So . . .

Last contract negotiations, the company dragged their feet. Then, all of the sudden, BB told his team to get a contract done and one was negotiated in about 2 weeks. It is the contract we have today.

Fast forward to this time, it's the same thing. Only this time, the dragging of feet is much more pronounced and obvious. Last cycle, they at least made it look like they were bargaining in good faith - this time, it appears they really don't care about appearances. WE show up prepared, they don't. We offer changes, they ask what are we willing to give in return. We come w/ specific language changes to certain sections, they say they'll get back to us then at the next meeting act like they've never heard of what we put forward and/or act suprised that they are required to do anything. All while BL will post videos distributed to the pilot group about what progress is being made (highly overexaggerated) and how our NC isn't doing things they should - and probably put in a shameless plug for wearing bear paws while flying. It is what it is.

The RLA has no teeth for unions. It needs to be changed. The only way to change it is if enough labor unions end up going full term and striking. Yes, lots of hoops (arbitration, mediation, impasse declared, strike authorization vote, cooling off period, being released to self-help) but it needs to be fully implemented. We are the smallest of major airline groups outside of Allegiant and Breeze. If we end up not being allowed to strike, then no one can (and the RLA is pointless).

My take, we'll go all the way to cooling off, then BB will again say "get it done" and it'll happen. That'll be circa 2027. Our NC will get a TA, it'll include rates that are lower than current rates, we'll maintain drop/swap/trade and some other things, we'll improve the grievance process and a few other things to include LTD, hotels, possibly another week of vacation and a bunch of things that benefit mostly the super-senior, and it'll pass w/ 70% vote.

It is what it is.