Originally Posted by
Slammer
Lee,
You are right. It was non- committal because the 5k pilots at CAL and MEC were blind- sided by your MEC. Can't write a blank check of support until they understand the strategy and risk to a JCBA. The goal is a JCBA..not necessarily follow your MECs decisions. The fact that you blindsided CAL, is more reason to NOT commit to a release request, UNTIL the risk to prolonging negotiations is understood and protocols are in-place to PREVENT either MEC from going maverick. Keep in mind, JH, JP, Sr MGt and the arbitrator agreed to terms of a TA by mid June...so why did JH feel the need to pull the trigger apart from discussions with CAL.? Perhaps there were different interpretations of the meeting? If so, sit down with the other partner and develop a joint strategy. Has any UA guys called him on the carpet for this failure?
I didn't read it that way. You made a critical error in your assessment in my opinion. There was no agreement to getting a deal in June. There was TALK about getting an agreement in June. Management and talk seem to be good friends, but with zero action.
I doubt you will see a UAL pilot call out JH. We were all thrilled at the news, and are more than willing to walk out of the cockpit to get the contract we all deserve. The overwhelming sentiment is "why did we wait this long?" not, why did you call for this now. I too wish we had seen a joint statement from JH and JP, but that didn't happen for some reason... Probably JH and JP are the only two who know why. But here's the thing. You state that you want a JCBA. THIS is the way we are going to get one. We have started down that path FINALLY. I've seen enough of this management team to know that forcing them to negotiate is the ONLY way they are going to negotiate. Waiting around for another MINUTE is counter productive to getting a JCBA. They will tap dance around, giving JUST enough to keep you believing they are actually trying to reach a deal, and then they will just retreat and say it costs too much. I'm not sure how anyone can't see that at this point?
I'll tell you this. If JP had issued the directive instead of JH, I'd be doing EXACTLY what I'm doing now... Trying to find my hat so I can wear it on the picket line. I don't care about the politics, I don't care about whose feelings are hurt, and I'm most DEFINITELY not afraid of being released. I'm following whoever wants to lead the charge up the hill, and I don't care whose initials they are. Let's get it ON!!!!!!!