Originally Posted by APC225

FROM THE CHAIRMAN (CAL)
This week, progress toward the JCBA continued. In light of the myriad number of rumors circulating about the TA and the process, I think it is helpful to remember what must be completed before the MEC can make any decision whether or not to send the TA out for member ratification. First, there must be a completed TA. This has not happened yet and there is still no TA. From my update last Friday, there are three components to the TA: (1) the language of the contract as well as various letters of agreement and memoranda of understanding, (2) the implementation LOA and (3) the division of the lump sum amount between CAL and UAL pilots and the allocation mechanics within each pilot group that must be formalized in the contract.

As expected, the bulk of the language for the contract was completed this week (LOAs and MOUs remain in progress) and the MECs were provided with access to preliminary information (under approval by the National Mediation Board) to begin familiarizing themselves with some of the language. They do not yet have the entire TA and no action (vote) is scheduled. Further, while the MECs have been allowed access to the TA language to give them time to digest the information, nothing about the TA will be released outside of the MECs until both MECs have actually voted on the TA, per NMB direction.

Regarding the implementation LOA, work focused today on negotiations for this component of the TA. These important provisions set the schedule for implementing the terms of the new agreement. This component of the TA may seem deceptively simple, but the details involved with implementation of a complex document like the JCBA and translating it to operational reality are quite involved.

As for the third leg of the TA stool, the CAL and UAL MECs met separately at the beginning of the week to review the process agreement that determines the allocation amounts between the MECs for the retroactive/lump sum payment negotiated as part of the TA. The process agreement was approved by both MECs, setting in motion an expedited arbitration process that began on Nov. 1 and continued through today. We expect the decision on the allocation amounts between the two MECs to be delivered by Monday, Nov. 5. Language must then be written and added to the TA so that it can be considered by the MECs and ultimately the pilot group as part of the contract.

I want to re-emphasize the fact that until all three components are completed, there is no tentative agreement. Once there is a TA, the MECs will hear from the JNC, attorneys, and subject matter experts and analysts on every section of the completed TA. This process from the beginning of MEC review will take a minimum of eight days but will last longer as necessary. If the TA is approved independently by both MECs, it will be sent to both pilot groups for the membership ratification process. Information in addition to the TA, in the form of town hall meetings, written materials, video, Internet and web-based material, etc. will be provided to make sure that you have what is needed to make an informed decision on the acceptability of the TA for you and your family. We will give you information and answer questions. We will ask you to vote, but never advise you how to vote. That decision is yours.