So Bob, what's your great plan? I have heard enough of your whining, but no solutions.

1. Senior members control the union? Not a big surprise here, senior members run most organization. And furthermore, what are the younger guys do? Take away retirement, lower their pay, lesson their benefits? Obviously this isn't going to happen as the younger guys want great benefits when they become senior. Junior guys favoring age 60? Wake up, it isn't about wanting to "screw" the old guys, it is that most of us will work 5 more years and earn near the same money due to loss of seat progression. It really is that simple.

2. Captains union. Not sure where you are going here, but most senior members (unlike yourself) are Captains. See number 1.

3. Strategic issues. I have heard some of your spew, yet it doesn't solve anything. Age 60 is now gone, thanks in large part to ALPA. Doesn't this make you happy?

4. Your extensive experience. Please, give me a break. No one listens to you for many reasons, one of which is that you do not have membership in the union.


Let's sum this up. This profession is about greed. We all want what is best of ourselves. And you are definitely looking out for yours. Age 60, a new pay system that favors you, etc. I wanted to keep the Age 60 rule. I for one think our pay system is very fair, it pays for responsibility and longevity. I don't think you deserve Captain pay just because you've been here for a long time. You want the pay, bid the seat.

There is discontent with many of our members due to recent events, primarily Age 65. I believe the current leadership felt a little too comfortable with their position and forgot who they represent. New block reps are being elected and DW has said he will not seek another term. While I think it should be easier to remove these folks, the system is working.

It is easy for you to pick apart the contract. Could it be better? Yes, but if you look at a few other airline contracts, you might think our contract is not that bad. We are working optimized pairings, and this will continue. The company is going to try to get as much out of us as possible. Our SIG tries to help us by disputing pairings, but greed once again rears it's ugly head. This isn't a problem with the union, but with the individual that would screw us all for a few bucks.

I can't believe I am even replying to this message, as it only seems to encourage you more. It seems to me that you simply enjoy any attention you can get..