CGfalconHerc

Attended the Council 81 LEC Meeting today where the guest speaker was Capt Malone. First..I want to say I was impressed with Capt Poggi as the Capt Rep elect and the inclusive nature of the interim Capt Swindels as we transition to the new leadership. I really think the majority has been heard and their influence is represented in our new LEC.

Some points from Capt Malone's presentation. The "proactive engagement" general position of the MEC has changed to a more traditional tone. The pattern bargaining enviroment has changed with the Fedex TA approval and United AIP..and he will "let" RA out of his proclamation that failed TA15 was managements "last, best offer". Capt Malone mentioned that our current agreement will require both parties to appeal to the NMB if an agreement is not reached before the end of March 2015. He intonated that the NMB would be less likely to work with a carrier with 200 open items and variable gulfs between issues vs a carrier with 10 open items and a large gulf between issues..thus his stance on "focus plus". Many members voiced their dissatification with the survey questions as concessionary in nature and Capt Malone stressed that failed TA15 had good things that they intended to keep, that they would cut the consessions..and mgmt better be ready for a big wish list from the pilot group. Regarding sick leave..he emphasized that we are professionals and he will not tolerate us being treated like 8th graders.

Bottom line..I was impressed with the tone of the old guard welcoming the new guard and that Capt Malone had a wealth of corporate knowledge from C2K through bankruptcy. I am more than confident that he will represent the will of the pilot group and we should give him our support moving forward.

He also mentioned that he does not expect a deal in the near future..and he will not support a TA that he thinks will not be supported by a vast majority of the pilot group..so stand by for a prolonged negotiation.

I think we've got the right group moving forward..

JMHO,

CG