Originally Posted by skybolt

I think you're correct regarding comparable's.

But I'll disagree that our contract is mature. As you know, C1999 was just a codification of existing Supplemental work conditions. C2003 was a slight rewrite and C2010 was another slight rewrite. Since you and I sat in new hire GS, the only real difference between the then existing CBA and now - is in hourly pay rates. The 5/4 days off was extant. No forced flying was extant. True transition conflict was extant, and was given away in C2003 (post Sept11 conditions) and then partially regained in C2010. We had a daily guarantee, which was given away in C2003 (again, in the post Sept11 environment) and not regained in C2010.

I could go on, but realistically we are on our first re-negotiation not affected by: terrorism, SARS, worldwide economic collapse, etc.
IOW, we need to focus on far more than hourly rates.

Hourly rates need to increase.
Pay rates need to be flattened out as you mention.
Fatigue protection needs improvement.
Long Term Disability needs improvement.
We need Short Term Disability.
Retirement, well we need some sort of retirement.
And much more I'm sure.