EDPM-- That's a tough call regarding open time pick ups. Keep in mind that those of us hired in 2004/2005 made less than everyone else at UPS during our first year. Adjusted for today's inflation new hires in 1990 made 50k, while new hires in 2001 made 38k.
The contract crap is not complicated. Go look at the current FedEx pay scale. We are paid about 40% less than our counterparts on the FO scale. If this is not fixed, I would bet all the recent new hires off of probation will vote no. Additionally all the 2000/2001 hires will vote no since the retro pay would be significantly less. we are in effect on strike already by not picking up open time/JAs. The CAs can afford to do this but 2d year folks cannot.
The true obscenity of this current contract is not first year pay. It's 2d though sixth year FO pay where we make 40 grand a year less than FEDEX for flying the same planes!! Heck eveb a FedEx 727FO makes $22,000 more than an MD11 FO here.