I think one point the Union negotatiors were very concerned about was that if we didn't have an LOA, guys will bid the domicile anyway--therefore getting this LOA is a good idea as we can improve it later.
I don't thing we'll fill the domciles as easily as they think we will. (standard disclaimer--wrong before, will be again...) However, Subic was good deal financially for the guys who went, even without an LOA, because of tax savings, low cost of living, and rapid upgrades. The hub was close to the living area, and getting to work was much less difficult than we'll face in Hong Kong.
The new FDAs present a different environment. CDG sounds fun, but when you price out going to Paris without the LOA and being subject to taxes in Europe, I don't think its a good deal for those guys. As someone else mentioned, your "net" gain is probably a loss after taxes and expenses...even if you upgrade a seat. Actually--I don't think 2700 even fixes that, but the equalizaton package probably helps. Hong Kong has lower taxes, but a VERY challenging environment. You are going to ride a bus to work...somewhere between 2 and 5 hours depending on who you believe and traffic conditions. Ditto on the RTB. I think the STVs were the "insurance policy" for the company that if things got tough we'd still move the freight.
Maybe I'm just a goofball, but I don't see the romance in hub-turning through China, riding the bus, and then taking the hit on the pay too. The taxes won't be unreasonable there without the LOA, but the high cost of living and tough working conditions might just suck the joy right out of that job.
So--I know its a dead horse--but (besides Prezbear who has made his case clear and who's input I respect) is there anyone who wants to bid these domiciles and wants me to change my vote to "yes"? Are there any of you who will go to CDG or HKG regardless of the LOA vote if you can hold it?
I know our little sample size here is somewhat small--but I am interested in the opinions and insights.
And for what its worth--all of us want these FDAs to work--and we want our crews taken care of. While we "discuss" what we think is the best way to do this, we might want to remember we really are on the same team here.
And Kudos to the bros who at least reduced the STVs...even if the whole concept is still irksome you cannot argue that reducing it to 30 days from 90 makes the prospect of going over much less daunting. I don't like the trip rig ramifications--but we can fight more about that later. Who here really wants to go to CDG or HKG?