Posted by Check essential

Rumor type stuff:
Talked to a kid at 31 Flavors whose Dad knows a guy that had a long layover conversation with one of our illustrious leaders.
Interesting to say the least.

This union guy doesn't think we will make it to the amendable date without some significant contract modifications. The incoming MEC administration has been very serious about going into "listening mode" and they will only intensify that effort in coming months. What they have heard so far though is pretty much unmistakable. The pilot group remains incredibly motivated and has been quietly carrying an enormous load the last couple years with pretty much no complaining. We have bought into "constructive engagement" while the corporate boys rebuild their finances. But we also expect that all this sacrifice will pay off reasonably quickly now that profitability has been restored. Mention the future and its like a "seething cauldron" with the level of frustration increasing daily. No progress toward contract restoration until 2013 or later is a recipe for a disaster in pilot morale. A major catalyst for that attitude -- the notion that a ValuJet 717 driver is going to be making more than our 777 captains is an embarassment that is really hitting home with even some of the die-hard old-time Widget lovers in Peachtree City.
This "official" doesn't think management will let that toxic brew of resentment build up unabated for another two or three years. Mgmt knows the pilot group has contributed mightily to the recovery of this corporation but bad stuff will inevitably start to happen to the operational statistics if the pilots were to, let's just say, suffer a serious loss of enthusiasm. No illegal concerted activity, just 12,000 p***ed off people turning the wheels instead of 12,000 motivated people.

He thinks early talks are a virtual certainty. The big question according to this guy is whether management will seek to move the amendable date in these early talks. They could address the short-term issues with small bites of the apple just big enough to keep the lid on things until Section 6 plays out or they could open up more of the book and do some bigger things but then of course ask for an extension of the amendable date.
DALPA is preparing for either eventuality but they will be very reluctant to move the amendable date without extensive opportunity for feedback, thorough debate, roadshows, all that.