Originally Posted by
80ktsClamp
I'm in watch and wait mode for this one. This is not the gentleman's airline I'm used to. I'm very interested to see this direct shot at violating work rules in the contract. I've seen it in the regional world, but not at this level. It made me twitch with the logic flags that the 2 hour response time raises. What if you're commuting on a transcon on another airline (no free DLnet)? Your cell phone died while driving and you don't have a charger? The list goes on. It's just not plausible. It cannot function as proposed as there are too many viable outs.
This does wreak of negotiating in public. It's far worse than the lie of "we could hire fall of 2012 if you pass C2012."
I'm very interested to see the ALPA response to this. We've had a number of times where the company dove into the gray areas of the contract and they caved... but never a direct attempt to violate the black and white in the contract.
Personally, I don't think the company has much choice other than complying with the Part 117 rules. If the rule states that a pilot must have a 10 hour period of uninterrupted rest prior to a trip/short call, thereby requiring pilot acknowledgement/acceptance, then I'm not sure the company has any choice other than compliance.
I actually don't blame the company in the slightest for unilaterally restructuring the terms of our PWA to comply with FAR 117, however I'm extremely curious to see DALPA's response. We've been hearing for years now how DALPA was looking closely at FAR 117 and how it would affect the pilot group, so then why are we being blindsided by this less than a few weeks before the rule comes into effect?
Sailing was the first to respond to SD's email, and while I may not always agree with his perspective from time to time, he certainly seems to have his pulse on some of our contractual upgivings and obligations. I'm still in surprise as to how with the length of time and amount of information our union has had with FAR 117 that the company still could get the jump on so many of us with a major QOL concession.
I live in base and rarely have any issues acknowledging and being in position for a rotation/short call, but I can certainly see how this would become extremely detrimental for commuters.
The way I see it, the company is already begining to gather up its negotiationing capital for C2015. The talking point for years has been what are you willing to give, in order to get. FAR 117 will be laundered in as requiring section 23 alterations/improvements thereby reducing our leverage towards compensation, scope, or any other sought out improvements.
I'm not trying to sound pessimistic here, just one pilot's opinion. I'd expect an LOA/MOU out from the union in a few days echoing the union's lack of options with no other choice beyond mandatory compliance with the federal rule. I don't think DALPA has many options here, and I'm doubtful any other contractual improvements can be made outside of C2015 negotiations.
Hope I'm wrong on this, our management team is way to smart to not utilize every ounce of leverage they can hoarding it until the time comes.