It took decades of strikes, fear of strikes, scaring investors and negotiating to get to the contract most had in 2000-2004. Along the way more than one arrogant CEO was challenged-- airlines went under and others doubled and tripled in size. Battles were lost but ultimately wars were won with regard to labor and mature contracts. There was never a staffing issue. What upsets me the most is that we have only managed to sell QOL provisions of the contract and move them to W-2 in the wake of 40% pay cuts and dismantling pension funds. After a decade of constructive engagement a mainline and regional contract are starting to look unfortunately familiar.

Just remember this, when things go south, and they will, pay will likely be negotiated down but we will never get those QOL provisions back, ever. Call BS? Look at what we are giving away right now for W2?