Originally Posted by Bill Lumberg

I don't agree. With the Airtran guys getting a windfall with SWA, I would venture less than 25% would vote for just a 15% raise. Most pilots I have talked to in the lounges seem to gasp when I mention the 15% rumor. I can see 15-20% the FIRST year maybe working, but then add at least 5% a year after that for 3 more years, plus improvements in many other areas as being a starting point. There are other ways to get money into my pocket (higher DC contribution, lower or NO insurance premiums, etc), that could help. But, 15% over 3 years just isn't going to do it, and they will read that in the survey unanimously. Of course ALPA said more than 50% voted for Age 65, right? There is no way that could have happened, with every RJ pilot, every mainline FO, and half the Captains voting NO for age 65. It still happened, probably because the LECs and MEC thought they knew better, along with Pratter. So, maybe they will just tell the negotiators 15% is what we should go for, just because, they KNOW better than we do.

Originally Posted by Jay5150

ComAir or ASA is, nor ever was an AirTran. And they are at the bottom. You weren't, nor ever were entitled to anything. Get over it.

Originally Posted by Boomer

Thank you for pointing out my arrogance and reminding me of my proper place.

Originally Posted by johnso29

So what's the thought on this possible former TWA pilots award? If ALPA comes for an assessment to cover an award, will that be the death of ALPA?

Originally Posted by Bill Lumberg

I agree with you whole heartedly, but have you asked your Reps what they think? I think you will be dissapointed to say the least. Most of the reps I talk to shake their heads. Bring up the almost $1 billion in bag fees last year, and they deflect it to say we need to pay down debt. You must keep writing your reps and tell them what you expect, and then tell your Captains and other FOs, and fill out that darn survey. As long as they don't dismiss it like the overwhelming votes against age 65, I think we will have a pretty good opener, as long as they follow the wishes of the masses.

Originally Posted by fartboxflyer

agreed 100% but the turd in this punch bowl is within sec 6 neg. Rules.

"good faith" is a slippery slope, and the the nmb have "parked" regional pilots recently trying to grab an extra crumb off the floor. We can't ask for the moon any more than the company can ask for our hourly rates be minimum wage.
What is "good faith"? That is a moving, ill defined target. Only the nmb will determine who is getting out of line based upon many factors that economically and politically are years out.
The nmb historically could give a rats ass what we had in c2k. They have a short term memory and tend to be myopic even during the present. Ask for too much in their eyes and they will park negotiations 6 month faster than the speed of heat.
This being said we still should demand and open for every cent that brings us to that edge and carry this fine line throughout the sec 6 process.

Originally Posted by Doug Masters

I have found something to say to the skippers who don't seemed concerned about restoration. Anytime we see a SWA jet the following occurs:

"Hey Boss, you see that guy in the right seat of that purple jet?"

"Yeah"

"Ya know he makes more than you"

"What?!?!?"

An enlightening conversation usually follows

Originally Posted by rvr350

They usually said, "But I make $168 bucks per hour?"