Strawpile

What makes you think it will be baseball-style arbitration again? I thought that was something that was agreed upon ahead of time. I heard it would not be this time. Does anyone know the answer to this?

PNWFlyer

Because it is Baseball season?

Wynncore

Without a doubt that is the quote of the year.

From watching the video I was very disappointed to see them bluntly go after the defined benefit plan in the manner in which they did. FWIW from what BT was saying it did give me reason to think that mgmt will approach the pilot group just prior to the arbitration ruling date with a deal for our MECs to review etc. Did anyone else think this?

Saltlife85

I think that a last mintute sideline deal from management is possible. However, if these clowns think they are going to get a 51% contract out past our MEC's they are mistaken. The MEC will not send something out for us to ratify if it's not solid in all areas and reflects what our collective voices have been saying for a long time. We want scope, pay, and retirement benefits that mirror our peers at the big 4. If it doesn't have industry standard or leading language with regards to the above, they will never sign off on it for a vote.. And I highly doubt AS management will suddenly come to grips with reality and agree to terms that the MEC can swallow.

Foodstamps

My thoughts exactly Arctic, look forward to flying with ya!

Foodstamps

I've spoken with the VX reps a lot and the good news about our process is part of the mediation panel will be on the arbitration panel. What they, that portion of the arbitration panel, has seen so far from the union is our guys showing up prepared, well educated, on time and eager/ready to make a real deal.

What they have seen from the company is a TPA process longer than any in recent history, unpreparedness, blatant stalling, misinformation, crying poor directly contrary to everything they say to shareholders and file in their 10-K, -
See here (http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?t=1&item=VHlwZT0yfFBhcmVudElEPTUyNTE 1NjJ8Q2hpbGRJRD02NjQyMDE=) and disregard for current industry norms in this economic climate.

So, were I the arbitrator that had just watched all this unfold since April 4th 2016 and had read all the cliff notes, I'd have a pretty good working knowledge of who I respect more. Who came to deal. Who isn't wasting my time.

I think we will be just fine, and my union speaks for me. BT/BM will find out real quick that they may not in fact be the smartest guys in the room. Time will tell.

Honestable

"Sorry guys - we're totally broke. No money for market rate."

BiloxiJack

^haha.. between this and cnn gifs, it's been a pretty good internet day.

DrJekyll MrHyde

So, just out of curiosity. Did your MEC agree to a binding arbitration prior to a year of mediated sessions? Is it outlined in Virgin or Alaska pilot's old CBAs? Arbitration is certainly rolling the dice, just curious how your collective pilot group has arrived at this point. And best of luck, arbitrators are a squirrelly bunch.

GearBoy

Brad + Benito = Branito

Yes,
11-th hour deals are SOP, right out of the playbook. They've worked in the past. Expect them again. But, the demographics have changed. The 92%-ers are out-numbered this time around. 30% are relative new-hires, then there's a bunch of the hugest Kasher recipients and now, Virgin. 50% plus 1 is a hard sell. But, if anyone can do it for Branito, it'll be the Alaska pilots. They've done it in the past, over and over again.

Commit to Compete !!!!!