I read JG's memo as setting up the policy so that the number of times you use it should be proportional to the number of times flights are cancelled, or you're not boarded, for reasons outside of your control. I also read it to mean that it shouldn't be abused by the few, because it could place the entire policy in jeopardy.

Then I realized he could have done everything he needed to accomplish by simply stating that "the policy is not a substitute for good planning, and is not expected to be used routinely..." and it would have been nice if he stopped at adding "but we hope you find this mutually benefficial change will lessen the stress of your commute".

I'm not a commuter, but I am a professional. I do expect to be given policy and procedures, as well as their limitations, and to be trusted to operate within the limitations. I don't want a speech tailored to the 1-2% among us, and I resent the not-so-subtle implication that the default setting is for pilots to abuse the system.

As far as labor relations, and the "recovery compact" stuff, this is an epic fail. I would like to see, at a minimum, some comment from the union indicating the tone is unsat. It would be interesting to see if we'd have the nerve to send this back, since it conflicts with our contract. It can be agreed to, minus the b.s., and included as a LOA.

 

If it's an LOA/MOU then it cannot be unilaterally terminated. I think that is the why they leave it as a policy for the reasons stated in the bulletin. I'll see if I can dig up the original bulletin at fNW. IIRC the commentary wasn't quite as loaded as the current version.

Still waiting for someone to tell me where this is written in the PWA, I'm having a hell of a time finding it...

 

Check;

As I read it, you have to have paid the tax on those earnings in the payout year and now have to go back and amend that tax return to get the benefit. Is that how you read it?

 

Sec 23, Y.

I tried cut/pasting it here, but it comes out looking all weird. It does say "It is expected that a pilot will avail himself of Section 23 Y. 2. on a rare basis." so that line isn't new. It also says, "A pilot who has demonstrated a pattern of inability to report as scheduled will be subject to progressive disciplinary action."

The new policy is nice in that 2 hours aren't required between your primary and backup flight.

 

disregard........

 

Yup. I read it the same.
You will essentially be amending your return for they year you got the payments.
The mechanics of that is yet to be determined.
I've never filed an amended return. I have no idea how it will work.
Hopefully they will just create a special form for us and we won't have to go back and redo the whole tax return. Yikes!
I can't even remember what year we got that notes and claims money. 2007 maybe?

 

How does someone figure out how to get that money? Will there be a step by step process?

 

Guys,

I agree that we shouldn't have to worry about the FAs or any other employee group when negotiating, but I don't see an issue here for two reasons:

First - its policy and not contractual. I sure hope we didn't burn any bargaining leverage on a policy that can be unilaterally terminated.

Second - If it helps the company run smoother by getting employees into position wouldn't it be better to include all employee groups that commute?

Scoop

 

It still has to pass the House of Representatives.
Getting it in the Senate bill was the big hurdle though.

I expect guidance from the govt and the union as soon as it becomes final.

 

If the letter had not mentioned "cost to the company" then I think this would be a non_issue. If the added cost of adding flight attendants to this policy ends up being a reason to endit, then it will be a case of "me too" blues.