Originally Posted by A320Flyer

This is my take: Things seem quiet, but behind the scenes ALPA negotiators are attempting to achieve max gain for the pilot group. They cannot publicly reveal details, for obvious strategic reasons. For those wanting action, be aware that no picketing or awareness events have been scheduled because there has been notable progress within the past couple of mediation meetings. Air Tran, as some has compared us to, is in a completely different negotiating phase. I've personally talked to several of their pilots about this. In addition, ALPA National does not recommend picketing at this point of time. We DO have their support. A good contract for us would signal a positive gain for ALPA as a whole. We ARE the worst paid "big airplane" pilots around. They are closely monitoring our progress. Obviously, the 3 most important sections of the contract, pay included, have not been yet TA'ed. ALPA has made their proposal, and they are waiting for a descent counter-offer. This takes some time. Spirit management has to crunch numbers, Indigo has to approve, bla bla bla. It would not be smart to stir things up right now, especially in "good mediation", until talks have broken down (if it does happen). Let's give the negotiating team a chance to finalize a deal and put a final TA up for vote. That is when WE, the group steps in. My and your vote will determine our fate.
ALPO Whisperer, don't get too stirred up about union stuff... We all understand our careers are at stake, but is it really worth being unhappy and loosing sleep? Just find the nearest descent Gentleman's club, pop open a Bud and chill brother...

A320

Originally Posted by TTOCSMCC

I'm in total agreement with A320Flyer's post.
Patience is key

Originally Posted by skybolt

I agree with the tone and what I believe to be the intent of A320Flyer's post. But not the "facts". I'm pretty certain that ALPA is NOT recommending that we not picket. If the MEC has other info, I'd like to see something official to that effect.


BTW, do you ever wonder where we would be now if everyone had taken the "patience is key" tone back when Bill R's committee had 28 signed TA's. Just keepin it real my friend.

Originally Posted by skybolt

I agree with the tone and what I believe to be the intent of A320Flyer's post. But not the "facts". I'm pretty certain that ALPA is NOT recommending that we not picket. If the MEC has other info, I'd like to see something official to that effect.


BTW, do you ever wonder where we would be now if everyone had taken the "patience is key" tone back when Bill R's committee had 28 signed TA's. Just keepin it real my friend.

Originally Posted by captscott26

We are in a much better postion now than two years ago when Bill R was trying to get things finished up. We did not have the Alaska, JB, HW, or SWA new contracts to throw at them, and oil was in the middle of its runaway to 140. I also think the pilot group was, at that time, not nearly as unified and would have given away WAY too much in exchange for a nice pay raise. The company was foolish enough to SHOW US just how sucky our lives would be without our 4 day off language, and just how sneaky they would be with contract language that is not air tight. I believe we are better off with that information before we sign on the dotted line than after when it is too late. These neg guys are doing a great job getting an agreement that is truly in our best interest....lets give them the benefit of the doubt until we get to see the TA for ourselves.

Originally Posted by skybolt

I agree with everything you said, In fact I believe that the points you make bolster our position. So why be patient? ? ? ? ?

I think we need to be making a very public display of support for our negotiators and our union. Somebody is trying to convince us that we should NOT being making that public showing. I believe they are lying or at best they are engaged in misinformational spin. Experience and friends tell me that ALPA National is NOT telling us to stand down on public displays of unity.

Sorry about bringing up the Bill R thing. It really doesn't add to the discussion, my bad.