Originally Posted by
1900luxuryliner
You call lanyards and info strikes non-sense, but then go on to say how they are important for unity building and public perception.
Let me clarify as it seems some have misunderstood my thoughts...
The lanyards, info strikes, changes in colors of ties (like SW did), etc. are all IMPORTANT to the PILOTS and the UNION. I agree, it is good to show solidarity and to be as much of one accord as possible. These little outward signs are what show ourselves and the rest of the world that we are united for our cause.
As far as their impact on the Company, I would put lanyard color at 0%. If I were CEO, I could care less what the pilots did, wore, etc. as long as they continued to act in accordance w/ the contract AND that the bottom line didn't suffer. We could have pink and purple checkerd lanyards with camoflauge colored lettering and that wouldn't move the needle one bit as long as flights continue to go from here to there.
So, while we are info picketing, they will be going about business as usual. If/when we walk out of cockpits and ACTUALLY picket, then there will be some moving with a purpose w/ in the GO. This company operates with one of the largest profit margins in the industry and will still make money (albeit a little less) w/ two engine taxi use, if we don't pick up open time, etc. I would surmise that there would need to be somewhere in the ballpark of a 90% completion rate of all scheduled flights (ie. 10% of flights cancelled) per day for the company to "break even." Hell, for all I know, that # might be less. Right now, the highest rates of cancelled flights industry wide range in the 2.5 - 3.0% range. Of course, every cent counts but losing .05% due to increased fuel used because of two engine taxi or cancelling 2-3 flights per day because no one picked up open time and all the reserves were used isn't going to create a difference large enough to renegotiate our labor contract.
As I mentioned, I will do what the union asks to my best ability but I would be EXTREMELY surprised if some industry leading TA appeared prior to our self-help.