Originally Posted by
Opposing View
I think doing a SIBA operation does cost quite a bit. Average $5000 per DH per trip. It adds up. Also, more pilots needed for SIBA for hotel standby, and hotel costs in base with SIBA as opposed to an FDA. As far as Irish pilots flying our international stuff; it would already have been done.
My point is that I do think it will cost much more to do it with SIBA. Is the company willing to do it? I dont know, but I would rather them do SIBA than us sign off on a deal that doesnt address the multitude of things that need to be addressed now, at the same time as the FDA and payraise offers.
Everyone has their opinions, which is good. Only in the end will we see which opinion had more validity. Life in general, and the last FDA LOA in particular, bear that out. And I would say that the 32% guys last time were correct in their "no" opinions.
Agree with you 100%.
The LOA benefits the company more than it does the pilots by allowing them more efficiencies in manning and scheduling, plus regulatory benefits through tax equalization and the ability to involuntarily move pilots.
If they choose to not open the FDA and continue with SIBA, I think that's a win for us because it will require more pilots to operate, especially as they expand the Euro markets. However, if that option is too expensive and they chose to open the FDA under the CBA, I think that wouldn't be bad for us either. The Section 6 move package is a much better deal than the LOA. Plus you can live anywhere you like. As far as taxes, you're on your own but I've talked to some expats and they said it's not that bad especially since you get the US exclusion.
Once again, we don't need the LOA; they do. They came to us wanting to improve the current LOA. And that gives us leverage to keep negotiating a better contract for
EVERYONE.
SG