Originally Posted by Scoop

[/B]

Putting aside the whole "unionist" argument there is still a very good reason.

First off, I personally do not care if the FAs unionize or not. One of the managements highest priorities is keeping the FAs non-union. This is our leverage - management wants to avoid FAs unionizing at all costs. It is the threat of them organizing that we leverage.

In the past DALPA has sat on the sidelines and not taken a stance one way or the other on this issue, which in my opinion was tacitly siding with management. Many Pilots think having non-union FAs benefit us as Pilots. I personally disagree with this school of thought and don't really think it matters one way or another. As evidence I offer the PWAs at AMR and UAL. At AMR - the Pilots still have a DB., rates above ours and now PS. Look at UAL - some parts of their PWA are superior to ours and some parts of their PWA are inferior to ours. It does not appear that having FAs organize has any pronounced affect on there quality of Pilot PWAs one way or another.

Now back to DAL. I have personally discussed this with John Malone twice. My take is the MEC is going to look seriously at this issue and I would expect to see this question addressed in polling going forward.

The company does not want the FAs to unionize. We tell management at a certain date we will start actively supporting the FAs and also the mechanics in organizing. The company does not want this so it just another reason for them to stop dragging their feet.

And for those who don't think having the Pilots help would make a difference I will point out how close the recent organizing efforts have come. They very well may successfully organize without any help. With our help it will probably be a lock.

Scoop

Originally Posted by JamesBond

Better not use my dues money for this windmill hunt.

Originally Posted by NERD

We may be better off with the others unionized. Then there won't be the constant threat of "but they will want it too". They will have a contract and have to negotiate when amendable themselves. As it stands now, if we get a .50 cent increase in per diem, you can bet your ass that the FAs will get the day after our ratification. With them being union they will have to wait and negotiate the increase.

Originally Posted by JamesBond

Better not use my dues money for this windmill hunt.

Originally Posted by WhatNow

I posted the pertinent part from the NC. Here it is again.

The Company’s primary concerns seem to be extremely high uses of sick leave in a small minority of pilots and the continuing rise of sick leave usage overall. Recent discussions have centered on exploring acceptable paths to addressing these issues without increasing access to a pilot’s medical records or decreasing total sick leave accrual.
Although there is much work left to do, these discussions are showing some promise.

Originally Posted by JamesBond

Better not use my dues money for this windmill hunt.

Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp

There will always be a few compromises (gives, concessions, whatever). It's a negotiation.

It had dang well be very very heavily weighted in gains on our side, though. NA2015 didn't come anywhere close to that.