You can't argue with these dudes. This is the same mentality that says we will only open certain sections of the contract for negotiation and we will want those REALLY hard. Then those on the other side of the table will see that this is what's really important to us and just give it to us.

My mother says and i teach my kids "ask for what you want. Leave it to the other person to say no." If you limit your ask to what you think is acceptable youre allowing the other party to dictate the terms of the discussion and acknowledging the weakness of your position. Folks like Merle think negotating capital is finite so we must only expend it on certain things. This place is ate up with that mentality.

Our negotiating captial is only as finite as our resolve. 2015 showed that majority of the pilots in this group have none.

 

I never said don't ask for it - I just don't think it's a hill to die on.

As to your overall philosophy, I'd like to see you explain it to the NMB mediator as you tell them "Yes, I'm negotiating in good faith. Also, yes, I'm asking for EVERYTHING in EVERY section." That should be a very successful conversation.

You're killing it on the esoteric, philosophical, cheerleader front. Your "strategy" however is not a strategy.

Where should we start the invasion? "Everywhere at once sir"
May I take your order? "Everything please."
What would you say is your best quality? "All of my qualities are the best."
What torque does this bolt get? "All of it"

I'd suggest you do some research on the NMB negotiating process (which is RLA, not your child-rearing philosophy) and rethink your strategy. Your ideas are the fast track to never being declared eligible for mediation, which is a perfect way to NEVER see a TA.

 

Just want to add that negotiations don’t start with mediation. And strategies can change over time, especially if going into mediation.

 

You will not be accepted into mediation with Shaman's strategy. The mediator will just send you home to resume at square one. Guess which party would be fine with that?

 

Open everything to get a few things. All the while taking 3 years. Brilliant….

Im sure the RLA and mediators would side with you on everything all the time. They “get it” and completely understand all our positions on every item and demand. Just as easy as negotiations with a spouse or kid. Got it.

I am sure glad we choose a different approach going after the FOCUSED amount of items. I would rather fight over a few things rather than everything.

 

Presumably, strategy is changed before you ask for mediation. The point being is that negotiations can always take a different tack when necessary. One is not stuck with a strategy or negotiating tactic or point for perpetuity.

 

I fear the MEC is stuck on pancakes, would be nice if they were this flexible.

 

Fair enough, but time is money in this case.

 

Changing strategy midstream requires both parties agreement if it has to do with scope of negotiations. That alone could halt negotiations for months. Then start back a square one and add years on to the timeline. Meanwhile inflation continues. History proves long negotiations haven’t yielded the fruit to make up for lost time with higher pay and retirement.

Lets let the NC do its job and produce something then we can decide. In the meantime lets support them since we are all counting on them. My NC Speaks For Me.

 

Nothing stops the NC from changing their own strategy at the table. Anyway, I was speaking hypothetically. I’m not saying they should change what they are negotiating for. The protocol agreement goes to the end of May. But there isn’t anything that stops them from changing tactics before then, again, hypothetically.