Originally Posted by sinsilvia666

Update on Discussions with the Company

We recognize the difficult position our pilots face when they see a concessionary “ask” without the background data supporting the need for that request. Your local representatives, MEC officers and negotiators do not like having data we cannot share with the pilots who elected us and to whom we report.



Know that we will use due diligence, that we will verify the data prior to reaching any conclusions, and that all Pinnacle pilots will have a vote should any agreement be reached. To that end, during tonight’s MEC conference call, the MEC unanimously passed a resolution that states: “Any tentative agreement that includes concessions shall be subject to membership ratification.”



The Negotiating committee, Chairman Tom Wychor, and Vice-Chairman Jonathan Allen met with the company for the second day to present a counter-proposal to the company’s initial asks that were presented yesterday.



We began our discussions with the 5% wage concessions. We communicated our need to better understand the economics warranting this concession, and stated that our time would be better spent on the more complex Section 24 issues. We currently have ALPA’s Economic and Finance Analysis department analyzing the financial data that the company provided us. We will return to Section 3 discussions after obtaining more detailed information and analysis.



We continued the discussion by presenting ALPA’s proposal to help reduce training costs as our company faces a complex and costly integration. We discussed potential solutions for saving on training costs through adjustments in our Section 24 language, which we will explain in detail should our negotiations produce a tentative agreement. We also contemplated the possibility of altering the 11-09 award, but changes will be limited by the need to conduct the training necessary to eliminate the Mesaba Saabs and build up the crew complement in previously understaffed positions.



Many of you are concerned about the possibility of negotiating concessions to our current agreement now, only to enter bankruptcy in the near future. The MEC and the Negotiating committee shares your concerns and is taking steps to allow for proactive engagement to avoid bankruptcy, while protecting our position should the company file. The Negotiating committee is scheduled to meet with the company tomorrow at 1:00 CST. We will promptly communicate to you any updates that result from tomorrow’s meeting.