Originally Posted by
dera
What the heck are you talking about?
The extension was known and was mentioned in the union call, no squeeze tactics. A majority of pilots wanted it, we gave away nothing for it (FYI: This QT issue is separate), so the fact that you do not like it does not change the outcome.
There are no handshake deals with this management. The pilot group wanted the LOA (by a pretty considerable margin), so they got it.
Kudos to all the union guys working so hard on this. I'm sure it's stressful to say the least. However, we did give away something. This is only about 3% of the picture, but still significant when every inch counts.
We gave away our Badges if we take the LOA. AA does not.
I specifically asked about this in an email, and that question was not addressed on the call. I know my email was read because my other question was asked verbatim. Emailed twice, no answer. A call is nice, but I don't appreciate a very specific and clear question not being addressed in the proper forum.
The American LOAs allow Badges, CASS (jumpseat), and KCM to be retained. This applies to any length temporary LOA, and those who buy out until retirement. So guys that are unqualified to fly for years will jumpseat until 65. We operate under the same employee travel guide. I find it disingenuous when we are told that it simply could not be done according to the employee travel guide. It is also unclear to me whether this was company initiated, or the union, or the union didn't even pursue doing this. Nothing is impossible, but it would be nice to know the "why" something isn't happening.
I totally get that these LOAs are for a specific few. However anything that we can gain in the LOAs would make them more attractive, get more people to take them, and ultimately help preserve cash. Hopefully the LOA offers get sweeter in time if no one takes them. Taking the bailout money, they cannot furlough (until OCT) and need people to take these.
I think the QT thing is totally related. The union and pilot group tried to work with the company in a reasonable manner on this LOA thing, but not from a firm enough position. Not sure why the eagerness to sign the letters as is. Giving ground sets the stage for more to be gained by the company.
Talking about the LOAs longer could have still resulted in the QT still being turned off, but at least then we could have requested QT to be restored before signing these letters, changes or not. This is precisely why the QT was not turned off before signing. Who would sign this when everyone is ****ed off? It is not a coincidence QT was turned off hours later. Every hour it was on was costing them money and it needed to be off ASAP. We have to learn from stuff like this going forward.
Overall, good job for all working on this as a whole, get regrouped, and make gains where we can.