Originally Posted by congowings

"I clearly recall certain individuals posting portions of the TA on a public website (DURING NEGOTIATIONS!) with the sole purpose of UNDERMINING the negotiating team. Do you also recall this?" - AvgJoe

As much as I would like to forget it - no - I remember it very well. However, which negotiations are you bringing to mind? My paint brush missed a spot - meaning our last contract negotiations. I was referring mostly to the first two contracts. And even though there were differences in opinion, I can't remember the level of 'intense debating' that was exhibited during that last one. It seems that Contract Negotiations 101 was thrown out the door. Some of the most basic and simply rules were totally disregarded to the detriment of the entire union membership - regardless of which 'side' you were on. I regret seeing the same sort of divisive behavior continue with the current situation. I especially regret that it is carried out in front of the company.

"The younger pilots, having f-i-n-a-l-l-y made it to a "stable" major feel like the rules have been changed at halftime in the game." - AvgJoe

I too understand the frustration felt by the junior/younger pilots. However, rules change - sometimes to an individual's benefit and sometimes to their detriment. It is a rare pilot who has entered this profession and breezed through it with no detours. I image when that particular law was enacted there was a cry of foul then too. And with the new administration setting out to change an unprecedented number of tax laws one can assume there will be no shortage of tax payers crying foul again. I know - different subject - but anything that affects the bottom line of our individual finances is of personal great concern. And I believe this pilot group has seen more of its share of career detours and road blocks - which is why most are very sensitive to the plight of our most junior members. But as you say, a civil tone is always better. One is more likely to listen to another's point of view if delivered in a tone which invites constructive dialog instead of defending oneself.

We don't live in a perfect world and things are not always as I would like them to be (my road at UPS has been rocky at best, lol). But I try to maintain a real perspective and not expect the best case scenario to work out. That seems to keep the disappointments from consuming my day to day life. I see from your posts that you too seem to have a realistic approach to the issues at UPS and I enjoy reading your perspective.