Originally Posted by
Qotsaautopilot
A release could happen just not soon.
Our leverage is that we are not easily replaceable unskilled labor like the flight attendants and it costs a lot more to hire and train one of us that leaves while also trying to recruit and train pilots already planned for the growth.
They will always have girls beating down the door to be flight attendants that then quit within a year after they figure out what it actually pays and what the job is. No problem because they didn't lose money on that person and there is a new one waiting to take her place tomorrow.
They don't have that luxury with us and our leverage grows as time goes on. Also, if our negotiators do their job and not settle for something lack luster it would be pretty hard for the national mediation board not side with us eventually if the company is just simply not willing to meet our ask. The industry supports it and spirit can afford to pay it. They just don't want to until they have to. As long as guys aren't leaving, guys are showing up to class, we keep doing everyone's job, we keep covering uncovered trips on our days off, and the company has not yet had any pressure from the NMB to deal, then yes you're right our leverage is minimal.
We have control over 3/4 of those factors.
I agree with all of those being leverage that we POTENTIALLY possess. However, until they materialize, they are moot. Despite the rumors of people leaving that exist on this board, until the number of people leaving is much greater than the number of people that can be trained, attrition is not a factor. Unfortunately, there will always be pilots applying. Maybe not as many as now, but they are out there. Next, just doing our job and not picking up open time is HUGE leverage, but again, pilots talk tough but there simply aren't enough that will actually do it to make a difference. The company knows that pilots will line up for extra money to cover flying. I've flown with some "hardliners" that still help out the company because they think that getting paid 200% somehow hurts the company. Canceling flights hurt the company. Paying a grossly underpaid pilot what he should be paid anyway is a win for them. Selfishness, greed and apathy will nullify our leverage. A mediator will continue mediation as long as both parties are negotiating in good faith. Unfortunately, the deck is stacked against labor. Any small amount of progress will keep it going. Even no progress as long as talks are occurring can be viewed as not an impasse. Also, if we are the side that is making unrealistic demands according to the mediator, things could get very drawn out. I don't believe that a mediator would ever entertain that United, Delta or American are our peers. So, their recent gains mean very little.
Sorry for the long post.