Just a little history from back in 2006 contract negotiations.

I was talking to one of are Union reps at the F St Bar in ANC after we signed are Contact. I asked him why the company finally came to the table and agreed to sign a TA. He said that one weekend, 3 MD11 did not fly because they couldn't fill the right seat (FO), and on Monday morning during the companies senior management meeting this was brought to the attention of Senior management and they informed the Labor Relations Lawyer to get a TA ASAP. I think we had a TA in a couple of weeks.

Flash forward a couple of years later and I was in NRT having a cold beverage with the old head of MD11 program. He confirmed the story that the company was short MD11 FO's, and he was directed to get all the SIM, Check airman, LCA, etc... out to fly the line since they are all dual qual. He said that he would, but the company only has about 3 months of this before regular line Captains would start to go uncurrent because there were no more LCA to administer line checks, sim rides, etc...

So, enjoy your summer and within no time we will have a TA....

 

I have no reason not to believe your story but …

It would be nice if Management respected us enough to negotiate a contract on good faith in appreciation of the really good job we do every day. In other words, I come to work every day and I do the very best job I can for Management and our customers. Aren't we entitled to a paycheck that keeps up with inflation in exchange for that?

We shouldn't have to bust their balls in order to get their respect! There's NOTHING in it for us to with hold services. Smaller paychecks, smaller retirement contributions … tarnishing the Corporations professional reputation could have negative consequences on our pay and benefits.

They expect us to come to work and act like professionals. To that I say please treat us like professionals at the negotiating table and I'll know that you appreciate our hard work and devotion.

Is that asking too much?

 

In a word: yes.

 

Managements job is to get us to do it as cheaply as possible.

 

Wishful thinking won't get a contract from this management. Being professional pilots won't get a contract from this management. Calling previous negotiations meetings "progress" is a Pollyanna approach that ignores history and reality - and won't get us a contract. This MEC treating negotiations as "this time will be different" ignores history here and implies that this MEC is capable of doing what no other MEC could do. Really?

Tues. night, June 3 saw supplement lift (cargo Falcons) and several flights changed to a different aircraft type due to a lack of available crews in the original scheduled type. The pilots will have to rise above the wishful thinking of this MEC (until their recent reality check) and the pilots appear to be taking the lead now. THAT is what will get a contract.

 

FWIW, words of wisdom from the UPS threads:

"A company does not exist for a pilot's benefit."

"Zero expectations."

It's just business and flying your line and enjoying your summer will take care of business.

 

Large number of trips open in the MD-11 FO seat on June 6th. You add all the trips from people who are out on sick, and Friday may be an interesting day.

 

It appears that the crew force has finally "gotten the message" and is standing tall up to management..... same as happened before our last contract.

Even with the membership hard over for a contract, the negotiating committee, hopefully, will get a similar message (stand tall at the table..).

If we, the line pilots, can continue to stand firm, the MEC and company will see unity!

Just remember, as we are accused of flying with our minds on vacations, graduations, etc., the mind of management is on peak. Now that the 777 folks have seemed to get the message (on DP flying anyway...) let's remember that peak starts with overseas flights in maybe late Oct/early Nov. It takes something like 6-8 weeks between getting an acceptable offer from the company till the membership's votes are ratified and the contract is signed.

Remember, the FAA doesn't want you to fly sick. Consider the $20 copay a small 'donation' to an improvement for all...HEALTHIER PILOTS IN THE COCKPIT!!!!

I mean, after all, safety first, right?

 

Could be a bleak Peak if there is no ratifiable T.A. before then.

 

I like that, Bleak Peak. I think the Company should plan for that if we don't have a ratified TA by that time of the year.

MG2