Originally Posted by Regularguy

The chain of events of these negotiations are interesting, comparisons can be made with many different times, and it is true each contract's negotiations are unique. But, I find some interesting comparisons with the 1998-2000 UAL pilot negotiations. I believe the most glaring comparison between contract 2000 and the current JCBA negotiations is how Senior Management made a grave tactical mistake which will cost UAL literally hundreds of millions, if not more, than they would have spent had they come originally to the bargaining table in good faith. In contract 2000 the UAL Management reneged in their contractual promise from the ESOP to negotiate and conclude a new contract before the amendment date. What they chose to do was to risk delaying the contract and pocket the cash flow savings for the time from the amendable date until the signing of a new contract. What they missed was the heart of the pilots and the fact Delta was also due for a a new contract. During the contract 2000 negotiations Delta settled their contract with a new level of wages and benefits which set a new bar for industry leading contract and was totally unexpected by the UAL Management. Everything on the table at the time was blown away by this new standard, set by the Delta pilots, and it cost UAL plenty especially when one considers what UAL could have had just a year previously. Some might even say it led UAL to BK and cost 10s of billions of dollars in the long run. So here we are again today with a new Delta contract (I saw the pay rates) which set the bar nicely and UAL Management (different names same deal) blew it again. When they could have settled for less they now have a new industry standard to pay for. (I saw the 90 seat rates and I would vote yes for Delta's RJ deal.) UAL Management, you blew it!!!!