Originally Posted by
NorthTxFlyBoy
Don't think of this as "the contract isn't amendable until 2013, 2016, or whenever". Letters of Agreement are common to fix problems with the contract and this Interest-Based Bargaining (IBB) session took place mid-term of the current contract. IBB was actually initiated by the union as a way to fix issues with a couple of problem sections of the contract, but grew in scope as each side saw the opportunity for win/win situations in other sections. Whether it's truly "win/win" is being hotly debated by the pilots as we speak. Some, the FO's namely, potentially get the biggest piece of the pie this time around. In 2005, the sweet spot was a 5-year captain. The largest voting demographic will be the ones getting the smallest pay raise percentage, and perceive having to sacrifice the most, so "it ain't over till it's over".
Would you guys see an inflationary increase for wages annually or would the salary numbers be fixed for 5 years? Certainly the addition of 100 domiciles will be helpful and enough to probably grab many pilots from the other fractionals and the airlines, but what about inflationary pay increases?
What specifically about this contract is objectionable for the senior pilots? Is it that they won't see much of a difference in their pay/benefits, etc? Not enough of a change for them? I can see why the junior pilots would be overjoyed with most of it...