Originally Posted by
Making Sense
Dear Colleague,
Thank you for your thoughtful message. Your insights are indeed valuable and constructive.
Regarding the financial aspects of funding our own union and NC, I expect that the costs would likely be significantly lower than our current expenditure, particularly given the elimination of inefficiencies. With many contract elements already agreed upon, a part-time NC operating for approximately two months seems like a reasonable approach to bring this to completion.
I share your perspective on the historical context and ALPA. CG made a pragmatic decision given the circumstances at that time, and the yearlong bashing he faced from AR and his fan boys was largely unwarranted. The Teamsters were indeed the most viable option available then.
You make an astute observation about the current power dynamics. Management's strengthened position is largely a consequence of AR and our current NC inability to understand game theory and not realizing that time was never on our side.
Concerning an “impasse” and potential strike authorization, we might disagree. Given that our current NC flat out refuses to present concrete proposals on crucial elements like compensation, it will be impossible to get a strike release. Even a casual observer will recognize that our NC does not negotiate in “good faith”. That's a no-brainer for any lawyer.
Meanwhile, the company can demonstrate their repeated attempts at negotiation, regardless of whether their proposals meet union expectations or not.
Rumor floating around is that certain members of the NC are saying that we are going to be released soon. These rumors btw aren't coming from company mouth pieces, they're from pilots that talk with members of the NC. So who know's what would motivate them to share such a thing.
What's more interesting is that according to GU's statement in last weeks membership meeting, we aren't close to what the NC members are claiming. Reality is that having a change to the mediator by the union's request only set us back 2 to 3 months. All bc our side wasn't willing/ready to pass section 1 and 3.
Like many pilots, I (we) can only hope that this hail Mary attempt works out. But if I was a gambling man, i am willing to bet that after a few months of more negotiating, we'll be once AGAIN be asked by the mediator to bring forward the requested sections. What will our side do then? Say no? Refuse? Request to be released bc that would put us in a "corner"?
Like many, I'm not in the room. Nor do I have all the facts to say the least. But as someone that did not agree with AR's negotiating strategy, I do not agree with the current one (as it appears to be). To push things in a certain direction in hopes for an impasse. Not bc I'm against a cooling off period or strike if need be; but beacuse in my humble opinion that strategy will add years to this circus.
I wouldn't say, nor am I saying, nor have I ever said roll over and take ANY deal. But it seems like the strategy is in hope to get everything under the sun while being confident that it won't backfire or even hurt the pilot group in the long run. But only time will tell. My personal priority at this point for me, although a contract is critical for our future and unity; elections for this local are imperative. We need this local up and running next year with proper representation.
Just my 2 cents.