Originally Posted by
Whalefr8
Same question to you. What are we in negotiations for? What are we "giving up" in those negotiations? What is the union stance? Have they really given anything up? Did we lose money or hours? Did the time away from home increase? It takes two parties to negotiate.
The union leadership can blab all it wants but unless the company is blabbing back the negotiation is not taking place.
If there are LOAs that have done NOTHING for the group as a whole then why were they voted in? An LOA still gets a vote by the crewmembers right? It is the union leaders attempt to engage the crewmembers. A NO vote actually gives the leaders the power to go back to the company and ask for more. Your mention of an LOA that does nothing points the finger at the crewmembers, not the leadership or LOA negotiators.
Or perhaps you do not understand the process? As crewmembers we empower the leadership by voting no on an LOA or a CBA TA!
Part of negotiation is public support for what you have negotiated. It is a tactic to get more from the company 'Well Mr Cato - we will come out an support this LOA or TA this CBA if you give us a few more dollars an hour" all the while knowing (or hoping) that the crewmembers vote it down. It is a TACTIC, not a position. As crewmembers we need to be smarter than this. we need to understand the process and our role in the process. Your comment on the LOA shows that perhaps you do not understand that.
I'll try to make this short but this does belong on the newhire board so they can see what mess they're getting into.
Why are we asking about negotiating ANYTHING while we are so low at the bottom anyway? Look at SEC filings and compare upper management perks, bonuses, and salary compared to the Legacies. THEN go ask yourself why J.C. says we will never give you Delta pay rates. REALLY? Um O.K. then maybe you need to knock your bonuses down, too.
Here's an idea -- from a guy that "doesn't get it" -- AQP: Doesn't that have to be voted on? Well, spread the word for the "no" vote. Then you can go back to management and say I'm sure we could get this thing passed with more compensation (numerous ways to fill in that blank).
I'm sure you've heard this before: The pen is mightier than the sword. Yep, don't know who said it but I know it's been said. After all, I'm just a guy that "doesn't get it" Enough is enough.
For you potential new hires you need to know this so I won't be moving it to another board. Good Luck in getting here.