I got the impression that the Contract we live under today was not as much negotiated as it was dictated by management. Yeah, I know, there are guys that were there that swear it wasn't that way. Nevertheless, I believe the reason it took as long after the parking lot debacle as it did was after the NMB convinced the Chairman to resign, none of our guys knew shorthand.
Fortunately, this is a new day and a new team.
I've always been a bit amused by the light-hearted (and sometimes not so light-hearted) ribbing that goes on between commuters and non-commuters. I've done both, so I've seen the advantages and disadvantages both ways. The first complaint I recall hearing was that commuters show up for work too tired to fly. Balderdash! My experience has shown that it's a lot harder to get your rest at home in the middle of all the kids and wife and bills and telephone and yardwork and ... well, you know what I mean.
It's very easy for me living in domicile to take the scheduled deadhead. While I think if we all were to do that it would put the Company in a bind, I realize it would be a hardship on commuters. On the other hand, it's a lot easier for commuters to turn down Draft trips. Well, perhaps that's not entirely correct, I have no problem at all saying no. I guess a better way to state it is it's more difficult for commuters to take Draft trips.
Now... about this "Bubba" thing....
We all have our different opinions about lifestyles and locations. I'm a Memphis native and I'm happier here than I would be in, say, Phoenix or Seattle or Miami. There are folks who prefer Seattle, and there are those who prefer Miami, and so on, and so on. Variety is the spice of life, yanno. But I ain't a Bubba.
OK, so I drive an '83 Bronco with more rust than most new cars have steel. Big deal!
It's paid for.
It's time to focus on what we have in common, and put the petty differences aside. All for one, and one for all.
Two Years Is Too Long ! ! ! !
- The truth only hurts if it should -