Ok, then why don't you fill me in on who you feel is on mgmt's side? Oh, might as well cite some examples too. If you don't want to post it, send me a PM.

 

+1

XJ200Capt, I completely agree with Mooney. Thank you for that response. And I also agree with your opinion that there is no way that will fly with the pilot groups. I don't think any of the 3 will allow it to continue.

The problem is that Pinnacle depends upon JA's and Ext's to get through normal operations. It sounds as if Colgan does also. Without language to prevent this, the companies will continue to operate that way. I am sure all of the negotiators are aware of it and are working hard to fix it.

We are down to the important issues now. Somebody posted the open sections on the last page. I think this week will be very telling on how motivated Corp really is to getting this done. I'll admit I have been skeptical (and will remain so until a major section is closed), but I am still supporting our negotiators and the job they are doing. The best way forward for our pilots (by "our" I mean ALL 3 companies) is one contract.

It has now been 95+ days since talks began. It's getting hard to stay positive.

 

Section 4, 5 and 7 should be closed by today IF they're motivated. Seriously, a pro rated day? Just take the min guarantee, subtract the number of min days off from the number of days in the month and divide. For example: 75 hour guarantee, 30-11=19. 75/19=3.95. Pro rated day = 3.95 hours. Yeah, yeah. There are some months with 31 days. Screw it. They've been getting those extra days for free from guys not breaking guarantee for years. They have to give on something. Section 5 is something we have NOW under our 1999 agreement. If the hotel van isn't there after 15 minutes, we get a taxi, and the company reimburses us. Apparently, since we've gone to such crappy hotels they've seen an uptick in reimbursements (or the number of guys willing to do it), and they don't want that in the contract anymore.

Section 7 is a big one, but if they're motivated, they'll HAVE to close at least one big section a day to get it done. To me, this is the easiest one. We either keep the slide or, well, the JCBA dies, cause I don't see anything passing without vacation slide. We already bid our vacations for 2011 here, and I bid mine based on HAVING the slide. To get hosed now would make a LOT of guys want to break things.

 

Can you clarify for us how the slide actually works?

 

You would still get to slide in '11 even if TA passed without it. It would go into effect in '12 according to a union guru I specifically asked that question to.

 

you have a block of 7 days Vacation. you can slide it 4 days either direction. However when slid it must cover a trip completely, and/or uncover a trip completely (can't slide VAC to start in the middle of a 4 day trip basically). Any trips you uncover by sliding you have to fly. with proper bidding technique, depending on seniority, you can usually turn that 7 days off into 11-18

 

I just want to say that no one on the XJ side believe dealing with Pinnacle Management was going to be a slam dunk. If we take the picketing issue out - I believe we are together on just about everything.
None of us think you're lying about the double dealing, unreasonable negotiations you have had. Again, few of us thought much would get done in 45 days. But I must say that I believe there is progress. Could our MEC/Neg Committee be lying? Yes. I just don't think so.

Now some examples of what XJ has done.
In the '04 contract the union was going for much more money, split FO rates, and other things I can't remember. The MAIR took all the money out of Mesaba. Then they bought Big Sky. The negotiating committee/MEC had to give up a lot to get the infamous MAIR letter that said anything over 19 seats had to be flown at Mesaba. And we made some changes to the scope language.

The union really got a lot of heat...from me too. It wasn't till the bankruptcy and the sale of Mesaba to NWA where we actually got any satisfaction. Big Sky and MAIR died. The MAIR letter was tied to Mesaba and MAIR. Letter didn't say anything about who OWNED Mesaba. MAIR tried to sue (could have just threatened) XJ ALPA, ALPA National, and some others in Houston Federal Court. There was no traction but still. And I heard MAIR actually approached XJ APLA for a payoff but the number was too much for them so they just folded up shop.

I still marvel at the foresight of the MAIR letter. I certainly didn't appreciate it at the time. I am not happy about Big Sky dying. I am not sure of the details but I think XJ ALPA may have dropped the ball in getting them onto our agreement but I am not sure, before my time.

In the bankruptcy, we won a few skirmishes but we lost. But the company didn't Impose the term sheets on us and they came up with an agreement. We paid but we didn't get off too bad. I think we have some valuable experience for getting the joint contract.

I wish the hard feelings didn't exist between us but I would be lying if I said I didn't agree with my MEC. As soon as my MEC says picket, if I can, I will be there. A lot of us will come.

 

I agree with pretty much every thing you said. I don't think the negotiators or the MEC are lying. I just think the XJ/9L MECs and the 9E MECs have a different definition of "progress" based on past history with the company.

 

Heard rumblings from friends at PNCL of a TA on Section 25- Scheduling.

If thats the case an overall TA would be right around the corner...yes?

 

That's the rumor. From what I hear, Sec 3 is darn close as well. Just deals with percentages on raises over the life of the contract. Duration is looking like a 5 year deal, but if we get what I'm hearing, that might not be a bad thing. Vacation and health insurance are gonna be the sticking points now. If we can get passed those hurdles, I think we might see a TA.