Originally Posted by
Rock
Your idea about voting the current TA down and forming a new committee makes a lot more sense to me than the idea of voting it down and sending the same NC back.
But I don't know the history of why previous TAs at other companies were turned down and what the end result actually was. I'm sure each case is very different with the countless variables involved making it almost impossible to predict an outcome for us based on a previous result at another airline.
As for Delta, who knows how that is going to turn out? Certainly the Delta pilots have no idea at this point. It's fourth and long and they have decided to go instead of punt. No one will know the impact of that decision until they end up with a ratified TA. Right now, I don't believe they even have an NC or a new negotiating timeline. I hope it works out well for them. But their decision has zero impact on mine.
I agree with most of your post. My point being that every time a TA is agreed upon, I'm hoping the NC of that agreement thought they got all they could. If not, why bring it forward? While I think they believe this, history has shown that many times later the union got an improved offer. This isn't always the case, if it were, there would be no risk involved.
Our NC worked hard. I can't imagine the daily beat down they receive from the company (and sometimes the union too). It's always a thankless job, people will always think of the negative repercussions of the contract rather than the benefits we enjoy. I think they are fatigued and did their best. So, let me be clear, I do not mean to speak negatively towards the NC.
I believe in "my NC speaks for me." However, that changes now. I have to look at the TA and make my own decision now. I just see nothing here but cost of living increases. I see some improvements, but with a bunch of negatives as well. It just isn't good enough and the time frame is too long.
I guess my only disagreement is the part about Delta and it's effect on us. Every major airline that improves their contract moves the industry standard. Our pay is AA plus a little. They all matter. Delta and United had pay rates over $300 in 2000. We all know the history of their bankruptcies, but we are trying to get to levels from 15 years ago.
Oh, and I just read where Delta has a new MEC chairman and NC. It's on the ALPA website. Neither here, nor there...