Originally Posted by
All Bizniz
I mentioned in an earlier post GearBoy's doublespeak, because on one hand he talks about not doubting the union's, and the pilots' resolve, and our willingness to strike to get a contract; but he then turns around in another post and says we'll only get a contract when AS management is good and ready to give us one, and on their terms. THAT, suggests that the effort, unity and resolve thus far demonstrated is pointless - as if our actions have not, and will not have a significant effect on management's calculus on moving the negotiations along. I strongly disagree.
To be clear, achieving success is not a given, and we still have a ways to go, as no management is going to just hand over a great contract on a silver platter. But there is a perfect storm brewing in the favor of labor in general, and for pilots in particular, that will, if we stay the course, and our union faithfully represents our demands, achieve the desired outcome.
Like I said, GB might be stirring the pot just because he can, or he's here to plant seeds of doubt, in the hopes of undermining the resolve of those who might be susceptible. Either way, it makes interesting reading.
Pointless?
That’s your word, not mine. Never wrote it. Never intended it.
What you inferred from my written word is on you, not me.
I DO NOT believe the actions of your pilots pointless. On the contrary, I believe that without resolve and unity your cause is lost. Your pilot’s resolve and unity are impressive, unprecedented and a crucial part of the equation. I also believe that your strong resolve and unity is part of what has brought Alaska back to the table.
None the less, how many years have you been in negotiations? Three years? Three years without any real progress? I stand by my assertion that THEY decide when you get a contract, that you get a contract when THEY are ready. That does not mean that pickets, strike votes, and optics cannot influence the process. In the end, they are back because THEY decided that it was time. IMHO, attrition, the ensuing pilot shortage, and your unity and resolve effected their decision to return. Given the totality of the circumstance, THEY decided that it was time and it involved dollar$ and cents.
Like it or not, pilots’ hands are tied by the RLA. Theirs? Not so much. Does that mean pointless? No. It just means that pilots have to use everything they can, within the confines of the RLA, to include knowing their history, the mistakes of the past, and not repeat them.
Now that they’ve returned to the table; is pilot resolve, aptitude, and unity going to be enough to cause them to abandon their time-proven negotiating tactics? Is the attrition and an ensuing pilot shortage enough to prevent their quid pro quo process? You can hope so but I personally doubt it. This is a comment about them, not about pilot abilities, aptitude, unity, or resolve.
BTW, Doublespeak is language used to deceive usually through concealment or misrepresentation of truth.
There is nothing untrue about what I have said, no misrepresentation of truth, no concealment. I stand behind everything I have written.
I am not an Alaska company stooge, I am not trolling. I am not stirring the pot. I am not here intent on sowing seeds of doubt. Contrary to the allegations, mischaracterizations, inferences, and the ad hominem attacks of a select few, no insults intended.
As far as pattern bargaining is concerned, as an industry, we all build on the gains of others. Any deal you guys get, I want it to be as good as possible; for, the rest of us will hopefully build upon your gains, adopt your improvements. So, in that respect we are all negotiating for the industry as a whole.
Timing? It’s always timing and the time is ripe for improvement. It’s long overdue.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
GearBoy,
Your Trolling, Pot-stirring, Seeds of Doubt-sowing, Pot-kettle, Jack-wagon