Coffeebitch,

I have had pretty much the same treatment as you have. I bid MD-11FO/MEM in bid 5-03. I was told one month prior to my training that my training was moved to October. I called the union and was told that I would not be payed passover. I didn't think the intent of the contract was to delay our training four months and put new hires in our classes, even though they were going to be based at ANC.

I have also heard from the union that the senior guys would think my gripe was weak since I didn't work the panel for 5 years before getting a window seat. I asked him if these guys have all been furloughed for 3+ years or spent 20 years in the military? I know that many have experienced much worse, but my point was we have all paid our dues to get into this job, although some of us have done it at other places. And besides, we pay our dues just like anyone else and expect representation when we experience a monetary shortfall or a quality of life issue. I'll bet a senior captain would gripe if he felt his W-2 was 20k less due to a contract loophole. Oh, and by the way, my bonus check was going to paid at S/O rates since I hadn't activated as a FO.

SNAFU,

I do appreciate your support, but not too sure about the ANC comment. I was awarded MEM in bid 05-03 (I believe Sep 05). I considered changing my bid to DC-10 in bid 06-02 (my training date was in Jul 06). I decided against it since I thought I had a training date and wasn't sure when I would have trained in the DC-10. I had no idea that the company was going to delay our training four months or I would have changed my bid. If you were in my shoes, what would you have done?

I am planning on attending the Feb 20 meeting. I believe our representation was lacking. Oh, and by the way, I also thought that the contract enforcement staff paralegal was condescending and not helpful.