NightIP and SVA402,

I agree with your sentiment, but I would not have said "small things" if we didn't have other really major fixes in the CBA that we need to make next time around. Why do you think training pay, and first-year pay is paltry at some of the majors?...because they fixed other things in the CBA, and did not care to fight that battle during negotiations. Everything has a price when you negotiate a contract...Sorry, but first-year pay is not a big enough deal at the majors (those that have mature contracts)...it is even a lesser deal here...sorry, that is the truth. I want the big stuff fixed so we CAN be a major, and have a better contract that we don't have to apologize for!!

BTW, the OT flying for the CTI's is specifically not allowed in the CBA...and because the company is incapable of planning ahead they tried assigning OT flying to CTIs (and yes, several CTIs even bid on it)...guess what, that is contrary to the CBA...small stuff or not, it is a violation of the CBA...that is why a Grievance was filed.

I understand the frustration (you know me well enough to know I am not excusing the current situation), but training pay, and first-year pay at current levels is not a big enough piece of the puzzle to use up all the negotiating capital when we sit down next year.