Originally Posted by CloudSailor

From Block 6 Rep:
Pressing TOGA
Like any tired pilot wanting to get to the hotel, the last thing you want to do is a go-around. Selecting TOGA is an infrequent maneuver that is often the result of an unstable approach. The professional decision to initiate a go-around and start over is always safest. You don’t start over at your departure airport though, you simply regroup and re-vector for another approach. With proper planning, fuel loading, and decision–making, your next approach should lead you to success.
What happens if the membership presses TOGA? What happens if this TA is not ratified? We initiate a go-around. No, this isn’t an often-practiced maneuver; but this very pilot group has been here before, twice in fact. Both times we ended up more successful than before the “TOGA.”
An improved CBA is within our reach if we simply roll up our collective sleeves and work together. Here are my recommendations for a TOGA Flight Plan:
The disconnect between this TA and the pilot’s expectations must be defined. To do that, your MEC should immediately begin polling to determine exactly what you find as acceptable and unacceptable.
Your MEC should begin extensive meetings to re-orient itself with the crew force.
It may be determined that some MEC Representatives/Committees may need to be reinforced, strengthened, or re-manned. Those decisions will be made based upon the depth of the change requested by you, the membership.
Negotiating goals should be developed based upon the polling and then those goals will be communicated to you.
Preparations should be made to return to the negotiating table to reach those goals.
Our Chairman will solidly lead us through this process. He is a measured professional and he will not lead us to an unsafe destination or alternate.
No doubt, all of this may take some time, but I am confident that together we will arrive at our proper destination.
What we need from you if you reject this TA:
Participate in all surveys.
Learn and understand the stated goals.
Embrace these goals for the betterment of us all.
Continue to work and contribute just as you always have: safely, legally, and reliably.
No other actions are required on your part, especially anything that could be perceived as an illegal work action.
As pilots, we tend to immediately respond to caution lights and warning horns. This is the time for you to “sit on your hands,” “wind the clock,” and ponder a few questions:
Why is so much of this TA’s money tied up to ensure certainty in retirement dates of our older pilots?
Why is management willing to throw millions of dollars at the older pilots for retirement planning? If this TA fails, can they afford to let those nearing retirement walk away disgusted with no hope of a retirement-fix on the horizon?
With our current pilot shortage, how long will it take to resolve our inadequate staffing issues?
With 5, 10, or possibly 15% in givebacks in work rules, how many pilots might not be hired, down bid, or furloughed to acquire adequate staffing levels?
What is the downside to remaining under the current CBA until this bargaining can be resolved satisfactorily?
In this “TOGA” scenario, management will most likely posture that we will be unhappy with the outcome. I expect that they’ll be back to the table though, as they have to resolve this situation that they have created. In my years here, there has never been a more favorable atmosphere for negotiating. Our company is extremely profitable and our operation is the critical engine that makes it happen. They need us and we shouldn’t sell ourselves short. This TA does not reflect the value that we bring to the equation.
One last question to ponder should this TA ratify: What will it be like flying here in a couple of years under this agreement? It is my guess that large numbers of those voting for this TA will have departed since we are funding their exit plans. This could lead to some very low-spirited cockpits as we realize the depth of the givebacks and lack of substantial improvements considering the length of this agreement.
Continuing an approach with weather below minimums is an emergency procedure that should only be executed without having a safe alternate or adequate fuel. As we approach the ratification vote of this TA, we have plenty of alternates and fuel in the event of a go-around. Your MEC will prepare a Flight Plan for all possibilities. Don’t let the fear of this infrequent maneuver affect your decision to accept or reject this TA.
“When in doubt, go-around.”
AS
Block 6 Representative
LEC 26 Secretary Treasurer