Originally Posted by GunshipGuy

I get a lot of emails from the company and my union and read through most of them. At no point did I ever hear anything about SDPs. When I asked my reps about how negotiations were proceeding I got answers that were vague because they said they were not permitted to speak to the details. Again, SDPs were never mentioned as a possibility. I was told there was a package of items that the union wanted and they did not want to break them up piecemeal. Now some who are closer to their reps and have personal relationships with them may have heard this, but the average line pilot had no idea SDPs were being discussed.

My point is how and why do our reps go down a road where they haven't sought our input on something like SDPs???? We ask and are told it's all currently confidential. Do I have to guess the direction my union is going on unknown objectives some pilots might have an interest in?

I will say I am happy with this TA and thank those who represent us and work on our behalf for what we finally got here. But what kind of surprises lay in store for C2015 if this is how it's going to go? Looking forward to the "You don't understand the process." or "You need to volunteer." No, my dues say my union should represent me, and if you represent me how about communicating clearly what you're acting on. Would it have hurt negotiations to have informed us in a couple of the emails we get that this was what was being discussed? If it would have had negative effects that might have not been a bad thing before such an idea as SDPs got as far as it did.

I don't agree with Carl on all his points, but I think he's right about the SDPs--the notion that a deal involving SDPs was made known to the average line pilot is a falsehood. And as far as how he responds to those who have opposing views I believe him to usually be as respectful as those he deals with. Something I wish I could say of those who hang out with hot looking Ducks.