DLax85

How many different combinations of domiciles, aircraft & crew positions do we have?

...because I'm seeing Vacation Buy Back being "offered" in 20...t-w-e-n-t-y!

(Hint, Hint: Well at least we're properly manned in Europe)

DLax85

And last fall there were 600+ pilots standing shoulder-to-shoulder along Democrat because our leadership asked us to

busdriver12

I kind of wonder if they're doing that just in case. Or because it's peak. There's almost nothing in open time for my seat right now, we aren't short, we are way too fat.

Or maybe (being hopeful here), there are tons of retirements coming up?

DLax85

They've been drafting steadily in the 757 for months --- even calling pilots they normally don't

I don't think we're fat in the 757

CloudSailor

I personally know of 3 (2 of whom are now WB CA's), who last year had personally told me that they would definitely, absolutely, no questions asked, retire this October. Well I have been in contact with them, and now they will not retire now because of the incentives this TA provides. Of course, their sharing their plans with me during a conversation is not a promise nor a contract nor anything along those lines.

What I am pointing out is, the ratification of this TA, among other things, will delay retirements as more senior guys stay to 'die while trying' for the SLB. How much does this affect your QOL? And how does this affect your pay?

busdriver12

Here's the thing, I don't know if we are going to have quicker retirements if this TA is voted down, or voted in. The problem is, the cat is out of the bag. People know with this or any further TA, there will be a good bonus, the SLB and the retirement notice incentive. If the TA is voted down, will people stick around longer, waiting to see if there is the elusive A fund increase they were hoping for, and sticking around to get the exit bonuses?

If the TA is voted in, will people who were going to retire shortly continue to stick around to get the SLB and exit bonus? Or if they can't stick around until Dec 31, 2016, will they take the money and run. I don't know. I'm just planning on everyone staying until the day they turn 65 or drop dead, either way, whichever is sooner.

And this is the main thing that affects my QOL, but not so much my pay. Senior pilots sticking around forever, and flying their butts off. Carryover, double lines. Take some time off, already!

CloudSailor

Although if the TA is rejected, some might say "enough already, I'm outta here", specially if they think the TA2 would take longer than 13 months (quite possible). But yeah, I completely agree with your overall view on this. The cat is out of the bag indeed.

Rock

I'm not near retirement, but I know.quite a few guys who have been waiting to retire to see what special treats they might get in a new contract. They are happy with this one and are voting yes so they can retire with a little extra pocket money. If this fails, they'll keep working until the next one or they have to retire, which ever comes first. I don't blame them. They are living well in their seniority. Well enough that waiting a couple years is pretty easy. Waiting 6? Not possible. But if this TA passes, they're gone. ....or so they say.

busdriver12

I'm starting to believe nobody is going to retire until they have to, no matter what they claim. I see guys still here that I swear must be 70 by now.

Huck

They said at the roadshows - the average retirement age is something like 64.2 years.