I'm undecided but leaning yes at this point.

First, even the last TA had yes voters being derided. It was to such an extent that many thought the TA would fail. It did not. It does seem to be even more irrationally hysterical this time. There are negative aspects about this TA. But too many times individuals are attacked for their viewpoints if they voice support for DALPA and/or a TA. This TA and C2012. I totally supported C2012 after some initial hesitation. But after gathering enough information and FACTS I no longer had any doubt about supporting it. I'm up 37.5% on the same seat, no green slips.

Like I said, I am currently undecided on this one however.

But there are positive aspects about this TA.

First, the money. It's a 21.5% in pay rates which are guaranteed. Additionally, profit sharing payout totals will stay the same or even increase even with the change in the profit sharing formula. At $10B profit sharing will still be 25%+ of W-2. The arguments about inflation, profit sharing reduction and "me too" clauses do not tip the balance. We will make as much as 28% more than American at the end of this contract (a fact not lost on the NMB and our management) due to pay rates and profit sharing. If the world goes to hell we'll make 3.5% more than American. Without the TA I'll make 8-15% less than American if we have zero profit. So my range is -15 to +28% depending on the pass/fail of the TA and world events.

Second, there are increases in vacation pay and training pay. Vacation pay increases by 7.7%, 15 minutes. Not enough to buy a Porsche but it's $2500 for me.

Third, there are improvements in sick leave as well as the negative changes. The positive:

Sick leave improvements:

1 - Increased disability offsets. Eliminated earned income offset after 36 months.

2 - 50% of unused sick leave credit hours below 80 hours each year will be used to fund a disability account for top off if a pilot goes on disability

3 - Increased LTD benefit duration for pilots diagnosed with psychiatric conditions.

4 - Establish FAA leave for a pilot awaiting approval of his FAA medical certificate.

We asked for these and we got them.

There are other positive aspects aspects of the TA too.

To be sure I am still looking at sick leave and code sharing more carefully. I'll listen and read the information from DALPA and not just here. Like any analysis and debrief there are pluses and "others".

It is good to have a spirited debate. But when one's best line of attack is to call someone considering voting yes "stupid" it makes one's argument especially weak. In fact it will drive fence sitters into the opposing view. It was the same attitude last time and of course 62% of us were "idiots" then too. It is interesting how much more often those voting yes treated no voters with respect .

Somehow I think we're all smarter than this. Let's debate the facts logically without personal attacks and come to our own decision. Otherwise we become a riotous crowd without regard for our fellow coworkers. And we will be working together with the TA voted in or not.

Mark Marchione