[QUOTE=b52dthdlr;2044081]
Originally Posted by
FlyingGuitar
1. That the company asked for concessions to reserve I was not aware of (but makes sense to me as this TA was a negotiation) however I do know that the union approached the negotiation with a "wish" list and reserve was one of them so I was not "wrong".
2. Reserve improvements "do not" improve working conditions for the "entire" pilot group but rather a small 20% segment of the pilot population. In my opinion if we have to favor a small group of pilots I would rather favor a group (furloughees) that has suffered actual career damage rather than a group whining about their QOL because of their own doing.
3. This TA is not "defeat". Getting a lot for something the company already had and lost with "no" concessions is a win by any metric and yes voters therefore are not "defeatist"
4. Don't get me started on Whiteford and Morse.... I wasn't a member that supported those 2 disasters.... I'm blessed (unlike others) that I have a chance to make that up thru a B fund and yes, I believe the A plan ship has sailed.
5. I'm actually engaged with at least 3 no voters so if I attributed one of their quotes to you my apologies.
6. You and I are not on opposite sides, we are ALPA on opposite sides of an issue. I have never broken ranks, never will. If the TA is voted down I will continue to support ALPA and the membership. I assume if the TA is voted in you will do the same.
7. B52 guy as my posting name suggests, ex zoomie, 7 years active 4 reserves.. Now you know me
I respect and honor your opinions and your position and appreciate your candor. I agree we are not on opposite sides in battle, we merely disagree on an issue. It is of utmost importance that we carry on with debates like this. I for one am never opposed to changing my stance if someone can present me with facts and strategies developed from said facts that contribute to the betterment for our profession.
I will in fact support a yes vote if this is in fact what the majority wants. I'm not and never have been an ignorant chest thumper. I have strong beliefs but like you will never break ranks because things didn't go my way. Nothing is ever gained by fragmentation unless of course we are talking about things that kill.
Reserve improvements actually benefit a much larger percentage of the pilots than a mere %20. The number you speak of is the approximate percentage of total pilots dedicated to filling reserve positions. You'd have to take into account the many people who 1. Travel through reserve on an initial bid willing to take a calculated risk that they will eventually be a line holder. 2. People who would bid equipment that would make them more money but don't because they know how bad reserve can be.
Reserve was simply NOT addressed by ALPA in these negotiations and this was confirmed in a recent address made by Jay Heppner to Council 34 when a member asked this very question. His response was the company presented us with a concessionary reserve system and Jay just told them to take it off the table. Why he chose to disregard MEC direction on this very issue is appalling at best and a disservice to the entire pilot group.
I agree this TA is not a defeat but a short fall. We are just kicking the can down the road a little further when the time to strike (not job action) is now why the environment is more favorable to us than it has been in many years.