88;
I am not sure. But for us to demand X without the fundamentals changing will and achieving those demands will set up a repeat of history. IMO of course.

I do see fundamentals in the way we price our products changing. Two more mergers will allow this industry the margins that we had during our "hay days."

Can we get what we demand? Probably. Will it be sustainable? Maybe. If the fundamentals change and there is further consolidation? yes. We get what we want. We keep what we want, and build from there.

The LLC's picked the low hanging fruit and made a run last decade. Do we wish to set that up again? Maybe, but our businesses cannot be run like yesteryear. It is just not sustainable.

*Note:
I am not advocating a 10%, 20% restoration. I do not think we can at this time put a percentage on it. Next year, yes. I want restoration as much as the next guy. I will not be willing to trade something for pay.It has to build upon where we are. Horse trading is over.

Satisfied? Nope. I said a year ago we are looking at two contracts to get where we want to be. I want a short duration this time with preset raises and triggers for raises. I want a percentage or a cola after the amendable date. I want added DC contribution after the amendable date. I want a short agreement, LOA's that always build upon what we have. I do not see Section six as the end all. I see LOA's constantly improving our PWA. It allows section six for pay and other high cost items. Do that in 2012 so that we are in a new PWA in 2013 and then back at it in 2015 for a 2016 deal.
Does that means we sell ourselves short? Nope. It means we are logical and unified. Do the cost analysis of spending three years for 5-10%. If you forgo that and sign on you will always make more money long term than waiting.
It is not popular, but it is the truth.

In AMR's case there has been no movement either way. Ask yourself What is reality, and now that they are in three years of talks they could have been rational gotten a modest gain, which our JPWA could have built on, they would be coming back to the table next year and quickly built on that, and then us. Which way yields more to my pocket book? I know the answer.