Originally Posted by Rightseat Ballast

In order to proceed with negotiations, the IBT needs to have a starting point. Right now, the next step after SLI is contract amalgamation, or the combining of the various labor contracts into one cohesive document. If the combined contract gives us duty rigs or better reserve rules, or increases our days off, etc, then why waste our negotiating capital on those items now? How can we work on pay if we aren't sure exactly how every position is compensated? I agree the IBT needs to be aggressive once the contract gets sorted out after SLI, but until I feel waiting is the best course. It also gives our negotiating committee time to better understand the new way of business, and how we as pilots can turn this shift in revenue into a major improvement in our QOL.