Originally Posted by
First Break
Source?
I specifically remember back in 2018-2019 the union saying this would not be a “pay” agreement and was instead aimed at retirement and QOL. Remember, when the opener was put on the table, inflation was just a glimmer in Lunch bucket Joe’s eye.
A pandemic, subsequent inflation, and a dramatic shift in demographics caused the negotiating priorities to shift to pay first, with QOL a close second.
I think some people need to recalibrate what a “pay first” ask would look like. IMO opinion, a QOL focused contract would pair big work rule improvements w/ modest pay increases. 20% may
sound like a big number, but it’s barely above inflation since 2019 so I’d consider it pretty modest. Anything less would be a non-starter; unless offset by some
very significant work rule gains. (Ex: 10% DOS plus daily credit minimum increases to 7.5.)
I’d call a pay first contract something like 30%+ DOS. If we’re calling 2% above inflation a pay first approach, we’re already preparing for concessions.