gone as well as they could, with quite a few surprises along the way. Your skills at public speaking and your demeanour are wonderful. 

  Your family has no doubt suffered enormously, their sacrifice is at least as great as your own. If you have any doubts about the time you need to spend with your family, then don't hesitate to hands over the reigns to someone else. I am confident that we shall see another excellent President. I know how important family is and you have done your bit already.

 Your call. Either way, no matter how this turns out, I am glad to have met you and to have seen you in action. 

You beat me to it. I've been mulling over what to say to you for several weeks now.

I can't begin to imagine the level of commitment required to do what you have done. Your family must also have a threshold of pain way beyond the normal. I cannot see how anyone could pass comment were you to stand as side. However pilots being what they are, I'm sure some will. It would also be easy to think get rid of Demery and the company will talk. Just what the company want us to think.

I believe that you and the GC have run an excellent campaign. There has been many times that I've want a lot more aggression. However, I think I'm smart enough to know that there are much more astute folks than I. That is what I have in you and the GC.

I'm sh** scared that if you do not stand it will send the wrong message to the company. They have kept Turnbull in  the chair for way beyond the normal period in spite of his incompetence. You are the other extreme and thus another reason to keep you. For purely selfish reasons, please stay.

Words cannot express my gratitude for all that you (and your committee) have done publicly and privately in the last two terms to return us to the harmony and career satisfaction that we all seek. I would be truly humbled and honoured if you would represent me and my colleagues again for another year. In fact I'd be absolutely mortified if you didn't

Please stand!!

I implore you to run, the one thing that  the Union as a whole needs right now is consistency. I am also sure that it would be viewed by the Cathay facists as a mortal sign of weakness if there was a change of ultimate leadership at this critical juncture in our fight. You have my vote. By the way, thank you for all you have done for me and my family, without your continued efforts on our behalf, things would have been dramatically worse. No reply required.

I have been thankful to have your experience and leadership throughout the past couple of years with the AOA (especially the last year:), and I would be very happy to have your continued leadership through this "battle".  In fact, I can't think of another person I would rather have guide our union in the next term. (and yes, I have given that a lot of thought)

My concerns:

1.  The ongoing impact your time commitment with the union and the stress associated with the position has had on your family and your health.  I can't imagine the sacrifices you have made, and feel it wrong to "want" you to continue.  You have done more than your share; how can we ask for more? 

2.  Assuming your family and health are up to it, are you burnt out?  Since this is an endurance race, do you have the energy?

3.  Is it right to ask you to continue when you are trying to lead jellyfish into battle?  Like, don't you have better things to do with your time?

That all having been said, if you decide your not up for it... hats off to doing a great job... if your keen to "finish them off", I would be thrilled to have you as our president, and willing to help out any way I can!

Hope that my input doesn't make things more difficult for you.

Unless your "advisors" see a clear tactical advantage in not running for the Presidency again, I believe that you are the man to get us the best possible deal. Although not for your lack of relentless effort and dedication, there is unfinished business to attend to...You DA Man Nigel! 

Nig, in reply to your most recent email regarding running for Prez again, I hope your wife and kids don't read this.

Are you f****** kidding me? Need I say more?

 Dear Captain Demery,

I'm sure all of us appreciate all the work you have done  and the commitment you have shown to ensure the reinstatement of the "49ers" in these very difficult times. You get my vote.

Remember, the views expressed are not necessarily my opinion!