Len,
first off, we are glad you are here to read what we have to say. As for using my real name,pm..I'll send it. I have written my rep and talked to as many people as I can come accross about this loa. I supported the union about the contract. I think the crew force may have some misgivings about the age 65 stance, since we were polled, the majority said we were against it, but wanted to be a part of the process, but the MEC takes the stance that the crew force is in favor. This loa has some sore feelings with most of us. I just don't get how the MEC can go on to say that "We don't believe STV will go junior." As a "catfish" on the bus, I will be in the shotgun for any junior manning that comes down the line. I don't agree with the cola, the housing, in my opinion is inadequate, there is no assurance of medical care, and nothing about english speaking schools for the youngins'. Those are BIG issues for a lot of folks out there. I understand that the MEC works hard, gets criticized on every choice they make, but my biggest beef is that if they are going to make a choice(without polling us), that I, or anyone eles, can get involuntarily sent away without a choice, because they think STV will go senior. That issue alone gets a no vote from me. I have been sent away involuntarily before, and I can't readily give the company means to do so to me or anyone else without a fight. The other things are issues that can be lived with, but need work, I just don't feel we should pass the LOA because we can "fix it in a year and a half when we go into negotiations." If it is not what we want, why are we asking for it. Ask for what you want.
I understand you have volunteered for the thankless job as a union rep, and as an ACP, and I thank you for it. I, like some of the other folks here, feel misrepresented by some of the senior folks, who aren't going to bid this, nor ever be affected by it.
HJ