Originally Posted by av8instyle

You need to understand that it is not as simple as a group of pilots in a crappy economy wanting an overreaching raise that the airline can't afford. We had a 34% paycut shoved down our throats in 2005 because the rest of the industry could not afford to pay those rates...not because Alaska couldn't afford it. OBTW, those paycuts did not come with any follow on contractual raises...not even meager ones. Our pay was cut up to 34% and in the three years since we have not even seen one percent increase, while bankrupt emergent carriers have even been getting small raises. Alaska has been in business for over 76 years. Digest that for a second....let me say it again, Alaska has been in business for over 76 years. Two years ago they posted their LARGEST PROFIT EVER! Last year was not quite as big, but nevertheless was large. Alaska has around 1500 pilots and 10,000 employees, and over 1 BILLION in the bank! They can afford to give us a big raise. If bankruptcies happen again Alaska will be one of the last to get hit. We will be one fleet type and nearly all wingletted NG's by September. They can afford to give us a big raise.
By the way, "bowing out of the discussion" is akin to a hit and run. Meow.

Originally Posted by Herkflyr

Hey I was "bowing out" in respect to the fact that this is about your airline and your contract. You bring up good points. I know that a third party made a ridiculous ruling a couple of years ago that savaged your contract (attn NWA pilots: yet another reason that we at DAL want to avoid an arbitrator; just ask the Alaska pilots what an arbitrator has done for them!).

I only jumped into a discussion that is really not mine to join because I had to address the whole phrase of "little economic crisis." Your posts have been elegant and persuasive, other than that. That was the economic equivalent of "other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"

Again, best of luck to you. If Alaska can afford to pay you handsomely more (and you seem sure that they can) then more to you.

Originally Posted by Herkflyr

I only jumped into a discussion that is really not mine to join because I had to address the whole phrase of "little economic crisis." Your posts have been elegant and persuasive, other than that. That was the economic equivalent of "other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"

Originally Posted by AK Hawg

As an outsider looking in who would love to work for AS, best of luck to all of you. I do have a question though ...
Does anyone else think the days of employer-funded pension plans are over? I look at companies like GM and GE that pay out billions every year to pay pensions and healthcare costs for former employees, and it just seems like a bad idea for everyone. I would much rather get paid more up front and invest the money how I see fit. That way I control my own destiny and don't have to worry about the company going under and taking my benefits with it.
Anyway, just a thought.

Best of luck to all! Regardless of where you want to point the finger I think everyone will admit this is a tough time to re-negotiate a contract.