Originally Posted by eaglefly

....My opinion is that Parker WILL want to salvage something and can still rehabilitate his image, at least with outsiders. If outright rejection was likely, that would have already occurred. Instead, they need time to evaluate APA's counter and to prepare a response. I believe that response will NOT be a rejection. It will be a "final offer" that offers SOME compromise, which was the intention all along (although bed wetters like Mr. 66 do give people like Parker and Kirby wistful looks of wishful thinking ) . Specifically (if that's possible), my guesses as to that compromise ?;


- The Pay-Scope "equation" will be balanced out so that scope is essentially industry standard (equal) to BOTH Delta and United (give or take a few jets), while Pay (minus profit-sharing) in their belief better approximates Delta's. That means look for an increase from APA's proposal of both 50-70 seat RJ's and 76-seat RJ's, but a decrease in fleet count overall. The pay will be upped to match Delta rates with a slightly increased sweetener in extra percentage for the absence of profit-sharing to approximate in the middle (7.5%+/-). Thus, both the major critical items will be close enough in the ballpark to be considered industry-standard or competitive.

- Most of their other demands will remain with IMHO, the exception of LOS which may see a "bump" in pay step (perhaps 2 years) for those who experienced furlough, but rejection of any LTD alterations or placing the 321 in group III. Instead regarding the 321, perhaps an "override" for hours actually flown.


This would fall in line with the intended strategy of the first proposal coming so late in the deadline (another reason for that was to use any F/A's rejection and subsequent goosestep to arbitration as a psychological block to multiple back-and-forth proposals on the pilots side - they may return to negotiations AFTER we vote on any TA and/or see a mediated result in arbitration). Parker wasn't sending a TIOLI proposal, so there HAS to be some wiggle room they were willing to make. It's a great strategy, if you look at it. Now, when they send their "final" offer back to the APA, it will be tough for the APA to reject it as they will look like the unreasonable and the demanding side. The "sweetened" offer (so common in these types of negotiations, IT is almost "industry standard") is substantially better then the MOU and the APA can say we've taken it as far as we can and between the two options, the "LBFO" (has anyone heard THAT before ? ) can be recommended with a straight face. Perhaps not accepted with opens arms by a percentage of the pilots, but this scenario has already successfully played itself out in the LBFO I rejection that resulted in the ratification of LBFO II.

It's a familiar kabuki dance, IMO.