I do apologize for my strident opinions on this and my approach may be rather direct.


Fly the contract is not a work to the rules campaign. That's an over the top "leap." that lacks foundation and isn't connected by any dots.


The company and the union BOTH negotiated in good faith to deliver a contract. For the pilots, for the company, and for the union. The expectation is: we will fly the contract. The expectation is NOT that we won't fly the contract. Legally speaking, a work to the rules campaign is ...so, so , so much more. It's also something that can and should be discussed as a point of education. Why? Because we have allot of new pilots, and allot of pilots who may be first time union members.


Who may be confused? likely former military pilots or recent college graduates.


Once again, let me state: Fly the Contract does NOT imply a work to the rules campaign, That's a reckless thing to say.


You can look at history and go out and cherry pick examples both airline and otherwise of what work to the rules campaigns look like and sound like.


Flying the contract is not unlike flying the line. How about flying the contract while flying the line. We, are different. why? We aren't corporate pilots with singular contracts, we are a pilot group - body politic - that have a collective agreement.


You fly your contract and I fly mine. It doesn't work that way. We have one and only one contract to fly. Furthermore, its' understood that the company, nor the union expects us, or demands of us that we waive our contract.


When a pilot doesn't extend he or she isn't chastised, or shamed by management. Why? Because the pilot exercised his right to choose, his or her free will. When a pilot doesn't waive rest or waive days off that pilot isn't singled out by management for discipline. Why? Because the contract gives them that right.


Are we scared that Puxatony Phil is going to come out and see his shadow? What happened 20 plus years ago with TRO's and injunctions happened. Different day, different pilot group, different leadership in union/company/white house, etc. We can't predict the future, but we can be mindful of the past without being terrified of it. Geez. Time to stop being scared of the boogey-man of yester-year..


An individuals opinion can't be used against an entire union. That's just silly. Union leadership is most certainly careful as to what they say in public and in private and in electronic communications. But, individuals first amendment rights still exist and an attempt to subvert that is shameful.


With great power comes great responsibility. We should all be individually careful as to what we say in public. We all know we can't go into a movie theater and yell fire when there is no fire. But, lets not be afraid to call a spade a spade and speak honestly about who we are, where we've been and where we're going.


It is a given we should fly the contract. Why do you think COMPANY Line Check Airman provide some initial education on the contract with new hires when doing IOE? Why do you think company instructors teach new pilots where to find the information? Why? The company expects you to fly the contract too. Heck, if the company thinks you're NOT flying the contract they may even haul you into the CPO for a carpet dance with your union rep to educate you on your shortcomings in flying the contract.


My personal advice is this. Figure it out already. Understand the company's position, understand the union's position, and know what your roles and responsibilities are both as a union member and as a company employee. Know who pays you, but know who negotiates, maintains and enforces your contract.


if someone puts out a statement that says Dance Naked, it does not imply that you should do so in an unlawful manner.