The message dovetails with the status of our contract sections. I find it hard to believe the company could accuse the union of delays in negotiations. Why is it taking so long to get sections back from the company? Personally, I think the company likes the higher oil prices during contract negotiations and wants to string it out as long as possible while they are high. It benefits them from a perceived leverage standpoint and lower pilot costs from current contracts.

From the April 15th MEC Update:

JCBA SECTION CURRENT STATUS
1-Scope Management
2-Definitions Left to be discussed to capture any new definitions
3-Compensation Management
4-Expenses, Lodging and Transportation Management
5-Hours of Service Management
6-Seniority Agreement in Principle
7-Reduction in Personnel Agreement in Principle
8-Filling of Vacancies Management
9-Training Management
10-Moving Expenses Agreement in Principle
11-Vacations Management
12-Leaves of Absence Agreement in Principle
13-Sick Leave Management
14-Physical Exams Agreement in Principle
15-Workmen’s Compensation Benefits Management
16-Missing Benefits Agreement in Principle
17-Grievances Agreement in Principle
18-System Board of Adjustment Agreement in Principle
19-Crew Complement Moved to another Section
20-Allocation, Assignment and Scheduling of Flying Management
21-General Management
22-International Agreement Management
23-Duration Management
24-Pilot Instructors/Evaluators Management
25-Retirement and Insurance Management
26-Letters of Agreement Guam-Agreement in Principle; Remainder with Management