Originally Posted by
scambo1
A direct competitor in our fortress hub not in our peer group? Even when AT had lower wages, we competed well against them.
I agree with deadhead to a point about not discussing this stuff on a public board...Not to keep mgmt from getting any ideas, because flt ops mgmt is us - pilots - they know our mindset, but more to limit the expectations management.
When I was a newbie and had zero understanding of unions, I had to be told how to think like a union member. One of the things I was told was that going on strike was the same thing as saying "this job is so bad I am willing to walk away from it and not look back." I think that is still true, but at that time it was a career. Now it is a job and walking away only carries a loss of accrued seniority.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the job and my fellow pilots. I am not a paycheck to paycheck guy, I can walk away from this and frankly continue my current lifestyle on a $45-50K/year annual budget. If we are looking at a 15-50% ****ant payraise or anything that doesnt tighten scope across the board, I'd go for the strike vote right out of the chute. No brainer.
Hey, where's Pineapple guy?
Agree Scambo!
They are in our peer group. It's just that the ALPA guys are saying that they aren't for negotiation purposes. Frankly think they are using the ostrich theory on that one.
I also agree with the strike vote. However, there is absolutely no way we would ever be released for "self help". Therefore the vote would be largely symbolic and the company has to realize that they hold all or most of the cards.
Our next contract has to tighten scope and restore our pay. I'm actually leaning right now toward a short term deal. If the hiring problems are indeed true, then we'll have a limited commodity. Additionally, the economy is still not robust, so waiting until its on a bit more of a upward trajectory will also be beneficial. Either way, taking a short term risk of a longer term gain might just work. Of course, I could be whistling Dixie.