I don't think PC is a liar. Read the section of the contract relating to a reduction in BLG:
Section 4 (A)(2)(b) The minimum bid period guarantee shall be reduced to a minimum of 48/60 CH before any pilot is furloughed. At least a full bid period must follow the announcement of this action. This provision shall only be used to prevent or delay a furlough.
If the company reduces BLG and
does not furlough, how does that make PC a liar? Or DW hiding information?
I was at the meeting DW stated that the company had not approached ALPA regarding a reduction in BLG. However, if the company wants to reduce BLG per the contract, it just takes one call.
Think about it. Two months ago the company bought up 700 hours of wide-body pay to make BLG of 68. What have they done for June? July? If the company can save a penny by stating that they are looking at furloughing, but instead reduce BLG to 58 hours (+13), they just saved hundred of thousands of dollars per month for the next two years.
Do the math: 700 hrs * $185 = $129,500
(The $185/hr number is a guess between Captain and F/O pay)
If we are in a down turn for 18 to 24 months: $2,331,000 to $3,108,000 for the time frame enumerated. That is HUGE cost savings for the company. (This isn't counting the 727 buy-up, which is substantially less, but still a factor)
Everyone still will be employed, company provided health care, etc. Just less in the pocket book every month. It just isn't FDX feeling the pain. Have you looked at plant closures around the country? Unemployment rates? Wall Street is losing 60,000 jobs in NYC this year. How many other airlines have shut their doors since January? Or furloughed?
Don't be like the Airbus Captain who stood up at the Hub Turn Meeting and stated that 10% of the pilot force is harming the other 90% and that the bottom 10% need to be relieved of their positions.