Don't overthink it is my opinion. And don't base it on money decisions. Sadly, many pilots do that when family and QOL matter the most and should be the first consideration. You guys in the 23-34 range coming out of the regional/CFI world have it so much better than almost any other group you'll ever fly with at this level.

Don't forget that and also take the time to acknowledge to yourself how lucky you guys are when you have your interactions with grumpy captains 😁. Almost any decision you make is going to be a good one with some trade offs though.

I won't tell you where to choose but I know that decisions about flexibility in where to live, what to fly, and financial stability are things your 60 year old self will be happy your 30 year old self took the time to consider.

 

Man, I get the resignation type thought pattern because you've been here a while, but that's a **** poor way of lookin at the future right now. The MEC has taken all of this into account. That's why you'll hear on the podcasts and the coffee sits that they aren't interested in dragging a TA across the finish line with a 51% Yes vote.

Especially given the scrutiny and turmoil that's going on in the UAL MEC?The recall votes have already started on the LEC and NC level. Our MEC knows exactly what's on the line. They're gonna get it right. Having done ALPA work for 15 years, I can say beyond question that this is the most squared away leadership that I've ever seen. I know we all feel the same way about the MGMT here, but having said that, they had a great run the last 20 years of not having a unified pilot group.

The picketing events and the strike authorization vote were a huge wakeup call to both the C-Suite execs as well as the BOD. Top that off with record attrition, Uniteds possible TA, AA/DAL rounding the corner as well, they woke up and finally started playing ball. Call your reps....i've heard nothing but positives coming from mine (which is the first time in YEARS). Not to mention we've got "schmuck insurance" built in to what we are asking for which will ensure this pilot group won't fall behind again. I constantly tell pilots to call their reps and I know that everyone who does feels way better after they get off the call.

 

That's great, but pay rates are only one small piece of the puzzle. I don't want to get paid DAL rates to work more days per month than them, or have worse QOL on reserve when I upgrade.

I'm very well convinced of our union's resolve to push for pay parity. It's the resolve to push for equal or better QOL that I'm skeptical of, AFTER having talked with my rep and the NC. Granted that was months ago and things have probably evolved a lot since then so I am awaiting a TA with an open mind.

 

The QoL issue literally would require a complete re-write of section 25 since it really is just bad all around and I sincerely hope that is what is being done since it’s dragging on still to this day. However, what also concerns me is some of ALPA’s ‘fatigue’ mitigation policies that are in place and a relic from before FAR117 and those alone can result in terribly unproductive/non-commutable trips on its own and just the combination of both of those factors has me concerned about any meaningful improvement in QoL.

 

Exactly this. This is why I feel it's a mistake to go first in this cycle. The Big 4 are going to get sizeable improvements shortly, and once again we'll be behind the curve. Alaska MEC should be letting the big boys blaze the trail for them.

Management understands this and is sprinting to the finish line. I hope the NC is asking for the moon during this "productive" period of negotiations.

 

Vote No, we are first, we got some really nice protection as the tide rises. We are a company where 71% of the pilots drive to work.Our contract will be cool, hip, and refreshed. It won’t be perfect for you, it won’t be perfect for me, but it will change all of our lives significantly for the better. I hear it could be out mid September. MEC’s are talking, NC’s are talking, we are all going after the same gains. Our contracts in the end will all be very similar. If your in the angry 50 on here, you will hate the new contract, if you commute across the entire country you will hate the new contract, it’s hard to fix either of those predicaments, but if they look at it honestly it’s a huge win…they won’t or maybe can’t.

 

Just stop. You don't know sh*t. Stop pretending that you do.

You were able to fool some people, but that was 2 years and a dozen missed predictions ago.

Your credibility is shot.

 

Everyone always says they voted “no”…. yet, somehow it still always passes. Regardless, according to OTZ come November, we’ll be singing a different tune. Can’t wait to “Fly The Friendly Skies” 😂

 

I will bite… company is at 300 union is at 318… NAVBLUE Union controlled. I would give more but I think that would be a negative for our negotiating team.

And yes, there is a strong possibility you will be flying the friendliest sky’s soon… I can imagine full integration wouldn’t be until 2025 though.

 

I don't know how you can feel good about that when United's notorious Tumi TA was at $327. It was so embarrassing that they didn't even finish the vote.

This only affirms my opinion that we should be sitting on our hands. The next round of contracts coming out of the big 3 will blow 318 out of the water.


You'll forgive me if I don't trust your opinion in these matters. You've got a long track record of working harder for less, and being proud of it.