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Associated Branch Pilots Optimistic, Vow to Continue Quest for “Fair & Effective” Legislation

BATON ROUGE – With more than a week of talks behind them, the Associated Branch Pilots are “very optimistic” that the pilot groups and industry representatives can find legislation all parties can agree on.

“We’re not as far apart as some are saying,” said Captain Miichael R. Lorino, Jr., president of the association. “One might not know that from reading news accounts, but that’s the reality.”

Lorino said he believes most of the parties involved are also optimistic about finding an agreeable solution. However, Lorino said some people in the meetings may be “mischaracterizing” the discussions in the press.

“Obviously, there are always some who incorrectly believe that they can benefit from a public fight. That makes things more difficult than they have to be,” said Lorino. “It’s hard to have an honest and fair discussion with folks that call you the devil as soon as they leave the room.”

Despite that, Lorino said his group and the other pilot groups are all working toward “fair and effective” legislation. Lorino said the pilots have already made numerous concessions on some “major points” of discussion.

Lorino said the pilots have agreed to exclude the Public Service Commission from any role in overseeing river pilots. The pilots also compromised by letting appeals go to arbitration, as industry wanted, as opposed to mediation. In addition, Lorino said the pilots have offered to let the new fee commission make rules to examine pilot financial records.

“We’ve been flexible in our discussions and concessions,” he said. “But I also expect the other side to make a few themselves. If we can both do that, I think we’ll come to a conclusion soon.”

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