Thread: It's time to vote - a case study
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Old 12-01-2012 | 02:35 AM
  #14  
Coach67
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Originally Posted by DirectLawOnly
We have neither the leverage nor the ability to apply that leverage in a timely fashion that gives a reasonable chance to achieve a TA that is more valuable than the one before us. Both pilot groups have effectively handcuffed the other. In every negotiation, after countless offers and counter offers, there comes a time when the last card from the hand you were dealt is played. This negotiation is completely played out.
It’s time to vote.
Direct Law ... your analysis at the beginning is good but I disagree with the conclusions you draw from your analysis!

Based on your conclusions, a pilot group would NEVER turn down a contract or decide to strike. History has shown time and again that the contract achieved AFTER a “NO” vote OR AFTER a strike ...... never recoups the time value of money over the life of the contract. BUT that is never the point is it? You vote “NO” or you actually “Strike” to get a better base upon which to build for the next contract! After successive contracts you have a career! One that is infinitely better than if there was never a threat of a “NO” vote or the threat of a strike.

For every one that voted to strike ... all 99% of us. Did we really mean we were ready to strike and put it all on the line for a good contract? How long did you think you'd have to go without a paycheck if we did strike? Were you ready to lose your house? If you weren’t ready to lose it all, then you deluded yourself with your strike vote! A strike vote is a GUT CHECK time. Not a beat your chest time!

It's all about building a better contract for the future pilots at this Company. If we can't get our heads around that statement ... we aren't a union, we aren't strong, and it becomes "it's all about me." "It's all about me" never got anything but mediocrity.

If you are voting "NO" ask yourself why and then ask yourself "am I comfortable with that decision?"

If you are voting "Yes" ask yourself why. If your answer to yourself is:
1) I’m afraid of ______, OR 2) I won’t recoup the time value of money over the life of this contract, THEN you are never going to have a contract to be proud of. If your answer to yourself is either one of these answers then you will always get the contract you deserve! A contract like this one where you have to hold your nose to vote “YES!”

If your answer to yourself is “YES” I like this contract … then OK … vote “YES” and enjoy the contract!

I’m not afraid if four of the provisions of the T&PA expire. We’ll fight those battles one at a time. I’m not afraid if the CAL pilots are more interested in the Seniority List. We’ll fight those battles one at a time. I’m not afraid if this management attempts to turn us into an Eastern Airlines or a USAIR! We’ll fight those battles one at a time! I guarantee if they try that route, this place will be burnt to the ground before the UCH management ever sees one dime of value from that course.

Yeah we may lose a battle or two but we’ll win some as well. If you look at all the battles that need to be fought combined … you will indeed be afraid! That will shape your conclusions and your vote! If we are not afraid to stand shoulder to shoulder on each of these battles, not only will we get a contract we can be proud of … but one that your First Officer of the future will enjoy! Even though this is likely my last contract, the contract I believe we will get to replace this TA will be better. If it's only slightly better .... OK it's a better foundation for the next contract. I am a unionist and my vote is about the future pilots at this Company!

All the important decisions in your life … where they decisions of fear? Where they decisions of “good enough?” “Which of those decision where you proud of? Do you like mediocrity and is this JCBA is just “good enough?” Personally I’m just not wired for “mediocrity” or “it’s all about me.”

It is indeed time to vote ... but not out of fear! I voted "NO!" I am not afraid! I am prepared to fight every battle with my fellow pilots. Are you prepared to fight with me OR do all the battles on the horizon scare you? It is indeed time to vote ... but not out of fear!
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