Originally Posted by
PasserOGas
I'm wondering when we are going this route at JetBlue. The negotiations are taking longer than advertised. Not one "difficult" section has been TA'd and they've been at it for a couple years already.
Negotiations began on 3/31/2015. That is 14 months, not two years of negotiating. I haven't seen the union mention a negotiating timeline or due date. Perhaps you're referring to Barger's statement around or after the union vote mentioning 24 months to negotiate a contract?
The Negotiating Committee itself has said the company shows up prepared to negotiate in good faith. True, they have just started negotiating the meat and potatoes sections of the contract, but if the company was serious about delaying a contract, they would have started from day one. The tone of the Negotiating Committee is my barometer for how progress is fairing. For now, it seems to be on schedule.
JetBlue pilots may one day need an overwhelming vote in favor of authorizing a strike. To suggest it needs to be done so soon weakens the message the vote sends to the company and just as importantly discounts the battles pilots at Hawaiian and other airlines have fought for much longer than we have.
For now, stay involved, stay informed, and build up your savings in case of the worst case.
To the Hawaiian pilots, congratulations on the show of resolution and solidarity in your strike vote!