I agree. I don't want to see anyone lose their job but I don't think it's a good idea for the union to start getting involved decisions about staffing levels. If the company thinks they have too many pilots then they need to make the decision about how to handle that. I know we all think that, because we know how to operate an airplane that means we are experts on how to manage an airline, but...


The whole premiss seems to lack in common sense. The information I've seen so far indicates the company management is proposing concessions to the CBA that would actually reduce the number of pilots needed. If the proposed LOA includes an anti-furlough clause and guaranteed recalls, then I might consider it. Otherwise, I think any LOA that allows the company to operate with less pilots will eventually lead to more furloughs.


I also think that 1224 needs to be careful to avoid a situation where they seem to favor one subset of the pilot group over another subset of the pilot group. I also wonder about the legality of offering pilots under furlough notice the option of taking a leave of absence. I don't know if that has been offered before. I was never offered the option of taking a leave of absence instead of getting furloughed.


I suggest we stick to the contract and leave management decisions to management. We just need to make sure that they follow the CBA. It's really very simple. If management thinks they have too many pilots, they should furlough.