Very true. When this all began, most of the pilots were of the mindset of working with management to obtain a new contract and that a strike was the last thing we wanted to do. Unfortunately, it has degenerated to the point where a strike seems to be the only option. We are dealing with a management team that won't agree that the sun sets in the west, let alone to even the most basic contract terms that we have offered. Now, most pilots are ready (financially and otherwise). Some are like rodeo bulls pawing at the dirt just waiting for that NMB gate to open. The company is making money (for now) but is not doing the right things with it. It is being used for stock buybacks and dividends instead of going towards a long-term viable business. As recently as last year, our CEO called us a "cash machine" to the local press. This is very telling as to the general attitude of the powers that be.

 

How do you figure the end of the year? We're what 18.. 19 months into this thing with the IBT. We're going to take a strike vote after 2+ years? Really?? What for? There is no way we'll be released to strike in such a short time.

The strike vote is years away.

 

Not necessarily. We are pushing to get this thing done sooner than later. I'm guessing mediation by summer at the latest. The NMB is already familiar with the company and their attitude and is not impressed from what I hear. It's not that much of a stretch to see us at an impasse by years end and a strike vote to go along with it.

 

My experience is once you enter mediation you still have a long road ahead - 2-3 years probably.

 

If things continue down their current path, I have a difficult time imagining what this company will be like in 2-3 years.

 

BINGO! If things don't change (path) they may not be around in the near future. This is serious business & the pilots are going to have to take this company back -we all know it could be a solid place to hang one's hat.

 

Once things get to mediation, it will happen either really quickly or really slowly. I would imagine the NMB is familiar with our management, and their tactics, thanks to the flight attendants. No one knows how the NMB will react.

It could drag out while they try to reach a deal, or they could just say it's pointless, and offer a release. We'll have to wait and see.

 

The flight attendants and their dragged out process could indeed help us out. From some of the stories I’ve heard about how g4 management has treated the whole process, in full view of the mediator. With their usual disdain for unionization and compromise, which goes down to their “DNA”.

 

That email was merely and attempt to manage expectations. They are trying to pick the weak ones off the herd. They know there are a few who will take a $20/hr pay rate increase and go away (even though history has shown that most gains have been erased in work rule "interpretations"). They view us as twenty-something's who live in an apartment with our only possessions being a tote and futon, which is why they TDY with reckless abandon. They think we are kids who will do anything to fly a big jet and that our only goal is the coveted Left Seat. They don't know us at all and they don't care enough to learn. But learn they will....

 

This isn't the company that everyone thinks it is. You think you will get hired and get based at home, be home every night with the family? Think again! You could move to where they "Base" you and never see home. TDY is the solution to their problems. Commutability is non-existent with the new PBS. I would strongly encourage anyone wanting to work here to do research.