Originally Posted by
oldmako
I think we're placing too much blame to ALPA and Obama. For every airline pilot who opposed this, and for every dollar we spent, there were thousands of others who wanted this to go through had far deeper pockets than we do. Just think how much money Boeing spent to push for this. Our's was but a pittance in comparison. Make no mistake, I think this really sucks and as Special Tracking said, the lid to the coffin is wide open and we're the ones peering inside.
I think we were outgunned and outspent. Hopefully Trump will see things differently and act in our favor, but I doubt it.
I bristle when I hear comments regarding concessions. That's what triggered my post. Anyone in this industry who doesn't arrange his finances for the inevitable downturn is foolish. Realization that we're in a cyclical industry is one thing, but caving early is another.
Shaft Master is correct. From industry (Boeing and tourism), chambers of commerce, passenger groups, to the EU's desire for eventual complete and unfettered access to the U.S. market, ALPA and the publicly demonized BIG airlines didn't have a political chance in hell. Politicians have disregarded the calls of labor because they think little NAI doesn't pose a threat. The camel's nose never dose. It's only when the beast is fully in the tent spitting on everyone the true effect will be known and it will be too late to unwind cause. The offending politicians will be long gone by then having enjoyed the fruits of a long and financially prosperous political career. If you think I'm only referring to current politicians think again. This goes to the Bush administration who wrote this policy.
For those who have not enjoyed the benefits of an airline downturn it is quite eye opening. There are those who will diminish what we have and accomplished. They will call this a part time job, overpaid and how we have it so much better than the real world of workers. The time will come again when this select few will act as a cancer on our career more than willing to open your wallets to concessions for various misguided reasons. It might be twenty years from now, but the time will come. Remember how much you endured to get where you are. The current contract is still a bankruptcy contract from 14 years ago.