Originally Posted by
johnso29
So do we shoot for the stars right off the bat? Seems to have failed APA so far. But if we don't do so, will we ever get more then our initial request?
This is going to be a really tough contract IMO. With such a large pilot group there are a lot of different pilots who want a lot of different things. The one thing I think we need to be careful of is getting the wool pulled over our eyes. Some guys are so hungry to see $$$ I fear they may overlook other things that are hidden in the details. I sure hope our NC makes sure to keep those bear traps out of any TA's.
Good question. I would say the biggest factor is the economy. If people are flying a lot... and ticket prices are going up.. NOT because of fuel prices, then maybe we have a shot at meaningful contract gains. I refuse to use the word restoration because I frankly think an unachievable bar is set with that term. I still wager that in the 15 years I have remaining, I will never see the straight dollar amount in the seat I now occupy... nevermind tha adjustment for inflation. Captin C might call me a whipped pup, and that is his opinion, but I have seen enough now in this industry to know how this will all go down. IF the economy is churning.. management will drag it's feet until a more suitable time to extract concessions or at worst, limit gains. they have the backing of the RLA and the federal government that views us as a public utility and therefore will not allow any strike to occur. That's a fact. The moustache in Va, won't change that.
The second part is a big concern too, and I think you are right. I am afriad that some of the details will bite us in the end... I hope Heiko and Scrappy are on the ball.