Originally Posted by
paxhauler85
That isn't true. Our contract is already industry average. What they're saying is: "if this goes to arbitration, expect the arbitrator to dish out industry average provisions." That is what the LOA states he must do. If he doesn't, the company could sue him and have his ruling thrown out.
After talking with them at the BBQ, I'm confident they are asking for some improvements that aren't industry average. They have to be reasonable with their requests (not walking in and asking for a 30% raise), otherwise they risk losing credibility with the arbitrator, who will ultimately decide the outcome of this whole thing.
I'd suggest you talk to them some more. Perhaps attend some of the events.
Oh really we are already industry average?? I have been told by numerous ALPA reps that we are the 2nd cheapest carrier in the Delta system (in front of GoJets) and still behind Endeavor Air.
Yes I have been to an event recently and I understand there are 20 "items" that must be arbitrated to industry average. Keep in mind an item is not a section of the contract. Trans States is low balling every single section of the contract (which we all knew they would do of course). Compass ALPA has no way to show the mediator the cash flow and profits of the company, for all we know Trans States can say Compass is losing money and we must take concessions to keep the company alive.
Of course they are not going to walk in and ask for 30% pay raises across the board. But what kind of bargaining power do they have now? After Endeavors concessionary contract and Delta management basically telling everyone to match their contract in order to be cost effective, what hope can we have under the new contract?
Like I said, the only thing going for Compass is the quick attrition. Prospective pilots shouldn't be attracted to Compass because of a "good" contract or that its a reputable company to work for. We work for Trans States Holdings. For all we know we could be merged or sold off to another regional soon.
Keep in mind this is all in the opinion of a fairly bitter Pinnacle refugee pilot. After making the move to Compass I can tell you there are numerous improvements in working at Compass over Pinnacle, however the majority of my feeling is same ****** different regional. I will say so far it seems like a great group of pilots who have experienced many pitfalls of the industry, and there is a lot to be learned from many of the pilots.