Originally Posted by
HVYMETALDRVR
I'm not carrying that mindset at all. I don't think JB and Spirit are behind the Legacies much, per the equipment. Especially Airways and American post bankruptcy. Per a recent Vets in Blue job fair the highest paid senior open-time-hawking FO cleared 200, the equivalent Captain made 350. I know that Spirit isn't quite as high hourly, but has some incredible work rules that even DL doesn't have. It's all the soft pay. The only litmus test for the 757 of course is the Legacies.
Either way, I'm fully onboard to get a top notch contract and not cave to a last minute luke warm one.
I hate to burst your bubble but we are now 50-100% underpaid on group II aircraft at spirit from Americans new numbers. Yes we have a couple work rules that are better in a few areas but the legacies have better work rules in most areas. We don't have tons of soft time either. Maybe 10% of the group does by exploiting the transition conflict language but it really screws up your whole month. Honestly I'd rather have the Legacy rates and work rules than rely on contract language and bidding stratagey to boost my pay to where it should be in the first place.
We also go into negotiations this year and are expecting big big increases in many areas so if you are about to vote on a contract soon or even go on strike please please look much higher than us in almost all sections. You should be shooting for AA rates + some, and a mix of everyone's best work rules. Along with at least 3% increases per year of the contract and after while negotiating the next one. Don't forget SCOPE for outsourced flying, joint ventures, code share, and merger protection. Did I mention SCOPE?