So should the NC negotiate based on the preferences of a few leaders or their own personal views instead of following the will of the pilot group as shown in surveys? Isn’t that exactly what people have accused past NCs of doing? A lot has changed since the last survey was conducted. Obviously we all get a say in the final vote but I think the NC should be aligned with what the majority want while negotiating our position for us. I want to see a 80-90+% yes vote not the 51% yes that most companies generally want to see.

 

Do you wake up in the morning and actively remind yourself how to breathe? This pilot group man…

 

Well this is the first time in my career (over 30 years 121 flying) that I’m going to vote on a “bridge agreement”. I don’t just trust that ULCCs pay up when it comes to retention bonuses - another concept I’ve never observed. Guess we’ll see how this all plays out.

 

Let’s simplify it:

1. Pilots and G4 agree to a side letter pertaining to the accrual and payout of a retention bonus as negotiated by their bargaining representative, the IBT.

2. Pilots and G4 sign side letter via the bargaining representative IBT. Side letter now becomes a piece of the status quo, no different than any existing language of the CBA.

3. Retention bonus must be paid out in accordance with the agreed upon terms unless otherwise negotiated by the bargaining representative.

3.A. Trigger for payout of retention bonus is “an amended CBA”.

3.B. G4 Pilots and G4 agree to a shorter duration CBA, otherwise known as a “bridge agreement”. (Note: the top of the d*mn page isn’t going to say BrIdGE AgREemENT in bold letters.)

3.C. Once “bridge agreement” is ratified, Retention Bonus must be paid out in accordance with agreed upon terms.

3.D. Any deviation from the agreed upon payout mechanism constitutes a status quo violation which then the pilot group would hold the right to seek a job action.

30 years of 121 and you’re just now trying to grasp basic RLA principles? Come on man.

 

I can’t wait to see 1300+ pilots for 3+ years of pay gets “trued-up” by Allegiants overworked payroll department in under 60 days. I’m sure Allegiant, the Union, and each individual pilot are all on the same page for what counts over 85+ hours. Should be very entertaining! 🍿

 

Thanks for all that you frickin’ retention bonus expert. Tool.

 

And is he certain that a bridge agreement actually qualifies as an amended CBA? From a quick review of the MOU using a few AI tools, it seems a “bridge agreement” might not constitute a full amendment to the CBA required to trigger the payout. AI knows law better than I do or any of us on here other than an actual lawyer. That’s why it would be nice if the union would clarify this for us. At the same time I can’t imagine the company wanting to continue accruing 35% of our post bridge agreement pay rate.

 

Should be fairly easy… Who’s been over 85 hours for the past 3 years? Maybe the bigger bases, but I doubt it.

 

I would think any deal would include paying this out. I would think on the union side that's a non negotiable. It would be nice that the union would publicly address this.

 

This really isn’t rocket science folks. The term “bridge agreement” is simply being used to imply this is a short term contract that’s meant to put us in a better position until the JCBA is reached. I’m sure it’s another way of tempering expectations as well. If a TA is reached, and it goes out for vote, and it is passed…the RB payout will be triggered. Period.