The company has to plant someone in there to report back the goings-on.

 

I think most, if not all, pilot groups that have picketed since I can remember have been in negotiations. Can you name one that picketed while not in negotiations? I can't.

 

you're right they have. but correct me if I'm wrong weren't those pilot groups also at a stage of negotians where a mediator was involved?

Don't get me wrong I'm all for picketing , but if we do it now while in direct negotiations with the company doesn't that look bad in the mediators eyes when we get to that stage ?

 

I'm not sure if people get what the NMB does. The mediator is there to facilitate negotiations when their presence is requested by either party in the negotiation. They can not force one side or the other to change their position on ANYTHING in the negotiation process. They are there to facilitate only. They can require the parties to meet on certain dates. They can require the parties to be prepared to discuss specific contract sections/items, but they can not force either party to a position. The only time the NMB has any binding influence in the process is in their responsibility to declare an impasse in negotiations, thus starting the 30 day cooling off period. If you are making any progress in direct negotiations, you are typically better off not filing for mediation. If you think getting a contract is taking too long as it is, just invite the Federal Government to join the process and see what slow progress really means.

p.s. Even when the NMB expends all of their resources and finally recommend releasing the parties to self help (aka strike or lockout), the Presidential Emergency Board can still prevent the self help from taking place.

 

In 2 years here I've only seen 5 CAs do the standup. About 40% don't even do the hello from the cockpit. No commentary, just a factual observation.

 

My 5.5 years here and 50-75% do the stand-up routine, and 40-50% dumpster dive.

 

That has been my experience in the E190.

 

Just laughing at dumpster dive. I envision a CA behind a hotel, screaming,"I found a Keurig! No need to buy coffee this week!"

 

Wow... FLL 320 here. I've flown with 1 person in about 4 years who has done the standup, and 1 person (same guy) who cleaned. It was "Great Day" for reference.

Tex

 

Sometimes I commute on VX. They never do the standup. Then last week I got a VX CA who was thrilled to tell us the landmarks on the route, what's on each channel, the meal choices, and the height, weight, and dating preferences of inflight (okay I threw that one in but you get the point.)