Originally Posted by
Dave Fitzgerald
I have my own reasons for bidding the 777--for the second time. That does not obviate the need to improve the reserve system. Yes, I bid reserve, yes I understand the consequences. Yes, I understand the abuse by the company. It doesn't have to be this way.
Reserve could be greatly improved with minimal changes, and minimal cost to the company. All it takes is the membership providing direction to the negotiating committee to make it a priority. This is an excellent opportunity to do exactly this, especially since that was one of the stated areas of conversation.
Reserve was never meant to be abused this badly under the current contract. As usual, the company takes advantage wherever they can. It is up to us to improve the system when we have the chance. This is that chance.
As for those who argue they will never sit reserve, or bid something so you don't have to, it's only for the new hire and for a short time, history has demonstrated otherwise. At some point in your career, most everyone here will be on reserve, and not by choice.
Absolutely understood on all points. And I too was disappointed that there weren't reserve fixes in this deal, even though I don't bid up a plane for exactly that reason.... I don't want to commute to reserve. The level of SC abuse in particular is obnoxious, though they DO have to pay for it, so it's not free for them to keep giving them out.
I also spent a large part of me career on forced reserve. Couldn't even downbid if I wanted to because (as I'm sure you remember) there were no bids to be had. Therefore I understand how important it is to have reserve improvements, and join you in your frustration. As to why that wasn't accomplished I'm guessing a) they ran out of time - rumor I heard - in the 45 negotiations. I know they were working around the clock at the end. Or b) the company was costing the improvements at a level that was deemed more expensive than the benefits. The company also wanted reserve changes, and I'm quite sure we wouldn't have enjoyed them.... So it was a "there is no flag on the play" situation I'm betting. Neither side got what they wanted.
Here is where we diverge. Many people are voting "no" simply because they are ticked about no reserve improvements. When you say this deal is costing you time with the kids, you are wrong. There are 2 options here: vote yes and take the deal (no change to reserve). Or vote no and wait for section 6, which typically takes years (no change to reserve). Most likely you'll personally be OFF reserve in the 4-5 years it will take for a full section 6 negotiation. Many here seem to hold a full section 6 as this holy grail where we will get the same size pay raise AND fix everything else we have in the contract we don't like. I've never ever seen that happen.... neither have you. The subpar TA's at DAL and SWA, and lack of a TA at UPS should make it obvious that it isn't going to be some negotiating nirvana. So reserve improvements simply aren't on the table right now. You won't be seeing them for years, no matter how you vote. But you're asking 12,000 pilots to vote no to a large and industry leading pay raise just because you didn't get them?
Lastly, I do respect you Dave, and always have read your posts with interest because you always have thoughtful things to say. That doesn't change even though we disagree on this one issue. I certainly have experience with being forced into reserve, and I know that's a possibility at any point with a downturn in the economy, terror attack, etc. But if that happens, and the company comes looking for consessions, reserve improvements will be the last thing you'll ever see. I would rather be 15% richer during THOSE negotiations.