Five by Five | The Podcast for The ALPA Pilots of Frontier Airlines, We Hear You Loud and Clear

“[Negotiations are] a very complicated collection of moving parts that really nobody does alone. It takes a team.”  -Capt. Phil Otis (UAL), Chair, ALPA National Collective Bargaining Committee    In this episode of 5 by 5, we take a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what contract negotiations actually involve, and why outcomes hinge on far more than what happens in those moments across the table f...

The outgoing Frontier MEC Chairman explains why he chose to speak publicly instead of stepping down quietly, alleging the MEC has been functionally paralyzed for the past year and a half by a deliberate strategy of internal obstruction rather than normal disagreement. He recounts disputes and procedural concerns around efforts to remove a negotiator, the sudden recall of a merger committee member,...

In this vital episode of Five by Five, Jason sits down with Bill Secord, Executive Vice President of ALPA Group A, to discuss the intricacies and implications of Reduced Crew Operations (RCO). Bill provides an in-depth look at concepts such as Single Pilot Operations (SPO) and Extended Minimum Crew Operations (EMCO), and how these practices impact pilot safety, fatigue, and airline operations. The...

Understanding ALPA Structure, FPL, and Strategic Planning: Insights from Airline Union Leaders In this episode of Five by Five, host Captain Jason DuVernay is joined by Captain Sean Creed, Vice President–Administration/Secretary and Jade Schiewe, Executive Vice President, Group B1. As Vice President–Administration/Secretary, Sean Creed executes the policies of the Association’s governing bodies an...

The podcast episode features members of the negotiating committee discussing recent events in the negotiation process. They address the company's disappointing and long-delayed response to an economic proposal made 20 months ago and describe the logistical and substantive issues during recent bargaining sessions. The company focused on Section 11 related to training, which has been their priority....

Learn all the details of this weekend's upcoming Family Awareness Event!

In response to the Frontier CEO's video from an airplane lavatory, an embarrassing lapse in professionalism, the Frontier pilots MEC is calling on management to address and correct a culture that prioritizes cost over quality, neglects employment empowerment, and is poorly perceived by the flying public. It is time to restore authority to captains and foster a true culture of caring and profession...

The podcast episode introduces a new series focused on the inner workings of the MEC Vice Chair and the various committees under their oversight. Captain Jeff Martin, MEC Vice Chairman, discusses the role of the Jump Seat Committee with committee members Captain Amir Manouchehrian and Captain Vance DiPasquale. The episode covers the function of the Jump Seat Committee, the importance of jump seat...

In this podcast episode, CA Nick Kastanes, Chair of the Retirement and Insurance Committee and ALPA Benefits Specialist, Retirement and Insurance Department Michelle Fredenrich discuss the intricacies of long-term disability (LTD) benefits for Frontier pilots. Key topics include different LTD coverage options, the 90-day elimination period before benefits start, filling the gap with short-term dis...

Join us on the latest episode of Five by Five as we dive deep into important changes in your 401k plan for 2025. With expert guidance from Nick Kastanes Chair of our Retirement and Insurance Committee, we unravel the complexities of Secure 2.0, enhanced catch-up contributions, and the nuances of Traditional vs. Roth investment options including a new option to roll over to Roth.  Discover how thes...

In this episode, the Negotiators reflect on the progress made in over 500 days of negotiations with the company for a new contract. Key issues discussed include the lack of responses from the company on critical sections such as compensation, scope, and retirement proposals. The change of mediators from Connor Parker to Jack Stephen and its potential impact is covered. The team expresses frustrati...

Join us as we launch the highly anticipated Mobile Strike Bus Nationwide Tour! In this episode, we celebrate the success of the recent picket event in Denver and discuss how it set the stage for this bold initiative. We’ll dive into the mission behind the tour, the exciting destinations on the itinerary, and how it’s uniting pilots across the country. Tune in to hear how we’re driving our message...

This family town hall meeting focuses on ensuring everyone understands the ongoing union negotiations and the importance of the strike authorization ballot.  Key topics include retro pay expectations, the mechanics of the strike authorization ballot, pilot training, reserve rules, and the Railway Labor Act's role in preventing disruptions. Emphasizing unity, the speakers call for 100% participatio...

Critical Town Hall: Strike Authorization Ballot and Negotiation Hurdles In this vital virtual town hall, hosted by Jason DuVernay, Vice Chair of the Communications Committee, senior members of the pilot association discuss the upcoming strike authorization ballot and its importance. Key speakers, include Captain Michael Maynard, Captain Jim Lally, Captain Mark Manausa, and Senior Labor Relations C...

Join us in today's episode as we delve into the critical topic of the strike authorization ballot with Captain Alan Christie, Executive Vice President of Group B1 for ALPA. We'll explore the history, purpose, and legal framework of the strike authorization ballot in labor negotiations, with special emphasis on its application and importance for Frontier pilots. Captain Christie shares his extensiv...

Insights from LEC 167 | Five by Five Episode In this episode of Five by Five, we speak with Anthony Chibnik and Ben Zelenak from LEC 167. They delve into the Section 19 process, shedding light on the investigation and discipline procedures within our CBA, and the new mentorship program developed to assist pilots before, during, and after the upgrade process. Additionally, they address pilot fatigu...

Host Jason DuVernay introduces a series further detailing the structure of the union by bringing attention to the LEC level. Featured guests include Doug Zink, Chair of LEC 165, and CJ Weihing, Vice Chair, who discuss their roles in representing local pilot interests. They emphasize the importance of understanding the CBA, staying informed through technology, and mobilizing pilots when the time co...

In this episode of Five by Five, host Captain Jason DuVernay introduces Captain Mike Maynard, the MEC Chairman, and Captain Jeff Martin, the newly elected MEC Vice-Chair. The discussion covers their backgrounds, responsibilities, and interactions with Frontier management. Mike provides insights into his career at Frontier and roles within ALPA, emphasizing collaboration with company executives and...

This episode of Five by Five features a discussion with Captains Jim Lally, Gary Michalk, and Mark Manausa from the Negotiating Committee(NC). The NC talks to us about the complex issues involved in Section 6 contract negotiations. They explain their roles and provide insights into the early strategy adopted for negotiations, which began in July 2023. The strategy moving forward, timelines, and th...

Understanding Arbitration in Pilot Contracts: Insights from AJ Lindell and Captain Jonathan Green   In this episode, we sit down with AJ Lindell, a labor relations counsel, and Captain Jonathan Green, Chair of The Hotel Committee, to discuss the recent training hotel arbitration. These experts explain the difference between mediation and arbitration, provide insights into their roles, and break do...

The Five by Five Podcast is back with Host Jason DuVernay interviewing our new MEC Chairman Michael Maynard. This short discussion explains an upcoming change concerning bots and open time. 

Understanding how the SPSC and communications committees join forces to support our negotiations.