I didn't say count on it, I just called the odds.

 

The two pilot groups also need to negotiate. I agree it seems like you all are motivated to get something done, but the contracts are different enough that there will be some hang ups.

I was mainly saying that basing a decision on the speedy resolution of a JCBA is a bad idea.

 

Preach!!!

…..

 

Bless your sweet naïveté. This is your first merger, it will take a while (years).

 

I would agree with both points (length and pilot groups negotiating) if we were talking CBA. The JCBA serves a bit of a different purpose. Not all sections are open. This is to bridge the gap, get us on the same page, and check a box needed for the merger process to get one step closer to completion. The CBA is really where the knuckles get busted, the hands get dirty, and we can get to work.

That being said, the sections that we do have open for the JCBA need to be industry standard or better, AND meet the needs of the pilot group. I am not familiar with the HA MEC, but I have been very happy with the AS MEC and NC. I have no doubt that both sides know exactly what needs to be done, and management knows they can't have a global airline without a commensurate contract. That starts with a JCBA and I think we see that sooner rather than later.

I think the CBA is going to drag, but that is a bridge to cross when we get there.

 

What JCBA took years that you are referring to?

 

Do we have solid commitment from the MEC that JCBA is a bridge? Meaning that it will have a short duration before section six is open again, and we're not going to let the company lock us down for five years?

I've been trying to pay attention and did not get that take away, but I could have missed it at some point.

If JCBA is short in duration, I do believe it will get done quickly. I may not like it for reasons previously discussed but I think if the company is interested in consummating the merger (they seem to be) and is willing to throw us a few bones, that any reasonable JCBA will pass. HA pilots get raises, and many AS pilots will think they're that much closer to widebodies.

 

USA + Cactus?

Of course that's why JCBA comes first now

 

That was... 20 years ago? Lol

 

Well, I can't speak for the MEC, but we have a CBA that opens up for negotiations soon, and potentially concurrently to JCBA negotiations if it goes that long. I don't think either party wants that. The JCBA is a bridge, just as it was with VX and AS. It is a step in the merger process in compliance with ALPA merger policy. It doesn't take away anything from the CBA and is essentially to completely separate things.

Could there be a scenario where this JCBA pushes the CBA if both parties agree? Absolutely. Is that something our MEC and pilot group would agree to? Doubtful. Again, we need to rework some pretty important things in section 6, and they aren't being touched in the JCBA. From the latest email, it sounds like things are going along in a productive manner and continuing. I expect an MEC email shortly to give their side.