Originally Posted by
alfaromeo
Well, there is always a cost. You certainly don't think management gives us anything for free, besides water and peanuts. Everything in the contract has a cost, it will be figured by management, and every improvement you want will also come at a cost. I don't know why that is a hard concept to understand, or even one that should be a matter of contention. I am shopping for a new car, every little thing I want to add to a car, including car mats, has a cost to it. I decide what cars and what options fit my budget. If I want the V6, maybe I skip the moon roof. The choices go on and on.
Why should it surprise you that those same principles should apply to a multi billion pilot contract. If you want to make reserve better, there will be a cost. So what. Maybe the MEC decides that cost is worthwhile for the pilot group or maybe they don't, that's democracy in action. If they decide it is worthwhile, then it will impact gains in other sections of the contract. Those are just immutable facts and should not vex you. Instead, you merely need to convince your fellow pilots and your LEC reps that those costs are more important than other costs. We have 12,000 different opinions about how our contract should go, so don't be surprised if you opinion is not followed 100%.
I have never said your opposing view has no value, it is just if we disagree then you are the skeptic and I am the evil one who is keeping you down. Can't we both just be two people who disagree, why do you have to try to drag me down just because we disagree on tactics. I have a right to express my opinion just as forcefully as you do.
I will type very slowly for you. 46% paycut... no retirement. All costs have been paid in advance. Pilot salaries are hedged at 1990 rates. Do the math. It is alpa's JOB to remind the company of this. Now I know that DPA is a dead issue, because the THREAT is that alpa will be on the street if the don't deliver, but once the contract is signed, everybody will forget about DPA. So we are stuck with alpa.. and again, they know this so they do not give DPA or it's supporters.. and by proxy those that are dissatisfied with alpa any quarter. They couldn't care less that there are dissatisfied members out there as long as their numbers don't exceed 50%+1... and they know that they are well within that safety zone. And it is NOT democracy in a pure form.. but you knew that...
But I digress. I do not think you are the evil one. I just see your perspective. It is one of satisfaction. Mine is not. Soldier on Gunga Din.