Originally Posted by
RonRicco
If there is one thing this should demonstrate, it is who has the upper hand most of the time. All the griping in the world has not yet brought the company to the table in a way we desire. Each time a child throws a tantrum, it has a lesser effect. Each time we put out a negative communication, it has a lesser effect. It is very similar to the perceived gains by the FA’s by the threat of a union. It used to be the threat of firing up the pilots was leverage. Now that card has been played and is gone along with the leverage it held. (Especially with a cut back schedule)
I am NOT excusing the missteps by the company and agree we should be looking at early outs and the other MEC goals, just pointing out from more of a macro view of why the strategy can be problematic when YOU are the one seeking something.
There is no need for mgmt to come to the table. They already have the tools needed to negotiate the resizing process.
A detailed 'study' from us on costs isnt going to sway the decisions....mgmt has their own calculator. If it tells them a retirement offer is cost effective than it will be in the mix.
Just looking at the numbers this airline is going to significantly downsize pilots over the next 36-42 months by doing nothing.
Depending on traffic return one calculation mgmt may have made is to furlough 2000ish off the bottom of the list. Count on another 500 or so off the top who will simply decide going to school and maybe commuting at age 64 simply isnt worth it.
And let retirement attrition shrink the pilot group to desired level over following 36 months.