Thanks for the info and heads up....I too just got the MEC-Fastread.

I fully understand, and respect the need for definite validity concerning this bid. I'm fully aware it has a 100+ possible furloughs woven in the balance....I do feel for those guys/gals, DONT misinterpret that. Waiting to find out if you do, or DONT have a job is beyond the words of "This sux".

At the same time, this is all computer generated....the same as our PBS bid which still takes 4+ days, give me a break!!!

It's not a huge puzzle...the RFL's are based very clearly on the LOA as stated, 2:1....The LOA's were to be submitted in concert with the same closing/deadline as the bid on the 24th....unless I'm missing something concerning longer leaves being the 'boom-a-rang' of confusion concerning the bid?

All I am saying....I think there is something going on outside the bid. Either there are No Furloughs, or some Furloughs, pretty simple. Call me a "conspirator theorist", but if you think the company is out for the 'best interest' of the pilot group....your 'nutz'

 

I agree, strange times indeed. Life in the fastlane... Don't think that I was trying to get you to "by name" your intel just if it was more than a friends cousins brother who works at some other airlines. What you said was what I was looking for to add a little merit. Btw...I am affected too being in the bottom 146.

Thanks for the good intel.

 

No furloughs on this bid but they are working for the next 60 days to optimize and "tweak" the results until they get their desired number.

 

No furoughs (for now) is good. I got my second displacement in the last year though. Yea, another training cycle.

 

No problem. I'm glad I was right (this time). I will be doing my digging within the next 60 days to see what I can bring to the surface again. I would not rule anything out just yet. IN MY OPINION : If the GATT change isn't enough to make some senior guys punch out, brace for round 3. The fear campaign continues... along with the resentment it breeds, both with each other and with Smith St.

 

IN MY OPINION : If the GATT change isn't enough to make some senior guys punch out, brace for round 3. The fear campaign continues... along with the resentment it breeds, both with each other and with Smith St.

Thanks...and I am glad you were right for both of us. Do you think the 60 days is just tied to the Gatt issue or other issues that could occur in the next 60 days like the economy keeps moving positive, the Star Alliance and all its baggage or merger mania? What I don't like is how we don't know how many actual numbers with out positions there are. Seems that this number needs to be made public.

Good luck with the intel gathering.

 

First and foremost, no immediate furloughs is good news for the guys/gals that were in the 'range'....for that, positive news. "Life..." - thanx for sharing the intel.

I agree with you "Fly" on the numbers game. The FLT OPS CCS bulletin that came out early this afternoon from Abbott was just about as fuzzy as "fuzzy math" comes when talking about the true/hard numbers collected in the "Mitigation Melting Pot". You are correct, where are the numbers?? I'm sure the "Friend's of Fred" keep those under lock and key while playing their Shell Game.

Like you, I was very curious about the numbers. The best I could come by was from Jay Pierce's MEC-Blast mail this evening:
"For the nearly 150 pilots who opted for the RFL option, I hope the reduced schedule works well for you."

"Hope for the best, expect the worse".....There is still a quarter and a half left in 2009.....assure you this, it's gonna get interesting all the way around.

 

I believe it is a combination of both issues. I think if you look it will show approx. 40 pilots without positions.

It is my dream that all the fear mongering bites them in the a$$ one day and we end up severely understaffed. All the ingredients are there for it to possibly happen.

This could be expedited by:
1.) No VJM
2.) Bidding/taking ALL Vacation
3.) Fatigue = sick, interpret however you want
4.) No open time p/u
5.) Retirements
6.) 787 magically flying

I realize I'm reiterating the obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people just don't get it.

 

And you forgot a biggie: new crew rest rules that might require us to hire a LOT of pilots.......... Hopefully they'll be as quick to push that through as they were the age 65 BS.

 

For this month, the GATT rate finally trended favorably for those considering retirements. Also see my earlier response to your post. I'm still learning how to quote properly. Ugh.

I omitted that intentionally. I was in meetings this week in DC (unrelated to CAL) and I have not been hearing ANYTHING good concerning this from a pilot's standpoint. Considering backing the PAC, and wishing I always had. The airlines are lobbying BIG TIME to prevent the duty/rest changes.