Originally Posted by
SilentLurker
Way I see it the legal reality says the company does not have to agree or discuss anything ALPA brings to them until like 2023/2024 for talks. It’s a pilots market and that’s a positive momentum in the union’s pressure ability. Im glad we take gains when we can. Name any leverage you want, but I don’t think it’s enough to force a company like this to the table unless it’s ordered from the TOP at AAG, or sanctioned by AAG. This is a strategic game/dance that has to be played.
I’m happy for the gains we have, is it enough? Hell no! But it’s a bit of daylight while-looking for a way to break out of this quicksand of a regional before the first sign of trouble.
Oil prices have recently taken a sharp decline trajectory this quarter and will continue into 2019 1st quarter. This is a very a good sign, I suspect a hearty Christmas announcement or engagement from the company.
To your first couple of points, while I am often vocal about wanting more, I understand that the union and pilot group are a huge disadvantage legally due to the Railway Labor Act. If anyone should care to learn more, do some research and see how much the company is favored in things like this, from a legal standpoint.
Its not like we can just strike and make management give us something. There is like 4 years of legal process to get through before that even looks like an option. Managment knows this and wields it like a sword. The union sets up long term strategies and tries to move forward that way.
It sucks, it does, but is the law of the land and for their part, judges who interpret the law that do us the most disservice in regards to labor negotiations.