An extension would be the clear sign that we are being set up for an acquisition IMO. NO vote from me.

Gets a NO vote from me also. We've already learned that trading away work rules and scope (or failing to improve the the poor ones we have) only hurts us in the long run, regardless of the payrate carrot they've strung from the stick in front of us.

In some ways I hope the majority of our pilot group has been "hurt" enough by the recent stagnation and displacements that they will have this realization as well. Whatever acquisition is coming will absolutely bring more pain, regardless of the rosy picture they may paint. This will need to be made right to us in a big way if management expects to get any kind of support. Whether or not the slot swap RJ trickery was planned that way or changed at the end due to capacity pullback, the wound is still pretty fresh. Our pilot corps is doing a lot to make money for the company, and the ball is in their court to gain back our trust. And I'm not talking about weekly back-patting emails or (piddly) profit sharing and shared rewards.

I appreciate the stock and JCBA that ALPA got for us during the last merger, but I think we passed up a real chance to make some needed improvements in the contract. Let's not make that same mistake again!

The two Captains I talked to yesterday said a 2 year extension for a 20% raise (all at once), and status quo on everything else that already hasn't been negotiated recently. Said it would done by this July. I asked why for 2 years, and he said they need that time to know the full affects of the Fatigue Rules/Rest Rule requirements, and the main reason it was allowed to start 2 YEARS FROM now, is because it will require more manning. He said ES (a linecheck bigwig supposedly) said the new rules would necessitate 750 newhires, and that was the NEW number they came up with. That's what they said....don't blame me. Just rumors you know...

Agreed and state the same to my reps.

20% would get the senior vote, and would get the junior vote if there were serious teeth to making the company come to the table to negotiate the follow on extension plus a bunch of scope clean up.

The state of Tennessee would die and I wouldn't be surprised if he took a pay cut to do it. That said look up the article from Tuesday about his view of things, I think he wants out of IND. He's too calculating to say what he said.

HA HA HA HA!

HA ! HA HA HA HA HA HA. That's allowed?!?!?!?!?!?

Another person? That's awesome too.

That was fun.



I wish that thing would hurry up and get flying!

Always check the friends of people in high places. Jetblue has Chuck. If your senator is a real [insert language] but he's all for you, you're in luck!

In most instances I think time is never on our side, this time it is. I think looking back in 2008 we were in a world of fear and no reasonable idea of where it was all headed and rightfully so. It was like, oh @#%!, Glenn Beck was right about needing to get seeds! We survived.

This time we don't have 2008. We don't have to be in a hurry. But I'm happy to look at any deal but the shorter it is then there needs to be something to offset suspicion. What is it we're supposed to be now, a suspicious pilot? No wait. That's not appropriate. Pilots that hold their scholongs are suspicious. But you know, questioning stuff, not assuming things are right. This time we need to assume the worst of everyone and tailor the contract language appropriately and then close the door behind it so nobody can drive a truck through the language.

This "contract extension" talk is a non-starter IMO.

Any contract that includes the requisite work rule and scope improvements would not be an extension, it would entail an entirely new contract. I take "extension" to mean an insufficient pay raise, and that's it.

No, no, no.

Naw, I have Goldens and will change to one of those soon. I was in the dog house with the Mods and was going for cute/contrite.

Nice Puppy Pic!

I can believe mgt gave this as a reason, and it may even be ONE legitimate reason for wanting an extension. But I also bet there are other, much bigger reasons as well. Like, we think we can complete a merger in two years and we don't want to be in negotiations when you learn how many furloughs will result. Or, we think it will take us about two years to get these code shares really cooking. You'll love it, we will make more money and fly more DL pax with less DL pilots.

The hinting toward or promise of 750 new hires means absolutely nothing unless it's in writing. They are probably using that promise this time instead of the old "we'll buy more airplanes" trick because we are hearing them tell the analysts that they are not buying any new planes. We would be dumb to believe that one, so they dangle some money and hiring instead. It's not going to work.

Your hearing wrong. There are no talks with the company on a extension. The company would also never offer 20 percent even if there were. You can dispel these rumors with a couple of phone calls to your reps.