Originally Posted by sailingfun

With the opportunities you have at the moment I would make my move to a new career now. You reference 2012 many times in your post. It shows a lack of understanding about how the process works. There is not a chance we will see a contract in 2012 with anything close to what I will except much less the 40 percent you mention. The only way to get that type of contract will be after a release from the NMB. Contrary to what Carl thinks this is going to be a political contract. The NMB already recognizes it as a watershed contract in the industry. They have involved themselves in the process already which is highly unusual.
The normal time frame to get through the NMB is 4 years at the moment. Our contract will take longer. The earliest we can expect a release if ever is probably around 2017. The industry will have changed so much by then the opportunities you mention may be gone.
Even if we reach a negotiated settlement with the company the norm is about 18 months beyond the amendable date so you are still looking at 2014 mid year.
The one thing that could change all these timelines is another merger. Then all bets are off depending on what the company needs from us.