Originally Posted by
Ed Force One
It does matter. Even if it's a signing bonus that is the exact same dollar amount as 100% Retro, it still matters.
It's about setting a precedent. For all future negotiations for all Pilot Groups. It's about making 100% Retro industry standard.
If it's labeled as a "signing bonus," then the concept of signing bonuses continue to be industry standard. In the future, managements can offer whatever sub-standard bonuses they want, because that's the way it's always been done. Were NK pilots happy with their previous signing bonus? I wasn't here yet, but I get the impression that you weren't. Were all you ex-regional pilots happy with your signing bonus after a prolonged 5-8 year negotiation and whipsaw process?
If Retro becomes standard, then more pilot groups can demand it with less pushback from the company.
Why is this so hard to understand?
That retro word makes people feel all cozy inside. I can take a dump in a box and mark it "retro". Believe me, I've got spare time.
In all seriousness I'll buy the precedent argument.