Originally Posted by
WhiskeyDelta
What I meant by "weren't serious about [retirement restoration]" was the deadzoners weren't willing to go the distance (vote no en masse until they got what they wanted). By acknowledging you didn't think a better deal could be had, you've proven my point. So, the majority of deadzoners unfortunately became reluctant "yes" voters and, therefore, are looked upon as not having taken their restoration demands "seriously."
IMO, with every negotiation there is a point of diminishing returns. I believe, if we had rejected TA2, we would have quickly reached that point and would probably still be in negotiations now. It is very unfortunate that we have to deal with the NMB via the RLA.
"Restoration" takes many shapes. I get that a lot of pilots do not want to see a new DB established. "Retirement" restoration can take many forms (from retirement medical to some type of annuity) that can apply to everyone.
I think the next contract we will see a sizable push in the retirement direction.
Denny