I am not certain an industry leading contract is likely to happen in 2012 all at once. Like Carl, I am open for starting things early rather than wait. If talks were to start at 20% (just a stab) the company can not even entertain this increase because of the pressures brought forward by other work groups. Why give anything away as far as side letters or "we will work with you" approach.

Every time the company wants to talk about an issue or asks for contract relief the MEC should say ok but it will cost 1.0%, .75% , 2.5% etc. This will be real money in real time and will give the company an out when the mechanics or FA or ACS comes for their share. A gradual increase starts now and should be the only way we work around or capitulate the contract with management. In 2012 then we can go in and ask for 20% or ??? and the company has room to negotiate. Could you imagine what would happen if we did achieve a 20-25% pay increase and what the other groups would demand? The company can say see they only got 10% or ???.

Well if I were king for a day, this is how I would do it. Thing is, my wife always says that I would only last half day as King!