Originally Posted by
EwrRocks
A strike is only leverage if it is actually able to happen. A major airline will never be allowed to strike, company knows that, union knows that and passengers know it. A Democratic administration just blocked a rail strike, who’s members were fighting for 3 more sick days.
A mediated contract, agreed to by United’s most direct competitor and approved by 75% of membership sealed United’s outcome through mediation or not. Delta 7.2 billion set the floor, and defined the rough area of total contract cost. United and American now need to how figure out how best they wish to get to 7.5 or 7.8 billion for them. I’m not saying it’s right, it’s not. Unions should never agree to anything less then that no matter how long it takes.
The RLA gives all the leverage to the companies. Every day past the amendable date the membership is giving up money and time that even with 100% retro they will never get back. Airline membership mentality also continues to keep what little leverage they may have with the company. The game is rigged for the companies and stacked against transportation unions. I hate this fact, it sucks.
I do think the company has some structural things that without a deal will really hamper them and their stock price over time. I don’t think dragging this out is in their best interest in the larger picture. Yet, they have witnessed real weakness and disfunction in our union, and are going to make us earn whatever agreement we get.
I choose to remain optimistic, and think a deal is sooner rather than later. Could I be wrong, absolutely. Optimism is never without setbacks, it is the belief in a positive outcome over time even with these obstacles along the way.
Your point on pattern bargaining is well taken, however even with DL setting the bar for this contract cycle, management from multiple major airlines continue to drag the process on. None of that negates the fact that mediation should have been filed much earlier, given how long the road to release can be. The rest is defeatist attitude which will get you nowhere! A Democratic administration blocked a rail strike, but the fact that they even entertained releasing them is remarkable. There are also many asymmetries comparing you with the rails. For one, I believe that if one rail union strikes, don't they all? The economic impact of a railroad strike pails in comparison to any single airline. Second, airlines experience meltdowns all the time, it hits the news and life goes on. The average pilot can survive an extended strike, the average passenger can book on another airline but I would not put money on any major airline surviving a strike for any extended period of time. You don't need to actually strike to increase your leverage, but you do need to get closer.