Originally Posted by
05wt
True. Maybe people should call someone on FFT ALPA and ask how many volunteers are currently active in the efforts to improve things for the entire pilot group, and then get on a committee.
So we're in mediation. Company is opening new bases and it seems like we're changing philosophies leading to displacements and more. LCAs being hired/trained. Hiring is off and on. Lots going on. But, for the line pilot, nothing has changed. Status quo is not only what we're expected to do, we're REQUIRED to. No changes to picking up OT (or not), calling in sick, etc. It's just more of the same. This isn't really that much of a big deal. For two reasons:
First, the airline is successful. Regardless of what is spoken at investor meetings or what the 10-Q reveals, this company is making money. Indigo is a lot of things but they are not fools. They know exactly how financial statements work and what they do (and don't) reveal. Frontier is performing exactly how it is needed to perform to garner the desired result. What that result is right now - anyone's guess. And there are a LOT of theories.
Second, and more important, the union is the union and despite how well run ANY union is, there will always be pockets of self-serving individuals and instances when the union is less than helpful. Don't expect miracles or even above average service from anyone. Our union is no better (or worse) than any other. Overall, I could stand to be better informed by them but they are doing about what I expected. Fortunately for all of us (aside from the union), the airline MARKET has spoken. Much of the union's work has been done for them in terms of negotiation of Sec 3. It is what it is. Anything short of THE SAME WAGE everyone else is negotiating really shouldn't be a consideration for the pilot group. The NC could bring back a number well short (or even just a few dollars short) that WE as the pilot group should vote down. There is NO OTHER PROVISION in our proposed contract that will be SO GREAT that will justify a lower than standard rate. Nothing in section 25 (not even supposedly better drop/swap/trade rules), nothing in section 1, nothing in ANY OTHER SECTION.
Sometimes you have to save mgt from themselves. Paying any pilot group less than will always lead to stagnation (and possible shrinkage). The market is just too competitive and well known. This airline won't make it to 2030 if in 2026/7, the pay rate lags.
So fear not, line pilot. And vote accordingly. The power is in your hands - it really is.