TheBaron Deux

So our signing bonus is a "bribe?" I look at it as past due wages that don't even make us whole. My eyes are wide open. I see problems in the TA; I also see real improvements. I also see that since we have the TA, there is no open time and no flights have been cancelled for lack of volunteers. The feeding frenzy has begun. Unfortunately, I don't have the benevolent wisdom you claim so that I can decide what I know is best for each sub-set of our group.
If the TA gets voted down, and it very well may, I hope your eyes are open. It's not going to be 4200 pilots holding hands and singing Kumbaya while unicorns glide down rainbows.

MaxKts

What was it like before we had a TA? Or, do you think we won't be able to go back to not flying extra once again if the TA goes down?

TheBaron Deux

I think we blew our golden opportunity. Once the TA came out, people began flying VLT/Draft. There is nothing in open time and no flights are being cancelled for lack of crews. If the TA gets voted down and we return to flying what we bid, I think the company could easily convince the NMB that we are taking an illegal job action. Just my opinion, but I don't think it's going to be quick or easy...maybe not even produce any real gains.

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Tempus Fugit

MaxKts

I think you are wrong on both parts! JMO

frozenboxhauler

Scott,

You misunderstood me. I'm referring to the up to $40K for giving the company a 1 year heads up after reaching 60 if you happen to be 54 or older at the date of signing "bribery money". Actually in my case, because of my age and time, my "bribe money" is only $30K.

The Back pay/Bonus/Retro/whatever you want to cal it, IS NOT WHAT I WAS REFERRING TO. Do you think if this TA is turned down, the TA that we finally agree to will not contain pay adjustments from the amendable date?

My eyes are wide open. We'll know in the morning and I hope you'll reconsider your change of vote.
Cheers,
bob

TheBaron Deux

Bob,

Then it's agreed, both our eyes are wide open, we just wear different prescriptions.

I do think we will see additional signing money if the contract is turned down. The problem is, the current signing bonus is about 80% of what it should have been in my case. So in a year or two, it will probably still be 80%...just of a larger amount of back pay. I don't think the company will ever budge on the "A" plan...way to much liability. It's not just the people currently retired and the 4100+ on property, but everyone that gets hired after us. Too many "what ifs." A lot bigger too-big-to-fail companies have done just that. Maybe we can get 9% B-plan on DOS and and 1% on dos+2 and another on dos+4 (total 11% B-fund). Maybe. Too many maybes in my book.

I do look forward to this being over, one way or another. Too many mean spirited anonymous people when it comes to contract talk.
Sorry for any harsh words Bob. You are one of the best and I will miss flying with you.

Scott

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Tempus Fugit

frozenboxhauler

Scott, I agree with you and too am sorry that I upset you. I'll miss "playing with" you too!
Cheers,
bob