Originally Posted by
Schwanker
Giving up PS for a premium on pay rates will last less than 1 contract cycle. We gave up PS in 2012 to boost pay rates. Now that premium isn't even being discussed to be added to negotiated pay rates. What we gave up in 2012 is gone, and gone forever--never to be included in future pay rates again. The same would happen with giving up more. We could possibly see a short term premium in pay rates, but only for 1 contract cycle (or less, as we're already behind American rates). I will not support trading PS in any form. It doesn't make long term sense as the next contract cycle will completely dismiss those give backs.
You are missing one crucial point. Had we not given up some PS last contract, then our pay raises would have been less. TAANSTAAFL--There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch.
All of our future contractual pay raises--for any contract--begin from a higher base wage due to the PS/pay rate trade. You will reap the benefit for years and years. You will also get higher DC contributions based on a higher base pay rate, rather than having to wait until Feb to get the PS payout.
That doesn't warrant a yes vote (other items were objectionable) but to say we only got the benefit for one contract I do not believe is correct.