Originally Posted by
MinRest
I would agree with both points (length and pilot groups negotiating) if we were talking CBA. The JCBA serves a bit of a different purpose. Not all sections are open. This is to bridge the gap, get us on the same page, and check a box needed for the merger process to get one step closer to completion. The CBA is really where the knuckles get busted, the hands get dirty, and we can get to work.
That being said, the sections that we do have open for the JCBA need to be industry standard or better, AND meet the needs of the pilot group. I am not familiar with the HA MEC, but I have been very happy with the AS MEC and NC. I have no doubt that both sides know exactly what needs to be done, and management knows they can't have a global airline without a commensurate contract. That starts with a JCBA and I think we see that sooner rather than later.
I think the CBA is going to drag, but that is a bridge to cross when we get there.
Do we have solid commitment from the MEC that JCBA is a bridge? Meaning that it will have a short duration before section six is open again, and we're not going to let the company lock us down for five years?
I've been trying to pay attention and did not get that take away, but I could have missed it at some point.
If JCBA is short in duration, I do believe it will get done quickly. I may not like it for reasons previously discussed but I think if the company is interested in consummating the merger (they seem to be) and is willing to throw us a few bones, that any reasonable JCBA will pass. HA pilots get raises, and many AS pilots will think they're that much closer to widebodies.