The YES and NO voters can disagree on how important Scope is over the next ten years. They can have different opinions on the likelihood of furlough in the short term. They can disagree on how much a 2% raise is worth. These are good things to discuss.

What we shouldn’t be discussing is the definition of “Scope Concessions” and “temporary”.

LOA 13 is a Scope sale. We surrender portions of our Scope in exchange for a 2% raise and furlough protections. Form your own opinions about the fairness of the offer, but don’t come to the false conclusion that a fair trade somehow makes this not a concession on Scope.

Temporary? Call it what you will, but 10 years plus wind-down is not temporary. Keep in mind the NEA has no expiration date whatsoever, automatically renewing every 5 years in perpetuity. LOA 13 only gives ALPA potential “exits” at the 5 and 10 year points. This deal goes forever unless ALPA forces a discontinuance at those two points, and the nature of the objection is subject to litigation. Jetblue ALPA versus the combined financial interests of Jetblue Airways and American Airlines? David and Goliath.

The MEC can sell this as “temporary” but that is a blatant lie. If they said we were “temporarily” parking 320s none of us would expect it to be ten years.

What if they said you were being displaced to another base, but it was only “temporary” - meaning you’re going there for the rest of your career, but you could attempt to bid back at the 5 and 10 year marks? Would that meet your definition of temporary?

So let’s not call this temporary. Let’s not pretend this isn’t a Scope sale.