There was a good turnout of both pilots and flight attendants, but NOT ENOUGH CAL PILOTS (of which I am one). For the most part, we sat grouped together inside the conference room where the exchange was held after picketing outside for 20-30 minutes. There were 2 microphones in the center aisle of the conference room, where attendees could ask questions of Smisek once he was done with his relatively short summary of where things are.
He reiterated that the merger was progressing and he was pleased with capacity discipline and aimed for the entire merger process to be completed approximately 12-18 months from now. Highlights were new airplane deliveries and other integrations, but nothing you haven't heard before. Price of fuel is still high but for the first time in the airline history, he says the airlines are learning how to still make money despite this trend.
The exchange lasted less than one hour, but if I recall correctly, 4 pilots had the opportunity to speak. (Out of the 8 or so questions - I think that's pretty good). The questions were well worded and direct, and obviously centered on the lack of progress at the negotiating table, CEO compensation, morale, etc... Jeff is an excellent speaker and did a good job of deflecting most criticisms. He repeated again what we have been told - that he has directed his negotiating teams that are dealing with ALPA, AFA, IAM, etc... to get it done. He also said that he isn't looking for concessionary contracts, but that a contract must be fair to both the company and the labor groups. The usual buzzwords such as 'industry competitive' were used a fair amount. A few flight attendants asked questions, both active and retired. The active ones were upset over the lack of contract for the UAL side of the house, and the retired ones were very upset over the changes to the pass travel policy.
So, that's my rough summary of things. Like I said, he's very well spoken, affable, and can work the crowd. As we can see in the press - new United preaches a lot of 'going forward', 'working together', and other kumbaya phrases. I don't doubt that the CEO wants those things, but it is my opinion that he needs to set the tone. I don't think any of us are feeling the love at work right now, and haven't for years. If he could get his management team and flight ops to practice what he preaches, perhaps his dreams will become a reality. In the meantime......FUPM.
