Originally Posted by
Pineapple Guy
You're right, in the current environment, I don't think its possible.
OK - so to paraphrase you, your objective is full restoration, meaning a 100% pay raise (73% plus 8 years of inflation) and I assume also full restoration of our DB pension?
Aren't you the one I responded to yesterday when we were discussing how our current retirement setup is actually better than a DB pension? Did you read my post?
If APA has been stonewalled for 3 years with no improvements any where in sight, and they're only asking for 50%, just how do you propose for us to get 100% two years from now? I really want to know your strategy. Honestly.
BTW, wishing is not a strategy.
Well that's the hard part, isn't it? It's always easier said than done. Here are some things that I think are important in developing a strategy for full restoration:
1. We have to make the case that our profession is now being compensated at grossly inappropriate levels and that it will ultimately affect safety. You simply cannot pay 1/2 for something and expect to continue to get the same quality. IMO, our profession is currently coasting on the caliber of individuals who are already in the profession. While there are certainly some exceptions, I can't imagine that the quality (in general) of individuals who are just now deciding to pursue a career as an airline pilot could be anywhere near the quality of what this profession has typically attracted. If this was brought to the attention of the traveling public and public officials, I think there would be a groundswell of support for us in our negotiations instead of the bad press we always get. Just look at the traction all the Colgan stories got a few months ago. But this isn't something that can be done halfway. It's going to require a commitment of some serious resources and effort.
2. We have to make it clear (especially to management) that our expectations are for full restoration and that we are intensely focused on that as our objective. Right now, I believe management has no expectation of anything like restoration for our pilot group. I also believe our strategy over the past few years has helped them to have that expectation and even lowered the expectations of many in our pilot group.
I'm not an expert on strategy or negotiations. I'm sure it's more complicated and there are more things that need to be done than what I wrote above. I only submit that as a starting point. The one thing I know for sure is that, if we do not set high goals, we will not make any kind of significant progress towards restoration. It sounds to me like you've basically given up on restoration and resigned yourself to the idea that this profession is just always going to be worth substantially less than it traditionally has been. You're certainly entitled to think about it any way you want. I'm just not willing to give up on it that easily.