Any "Latest & Greatest" about Delta?
02-18-2010, 07:32 AM
Gets Weekends Off
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Position: Flying the SEC
Posts: 2,350
02-18-2010, 07:40 AM
No longer cares
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: 767er Captain
Posts: 12,109
Here's another interesting article....
Continental Has Deadline for Pilot Contract
Ted Reed
02/18/10 - 06:00 AM EST
HOUSTON (TheStreet) -- Continental (CAL Quote) is negotiating a new pilot contract against a deadline, because regulators have given it until mid-January 2011 to implement a trans-Atlantic joint venture with three partners.
The carrier cannot implement the joint venture, or accompanying trans-Atlantic antitrust immunity, without the consent of its pilots, who are in contract talks. The existing pilot contract's scope clause says Continental cannot enter into a revenue-sharing agreement with a domestic carrier without its pilots' consent. In the joint venture, United(UAUA Quote) would be a Continental partner.
"There's a window of opportunity for Continental this year, and the pilot group controls that window right now," said Jay Pierce, chairman of the Continental chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association, in an interview. "It's a tremendous opportunity for everyone to benefit. They will get the scope relief they need and we will get out from under this concessionary contract that we have lived under since 2005."
A template for Continental and its pilots may have been established at Delta(DAL Quote), where pilots agreed to a merger with Northwest and received raises and improved working conditions as a result. "Delta recognized that it was worth investing a little money in the pilot group to get the pilot group's support," Pierce said. "If a corporation has confidence in a business plan, they should be willing to invest a little money in making it happen."
The Continental pilots contract became amendable Dec. 31, 2008. Pilots are asking for a package of wage increases, enhanced retirement benefits and work-rule changes. "It's a $500 million annual increase, which we recognize is an opening position," Pierce said. "We're waiting for a counter."
Continental spokeswoman Julie King said the U.S. Transportation had a reason for allocating 18 months for implementation when it approved the joint venture on July 10. "There are a number of open items related to governance and commercial issues that we are working through on the joint venture, including discussions concerning our pilot's scope clause," she said.
Among the network carriers, two models exist for pilot relations. Pilots at Continental and Delta have generally enjoyed positive relationships with the carriers. Pierce said he is an admirer of Lee Moak, chairman of the Delta ALPA chapter; the two talk frequently. "We both recognize that our airlines need to be profitable," he said.
By contrast, United(UAUA Quote) and American(U Quote) have historically had difficult relationships with pilots, who have tended to oppose whatever moves the airlines seek to make. That situation may be changing, however. Wendy Morse, recently elected to be chairman of the United ALPA chapter, is more moderate than her predecessor, and pilot union elections are scheduled at American.
At US Airways(symbol Quote), pilots have been fighting among themselves since a controversial seniority ruling followed a 2005 merger with America West. Last month, the National Mediation Board assigned a mediator to long-stalled contract talks. Some union leaders say that could help the two pilot groups bridge the gap that separates them and develop a cohesive approach towards the airline. Many pilots now appear to oppose the concessionary approach that enabled the airline to survive two bankruptcies.
In general, Continental pilots face the same overriding issue as other pilot groups. During the industry crisis that followed a steep slowdown in travel exacerbated by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the airline industry downsized and moved to reduce costs.
Four network carriers stripped down labor contracts during bankruptcies, while Continental and American avoided bankruptcy but negotiated concessions with their unions. Now, as the industry's health has seemingly improved, pilots are seeking to be compensated for their sacrifices. In April 2005, Continental pilots made concessions valued at about $213 million.
"The pilot group is very upset with that contract," Pierce said. "We are either going to repair it or go down the path of labor unrest, (National Mediation Board) interaction and messages to the public that the wonderful world of Continental labor is not so wonderful anymore."
Among the issues are low salaries for starting pilots. A first officer on a Boeing 757 can be paid as little as $29,000 a year, with no health insurance for his first six months. (A 12-year 757 captain makes $166,000.) Another point of contention, which flared up during recent East Coast snowstorms, is that pilots who missed trips due to bad weather did not receive any compensation, a result of losing pay protection provisions in 2005.
The current contract talks represent a challenge for Jeff Smisek, who replaced Larry Kellner as CEO on Jan. 1. "Mr. Smisek has not reached out to labor yet, not to anywhere near the level Mr. Kellner did," Pierce said. "It has not been the same relationship. A new contract will be an indicator of how he perceives labor."
-- Written by Ted Reed in Charlotte, N.C. .
Continental Has Deadline for Pilot Contract
Ted Reed
02/18/10 - 06:00 AM EST
HOUSTON (TheStreet) -- Continental (CAL Quote) is negotiating a new pilot contract against a deadline, because regulators have given it until mid-January 2011 to implement a trans-Atlantic joint venture with three partners.
The carrier cannot implement the joint venture, or accompanying trans-Atlantic antitrust immunity, without the consent of its pilots, who are in contract talks. The existing pilot contract's scope clause says Continental cannot enter into a revenue-sharing agreement with a domestic carrier without its pilots' consent. In the joint venture, United(UAUA Quote) would be a Continental partner.
"There's a window of opportunity for Continental this year, and the pilot group controls that window right now," said Jay Pierce, chairman of the Continental chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association, in an interview. "It's a tremendous opportunity for everyone to benefit. They will get the scope relief they need and we will get out from under this concessionary contract that we have lived under since 2005."
A template for Continental and its pilots may have been established at Delta(DAL Quote), where pilots agreed to a merger with Northwest and received raises and improved working conditions as a result. "Delta recognized that it was worth investing a little money in the pilot group to get the pilot group's support," Pierce said. "If a corporation has confidence in a business plan, they should be willing to invest a little money in making it happen."
The Continental pilots contract became amendable Dec. 31, 2008. Pilots are asking for a package of wage increases, enhanced retirement benefits and work-rule changes. "It's a $500 million annual increase, which we recognize is an opening position," Pierce said. "We're waiting for a counter."
Continental spokeswoman Julie King said the U.S. Transportation had a reason for allocating 18 months for implementation when it approved the joint venture on July 10. "There are a number of open items related to governance and commercial issues that we are working through on the joint venture, including discussions concerning our pilot's scope clause," she said.
Among the network carriers, two models exist for pilot relations. Pilots at Continental and Delta have generally enjoyed positive relationships with the carriers. Pierce said he is an admirer of Lee Moak, chairman of the Delta ALPA chapter; the two talk frequently. "We both recognize that our airlines need to be profitable," he said.
By contrast, United(UAUA Quote) and American(U Quote) have historically had difficult relationships with pilots, who have tended to oppose whatever moves the airlines seek to make. That situation may be changing, however. Wendy Morse, recently elected to be chairman of the United ALPA chapter, is more moderate than her predecessor, and pilot union elections are scheduled at American.
At US Airways(symbol Quote), pilots have been fighting among themselves since a controversial seniority ruling followed a 2005 merger with America West. Last month, the National Mediation Board assigned a mediator to long-stalled contract talks. Some union leaders say that could help the two pilot groups bridge the gap that separates them and develop a cohesive approach towards the airline. Many pilots now appear to oppose the concessionary approach that enabled the airline to survive two bankruptcies.
In general, Continental pilots face the same overriding issue as other pilot groups. During the industry crisis that followed a steep slowdown in travel exacerbated by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the airline industry downsized and moved to reduce costs.
Four network carriers stripped down labor contracts during bankruptcies, while Continental and American avoided bankruptcy but negotiated concessions with their unions. Now, as the industry's health has seemingly improved, pilots are seeking to be compensated for their sacrifices. In April 2005, Continental pilots made concessions valued at about $213 million.
"The pilot group is very upset with that contract," Pierce said. "We are either going to repair it or go down the path of labor unrest, (National Mediation Board) interaction and messages to the public that the wonderful world of Continental labor is not so wonderful anymore."
Among the issues are low salaries for starting pilots. A first officer on a Boeing 757 can be paid as little as $29,000 a year, with no health insurance for his first six months. (A 12-year 757 captain makes $166,000.) Another point of contention, which flared up during recent East Coast snowstorms, is that pilots who missed trips due to bad weather did not receive any compensation, a result of losing pay protection provisions in 2005.
The current contract talks represent a challenge for Jeff Smisek, who replaced Larry Kellner as CEO on Jan. 1. "Mr. Smisek has not reached out to labor yet, not to anywhere near the level Mr. Kellner did," Pierce said. "It has not been the same relationship. A new contract will be an indicator of how he perceives labor."
-- Written by Ted Reed in Charlotte, N.C. .
02-18-2010, 07:41 AM
No longer cares
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: 767er Captain
Posts: 12,109
But I'd even be interested in a JV with a Bammer. Good boat.. great location...
02-18-2010, 08:07 AM
veut gagner à la loterie
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Position: Light Chop
Posts: 23,286
Good article T. I think we can thank America West and USAir for setting an example that underscored the importance of labor/pilot relations and kept management and the union from allowing our merger to follow suit.
I think it is imperative to have some sort of snap back clause. CALs contract was concessionary until it ended with nothing like economy or profit improvements providing a trigger to reclaim concessions. It ought to be a lesson learned.
---
Beer, those pictures super put up, of one of the many 13,000 hot auburn girls, is that our stadium?!? I haven't been there since 05. Is that the old eagle cage side or is that the parking lot side?
I think it is imperative to have some sort of snap back clause. CALs contract was concessionary until it ended with nothing like economy or profit improvements providing a trigger to reclaim concessions. It ought to be a lesson learned.
---
Beer, those pictures super put up, of one of the many 13,000 hot auburn girls, is that our stadium?!? I haven't been there since 05. Is that the old eagle cage side or is that the parking lot side?
02-18-2010, 08:10 AM
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Posts: 23,286
02-18-2010, 08:12 AM
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jan 2010
Position: DTW744B
Posts: 61
---
Beer, those pictures super put up, of one of the many 13,000 hot auburn girls, is that our stadium?!? I haven't been there since 05. Is that the old eagle cage side or is that the parking lot side?[/quote]
FTB, you have been away too long. Those are pics of B-D stadium at UAT.
Jordan-Hare looks so much better.
Jinks (a long time Auburn resident)
Beer, those pictures super put up, of one of the many 13,000 hot auburn girls, is that our stadium?!? I haven't been there since 05. Is that the old eagle cage side or is that the parking lot side?[/quote]
FTB, you have been away too long. Those are pics of B-D stadium at UAT.
Jordan-Hare looks so much better.
Jinks (a long time Auburn resident)
02-18-2010, 08:17 AM
veut gagner à la loterie
Joined APC: Apr 2008
Position: Light Chop
Posts: 23,286
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of U.S. workers filing new applications for unemployment insurance unexpectedly surged last week, while producer prices increased sharply in January, raising potential hurdles for the economy's recovery.
Initial claims for state jobless benefits increased 31,000 to 473,000, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Financial markets had expected them to fall slightly.
Another report from the department showed prices paid at the farm and factory gate rose a faster-than-expected 1.4 percent from December as higher gasoline prices and unusually cold temperatures helped boost energy costs.
"The jobs picture is still weak," said Jennifer Lee, a senior economist with BMO Capital Markets in Toronto. "It will be a while yet before we can get decent, sustained job growth. And until then, prices will also remain in check, although there are some pressures building in the pipeline."
The disappointing weekly claims and producer inflation data were offset by reports showing stronger gains in regional manufacturing activity and a 10th straight monthly rise in a gauge of the economy's prospects.
The Philadelphia Federal Reserve's business activity index rose to 17.6 in February from 15.2 the prior month, while the Conference Board's index of leading economic indicators rose 0.3 percent last month after a 1.2 percent gain in December.
U.S. stock indexes were up marginally, while the U.S. dollar fell on the weak claims report. Government debt prices dropped on the inflation report.
Last week was the survey week for the employment report for February, which is scheduled for release in early next month, and analysts fear it could disappoint.
The labor market, hard hit by the downturn, has lagged the economic recovery that started in the second half of 2009. The economy has lost 8.4 million jobs since the start of the recession in December 2007.
Concerns about employment affected sales at Wal-Mart during the holiday quarter and the world's largest retailer said sales in the United States would be more challenging in the first quarter.
PPI MAY FAN INFLATION FEARS
The PPI report may fan worries about inflation pressures, which have largely been contained by excess capacity at factories and a weak labor market.
"The bottom line is that the Fed is going to have some decisions to make at its next meeting, since it seems inflation is now back on the table," said Alan Lancz, president at Alan B. Lancz & Associates Inc in Toledo, Ohio.
Fed officials, keeping an eye on how quickly the recovering economy absorbs the excess slack that built up during the recession, have said they are likely to keep interest rates extraordinarily low for "an extended period."
About three-fourths of the increase in PPI last month was due to a 5.1 percent jump in prices for energy goods, the department said. Energy costs were pushed up by a spike in prices for gasoline, liquefied petroleum and home heating oil.
Stripping out the volatile food and energy costs, core producer prices rose a faster than expected 0.3 percent last month after being flat in December. The core index, which had been forecast to rise 0.1 percent, was lifted by a surge light motor truck and pharmaceutical prices.
"It does present some upside risks to our call for only modest gains in CPI and also points to some possible upward price pressures in the pipeline," Millan Mulraine, an economics strategist at TD Securities in Toronto.
The department on Friday will release its consumer price report for January. Headline CPI is seen rising 0.3 percent from December and core CPI gaining 0.1 percent, according to a Reuters survey.
In the claims report, the four-week moving average of new claims, which irons out week-to-week volatility, fell 1,500 to 467,500, the Labor Department said. The number of people still receiving for benefits after an initial week of aid was unchanged at 4.56 million in the week ended February 6. For a graphic on new jobless claims, see: http://link.reuters.com/wug22j For a graphic on U.S. producer prices, see: http://link.reuters.com/vug22j
Initial claims for state jobless benefits increased 31,000 to 473,000, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Financial markets had expected them to fall slightly.
Another report from the department showed prices paid at the farm and factory gate rose a faster-than-expected 1.4 percent from December as higher gasoline prices and unusually cold temperatures helped boost energy costs.
"The jobs picture is still weak," said Jennifer Lee, a senior economist with BMO Capital Markets in Toronto. "It will be a while yet before we can get decent, sustained job growth. And until then, prices will also remain in check, although there are some pressures building in the pipeline."
The disappointing weekly claims and producer inflation data were offset by reports showing stronger gains in regional manufacturing activity and a 10th straight monthly rise in a gauge of the economy's prospects.
The Philadelphia Federal Reserve's business activity index rose to 17.6 in February from 15.2 the prior month, while the Conference Board's index of leading economic indicators rose 0.3 percent last month after a 1.2 percent gain in December.
U.S. stock indexes were up marginally, while the U.S. dollar fell on the weak claims report. Government debt prices dropped on the inflation report.
Last week was the survey week for the employment report for February, which is scheduled for release in early next month, and analysts fear it could disappoint.
The labor market, hard hit by the downturn, has lagged the economic recovery that started in the second half of 2009. The economy has lost 8.4 million jobs since the start of the recession in December 2007.
Concerns about employment affected sales at Wal-Mart during the holiday quarter and the world's largest retailer said sales in the United States would be more challenging in the first quarter.
PPI MAY FAN INFLATION FEARS
The PPI report may fan worries about inflation pressures, which have largely been contained by excess capacity at factories and a weak labor market.
"The bottom line is that the Fed is going to have some decisions to make at its next meeting, since it seems inflation is now back on the table," said Alan Lancz, president at Alan B. Lancz & Associates Inc in Toledo, Ohio.
Fed officials, keeping an eye on how quickly the recovering economy absorbs the excess slack that built up during the recession, have said they are likely to keep interest rates extraordinarily low for "an extended period."
About three-fourths of the increase in PPI last month was due to a 5.1 percent jump in prices for energy goods, the department said. Energy costs were pushed up by a spike in prices for gasoline, liquefied petroleum and home heating oil.
Stripping out the volatile food and energy costs, core producer prices rose a faster than expected 0.3 percent last month after being flat in December. The core index, which had been forecast to rise 0.1 percent, was lifted by a surge light motor truck and pharmaceutical prices.
"It does present some upside risks to our call for only modest gains in CPI and also points to some possible upward price pressures in the pipeline," Millan Mulraine, an economics strategist at TD Securities in Toronto.
The department on Friday will release its consumer price report for January. Headline CPI is seen rising 0.3 percent from December and core CPI gaining 0.1 percent, according to a Reuters survey.
In the claims report, the four-week moving average of new claims, which irons out week-to-week volatility, fell 1,500 to 467,500, the Labor Department said. The number of people still receiving for benefits after an initial week of aid was unchanged at 4.56 million in the week ended February 6. For a graphic on new jobless claims, see: http://link.reuters.com/wug22j For a graphic on U.S. producer prices, see: http://link.reuters.com/vug22j
02-18-2010, 08:22 AM
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Position: Light Chop
Posts: 23,286
FTB, you have been away too long. Those are pics of B-D stadium at UAT.
Jordan-Hare looks so much better.
Jinks (a long time Auburn resident)[/QUOTE]
I need to get back... I need some Mike & Eds BBQ. I even heard there is a hooters?surprised the city allowed that after years of saying no. I bet spring is just as good a time to come back as any
I remember seeing car accidents on w magnolia from guys who took their eyes off the road.
02-18-2010, 08:31 AM
Underboob King
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02-18-2010, 08:49 AM
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2008
Posts: 354
I remember seeing car accidents on w magnolia from guys who took their eyes off the road.[/quote]Yes. You have been gone way too long. Spring is the best time in my opinion, after the thaw, When all the loveley ladies come out in their short shirts and tight tank tops. God I love college!!!
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