Thanks Check for getting this thread back in the black.

Shame to hear about Tea, though. All that pounding can do a number on a young starlet. I've been fond of her since Wyatt Earp, but wish she was in Tombstone instead.

For Satchip,

Bama fans doing it big!!

My understanding is that the company can turn off the early outs any time it wants.

There is no negotiated minimum.

Is that correct?

impressive ^^^^^

i'm equally impressed by this vvvvvvv

No - it is not. From LOA #11:

...the Company commits to approving participation at the maximum number possible based upon maintaining operational reliability... The Company will meet with ALPA to review its operational reliability staffing limitations as they pertain to its approval for participation in the Program...

This just in: American Airlines and the union representing its pilots are close to reaching a deal on a new contract. The accord, if endorsed by the pilot union’s board next week, would give the airline much of what it wants, including more flexible work rules and the ability to use regional partners to fly larger jets, which had long been a major hurdle in previous talks with the 10,000-member Allied Pilots Association. It would also freeze the pilots’ pension plan, instead of terminating it as American initially proposed.
At the same time, the tentative contract offers the pilots some concessions, including pay raises totaling 14.8 percent over the six-year life of the agreement, a pledge not to furlough pilots and a profit-sharing plan. Pilots would also end up with an equity stake in the company once it emerged from bankruptcy, owning 13.5 percent of the “New American.”
Under the proposed contract, American estimated that its pilot costs would shrink by 17 percent, instead of the 20 percent it had initially sought.
Pilots have a strong incentive to reach a deal because they still face the prospect of much more draconian terms if they failed to agree to American’s “final offer.”
Hmmmm, concessions in work rules and more large RJ’s. Probably no cap. 14.8% over SIX years instead of 20% over three years. Maybe the no voters would prefer that contract??????

Imagine the possibilities. OK, I'm a pig!

That is correct. The amount completely depends on what the company deems as to not damage the operation. When they decide (in their sole discretion) that it's done, then it's done.

Carl

This is probably correct, but probably also irrelevant. This is one part of the TA I don't value much. First of all, we have absolutely no idea how many guys will take the bait. Secondly, the early outs don't really help us much anyway. Like the DC-9's, these guys are going out relatively soon anyway. We have been here before. If they go early, we just stagnate until we catch up. A few pilots will move up, but most of us will just remain in category a few numbers higher and then just stagnate until the stove pipe catches up.

And how does a bankrupt company apply to the world's most profitable airline? Should we worry about Kalitta's contract...maybe Evergreen? God forbid we should talk about Southwest, or UPS, or FedEx, or...

Carl