Originally Posted by
Nevets
If a union at a regional doesn't have any power when it comes to getting contracts, then how did awac, horizon, and xjt get theirs?
When the RFP came out from the individual carriers did the MECs of AWAC, Horizon, and XJT write the proposal? Was their counsel sought before the bids were submitted? When / Before the deal was signed were they given the opportunity to review it? Does the MEC make the final decision on whether or not the contract is accepted?
Mainline Management dictates the rates and Regional Management forces compliance. It has happened repeatedly and will continue to happen as long as there are separate regional pilot groups. The lowest bidder will get the contract.
Do you honestly believe that they would have gotten just as much if they were non-union? Don't think so and that's why your argument doesn't hold water.
You're asking me to prove a negative. Do you honestly believe Skywest Airlines would have gotten just as much if they were union? Before you say they would have gotten more, look at the union regionals (excluding XJT) and compare.
Originally Posted by
Nevets
It's just an example of a pilot group who ended at the top because others came down.
There is no comparison that can / should ever be drawn between a major and regional....except maybe that we fly planes and the same laws of aerodynamics apply in varying degrees
And if there EVER was going to be a regional that can sustain it, it's Skywest. But you rather not even try. That's the mentality that doesn't help. If a pilot group is not willing to try to raise the bar, especially when they are in a position to do so, then the pilot group who is at the top will be brought down. I can't believe I have to even explain this.
I wouldn't say we are not willing to try. I am willing to bet within the next 2 years Skywest will vote in a union. MY OPINION. QOL is decreasing for everyone on the seniority list, not just the guys on reserve. It's not a money issue and the company seems intransigent on the work rules. We need a stronger negotiating tool, but the reluctance is because of what I've outlined above.
Originally Posted by
rickair7777
Regional unions are sometimes in a position to GET contract enhancements, because management doesn't want to deal with disruption in the short-term. KEEPING said enhancements in the regional ecosystem is a whole 'nother issue. Oh yeah, you forget to mention COMAIR. And didn't horizon get industry-leading rates for their jets?
Exactly.
On another note, the offer we currently have from management is not concessionary (on the face of it), but it's ridiculous all the same. The fact that UAL just posted a $582+ million dollar profit is one of many reasons people call 1.00 /.50 a slap in the face.
Nevets, you figure out how to get the entire regional pilot group on one list and under one MEC, I'm in. I'll volunteer to help. Otherwise, a regional union is ineffective. Lowest bidder wins and there is always gonna be a lower bidding...race to the bottom competitor....that's capitalism.