I was on the Airbus the first year, been on the Maddog for about 6 months now. It's fine, glad to have a job, I just think we deserve better and have some leverage to make a difference. If I thought we had no leverage, I'd vote yes as a fait accompli. Glad that I have a military retirement + Tricare too. I respect everyone's opinions' here...if it passes I won't complain. I can only vote my own conscience.

Remember our heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice this Memorial Day. It puts all of our contract discussions in the perspective of a bigger picture.

Tom Manion: Why They Serve—'If Not Me Then Who?' - WSJ.com

I saw a young man on an airplane today that had obviously been blown up in a horrendous attack in the Middle East. One leg gone.. blind.. face severely burned. Going to the Wounded Warrior project in ATL. I thought about him, and all the whining that is going on over this TA, and I felt ashamed. Sorry if that doesn't sit right with some of you, but in the big scheme of life, this is nothing, and there is an awful lot of whining going on right now.

/RANT

I agree...good observation, good post. Might be a good time to do something to support the Wounded Warriors.

Part of the whining might be the pilot persona...when we decide something, we tend to be all in using black & white terms, just like "making the decision to go around and sticking with it."

Its nice to see someone with a decent attitude. As long a someone casts a educated vote with the facts no one can complain which way they vote.

Follow the money and connect the dots, grasshopper. The 717s, all of them are a done deal. Do you really believe Ed when he says "there's no money left." ? If so, you got played, big time.

Tsquare, I believe what you posted is certainly a strong possibility. I also think that perhaps there is more money available. The company still enjoys about 1.2 billion a year in pilot cost savings from the chapter 11 era. This contract restores about 400 million. I need another 140 million to be happy with the contract. I think the company might come back to the table with more money. As you mention they also might not. They will cost things out on their end and make a choice. I am still a no voter but will attend the roadshows and try and speak more with those at the table.

Nice summary. Too many being dazzled by cheap baubles. According to a few polls I'm seeing so far, it looks as though only a 25% chance of passing. Certainly not stopping the yes's from engaging the "turbo-whisk" button on the spin machine, however.

If youda just listened to me about a more sensible pay scheme, 35% of the fleet might not be undervalued... oh well.. At least the whales are well paid.

Tsquare I appreciate your enthusiasm. And coffee this morning.

But I must say I have done by DYODD on Section 1.

And there is no way in you know where that I will vote yes.

It is a bad deal. And I know there are some pinky promises out there on this thing, but I won't give up things in writing for pinky promises.

So I am voting no as soon as they open this thing up for vote.