Originally Posted by
ComAirColonel
their planes. But wait, the union and the pilots to the rescue! Gives the new guys a bonus to come to the company. Great idea pilots and union, you solved the company's problem. Why finish a contract and pay everyone more when we only have to pay the guy at the bottom?
The hiring bonuses were imposed unilaterally by the company. Union approval was not needed as new hires are technically not yet union members, so they do not fall under the CBA. The union had no say in it, and protested to the usual no avail.