As I wasn't at Mesa back during the first contract negotiations I don't know exactly what history you are talking about but I have read and heard a little about it. I am hopeful that the more senior pilots and our ALPA representation do know the history and that they will advise us accordingly so that we can make an informed decision.

Do I want to 'give in' to JO to keep my job? In todays climate having a job is pretty damn important to me probably more than whether I get 130 or 132 days off per year. Would it be 'giving in' or would it be making a good decision that keeps my career aspirations alive and keeps food on the table?

What good would it be to the Mesa pilots if our company went bankrupt? JO could go to court to have our contract repealed 'for the good of the company'. It seems best to me to avoid company bankruptcy if possible. In banruptcy employees always lose more.

I'm sure you think this sounds like giving in but I don't have all the facts and I am sensibly looking at all scenarios before I make a decision. I am looking to ALPA to provide me with their strategy given the facts. Be very sure that if I don't hear sound logic, reason and foresight from our MEC than I'll be asking questions and voting no until I'm satisfied.

 

Our code shares and management already control the schedules. Why not have some flexibility?

 

Because it removes any say you have in anything at all. Now you can choose your days off, overnights, etc. With PBS you can only suggest your preferences.

The APA for American isn't allowed to even DISCUSS it with management, yet you're going to let JO pull the strings on every aspect of your line values, legs, overnights, days off and conflicts. Bad idea.

 

Who is telling you this? I hear this over and over it makes no sense, IMHO. There is no evidence to show that Mesa has a plan that would prevent a bankruptcy. Mesa has a pilot contract that doesn't expire and that absent a bankruptcy, that same contract will likely be in effect for at least another two years. The RLA process takes some time before unions are allowed self help which is the only thing which could hurt Mesa's cash flow. If threatened with a strike, management would likely file to prevent it.

What is going to determine Mesa's bankruptcy is its cash position, performance and its ability to keep and earn new capacity agreements. The reality is the Mesa has little cash, its performance is near the bottom of the regional carriers and airlines are suing Mesa to cancel their service.

This TA doesn't address pay (for the most part), trip and duty rigs, insurance, and the line guaranty is conditioned up PBS which, after all the commotion, is still totally manipulated at the discretion of the company.

I'm not saying the TA is bad or good, but it doesn't appear to address the concerns which would prevent a bankruptcy. It may or may not happen regardless of the TA. If the bankruptcy happens, PBS will be imposed, premium pay will go away and understaffing will go back to nearly where it was in January.

 

Guys like you are JO's wet dream! You need to educate yourself ASAP.

 

Since there are a bunch of Regionals about to have contracts expire why doesnt' ALPA come out with a basic standard contract. Including Pay Rates, Duty Rigs, Trip Rigs etc... Then when a contract is up they can just hand over the already written contract and say that this is industry standard and leave it at that.
Management can't keep coming to get pay cuts from us so they can then show a profit. True leaders make money off the top end not cutting the bottom.

 

Why, because I'm asking questions and trying to find out what would be best for us?
Why, because I'm new to the industry and I'm looking to ALPA and the people that have been around a long time to help lead us down the right path?
Why, because I am skeptical of managements willingness to sign us into a new contract?

I do look good in a thong mind you, maybe that's it.

 

Can't wait to vote NO. No reason to lower the bar even further. What a joke.

 

Here's a thought if you want someone to do something....ie vote in a better contract

Do you insult the person not so effective.
Or encourage and educate more effective. The guy admits he's a newb so give him some info not smart a wise cracks.

Also it was mentioned earlier a lock to the freedom cert. Wonder why alpo allowed that in there? Sounds like a good way to furlough out of seniority. Be very cautious with that one.

 

How new are you? If you're on probation you can't vote anyway. Seems to me like you are buying into the same JO lines of sign it now and we'll fix it later. You need to ask your Capts that have been there for a few years how that works out... With JO, it doesn't. The souls were sold last time to win back the Freedumb flying. There's no excuse this time!