Originally Posted by
Jack Bauer
Guys who vote yes on this TA as is are not too bright, all the DALPA cheerleading not withstanding. There is more to be gained in this contract given what management stands to gain. Some people believe everything they are told though, including company supplied numbers (those given to DALPA to disseminate).
It's too bad because we likely will have to live with the set backs in this contract for a very long time (we are giving up what leverage we have. The next round we will likely be ignored by management).
Given the crapstorm at AA and the economy staying in the doldrums (read anything about Europe lately?) I think that you and most no voters will actually secretly be glad when this thing passes (I predict 62-38). This TA is not perfect by a long stretch, but I think it is the "least bad" answer to vote in favor of ratification.
Think of it this way. Ten years ago you drove a BMW (C2K, even though lots of pilots THEN were claiming "woe is me" when the C2K TA was ratified). Then it was taken away and you were given an 83 Chevette (post-BK agreements). Then you managed to get back to driving a 97 Corolla that is fairly serviceable, but getting older (our current contract). The whole time you keep muttering to yourself (I just KNOW I'm getting a brand new 2013 BMW, I just KNOW it!).
Then, someone else (our NC) negotiated on your behalf for a new car and you got...a used 2006 Passat, in fine shape. It is a good car and a good deal, but it is not a 2013 BMW. And guess what? There IS NO new BMW out there. Do you "deserve" it? Yes you do! But that doesn't change the fact that there is none to be had, and saying "no" from now until doomsday ain't gonna change that fact. So do you take the 2006 Passat and be modestly happy with it, hoping to continue to improve your and the company's bottom line so that you can get a 2015 BMW in 3 years, or do you say "NOOOOOO" and keep driving the Corolla? I prefer the Passat...the known but imperfect, real value, right now, today, versus the fantasy of holding out and getting a fictitious BMW that did indeed exist 10 years ago and may exist in the 2-3 years from now future but does not and will not exist in the immediate future.
Your views may vary!