FLMD11CAPT

The recent Negotiating survey garnered a 45% overall response rate. Not great, but not bad either. Certainly enough to validate its indications. The most important indication was the response to the question whether or not we should take the 3% pay increase this year or enter into full blown section six negotiations. Of the 45% overall responders a clear majority (more than 60%) indicated they wanted us to take the 3% pay raise and continue talks. In our second largest Domocile (ANC) 65% responded and of those 65% over 75% indicated that they wished to take the 3% and continue talks. Imagine my considerable incredulity when I learned that there is a faction of newly elected MEC Reps whose stated goals are 1. The recall of Capt. Stratton and 2.The Pre-mature entering of Section 6 negotiations which is clearly against the stated wishes of their consituancy!!!!! The last time this happened was when Captain DW led our MEC into a vote for age 65 change when the crew force clearly and overwhelmingly desired otherwise. How has that worked out for us? Now a small group of newly minted MEC members (all from the former DW regime I might add) are trying yet another leveraged power play. They were defeated by Capt Stratton in his initial election; Then again during their attempted coup with the former Negotiating Chairman and now a third try on the sly during an MEC meeting most of us wouldn't have noticed in early/mid January. At this meeting, the MEC will meet to vote on this exact issue. i.e. Whether or not to take the 3% or enter into full section 6 negotiations. Here are a few reasons why we should not enter into Sect. 6 negotiations right now:

1. The FAA has not released it's new rest and duty time regulations, It would be folly for us or the Company to try and agree to any scheduling/rest/duty time rules without knowing the statutory requirements.

2. Taking the 3% and continuing talks will have garnered us a 6% pay increase in a 366 day span. Where has that happened elsewhere in our industry in the last year? This next 3% is worth just under $60 million dollars to us when Pay, B-fund, vacation and overides are compounded in.

3. Probably most important; it is not our collective wish to do so!! How can the MEC justify such an action when we clearly have told them we do not wish this. I for one elected my Reps to look out for my interests and execute my/our collective directive when provided.


Each and every one of us needs to contact our Reps TODAY and express our desires on this issue. If we don't it will be "Age 65" all over again.

Nitefrater

I'm not sure why anyone would be mildly surprised, much less incredulous, since these guys basically ran on a platform of doing exactly that. Don't agree with it, didn't vote for 'em, but there you have it.

FDXLAG

I imagine a large part of the 65% thinks it was folly to give away all of our leverage for a couple of 3% pay raises. But think the only thing dumber would be to have given it all away for one 3% pay raise.

In other words, you can think it was a mistake to sign the last contract and still think we should take the 3%.

FDX187

Have to agree with FDXLAG!!

FlyByNite

Positively Absolutely....take the 3% and keep talking. Those narrow minded MEC reps that think otherwise are confused. Maybe we should start a recall for those that vote against the 3%!

ptarmigan

Maybe we should.

kronan

So, where exactly are these percentages coming from....and, how do you know a revolt is coming?

Granted, I didn't do a full up search of the ALPA website....but, can't find any data on the results of the survey, nor did a quick check of my email find any discussion of it other than SS email of two weeks ago.

Take the 3% or don't take it. Whichever way you're leaning, call the office, send an email, a text. Make your voice heard. Then, however the chips fall, life goes on. If 45% of the crew force are complete idiots.....such is life. FIDO. Forget It, Drive On.

Don't just take your ball home sulking because you didn't make it to first base.

Gunter

One thing I've heard is some who don't want to take the second 3% are willing to pursue self help if we can't get improvements in scheduling. That's no joke. No sarcastic face. To do that you have to be released by the NMB.

I wonder how the NMB would factor in turning down a negotiated 3% raise?

Do you you think the NMB might say, "Wait for the new rest rules."?



Whatever you think of our leverage, we used it to get both raises. The company will jump for joy if we give the last 3% back.

The Walrus

The guys that voted for the original 3% also voted to let the MEC decide on whether to take the send 3% without our input. So we really do not have anything to revolt about. The time to revolt was a year ago when we had a vote on which way to go and the majority voted for the 3% and letting the MEC make the next decision without us.

golfandfly

I disagreed with the the last contract and 3% raise. I thought it was a bad move then and I still think that way. However, since we gave up our leverage, we'd be stupid not to take the 3% now. We have very little that the company wants. Let's finally get the work rules resolved and see how that shakes out.