Quote:
Originally Posted by JonnyKnoxville
The part where you demand an immediate result without having the patience to build the winning case.
First of all, I am not your enemy. Second, where did you ever get the idea from a former cop that I would ever suggest that a party would EVER show up in court unprepared Third, sorry about the length of this response.
As an outside observer, with considerable negotiating experience, I have some thoughts. Your no OT strategy, and the assault on the internet, as I have stated before, was in my opinion the perfect strategy. Unfortunately, you are dealing with a management, who in my opinion, makes the best airline negotiators pale in comparison. I do not envy your position. The strategy did not work and at this point it appears that you have lost this battle.
Question becomes how to salvage the best deal. I hope that ego’s are not so big, (not writing about you here), that some “off the books” talks by appropriate stakeholders are in progress, behind the scenes, and that a foundation of an exit plan is in motion.
You know more than anybody, what the true status of negotiations is. I am suggesting that perhaps, if things are as bleak as they appear, that you negotiate an end to this, and get what you can. Emphasis on a short term contract.
If things are as bad as they appear, (fake internet news and all), it would be irresponsible for your local union management to continue on course. Besides the financial stress you are placing on your members, think about the emotional stress, and the demise of your company that is happening here. It does not appear that you have the power to bring the company to their knees and to the table as has been historically the 1224 method. A strategy that works with trucking companies, but has never worked for pilot groups, as the RLA is a pain to work with.
Lastly, JK, stop defending your self and your actions. Folks are intelligent and can see what is going on here. You are doing a job that no one else wants. That’s why nobody runs against you. Believe me I have been there. The best you can hope for is that they respect and eventually thank you for guiding this pilot group thru the storm.
Good luck and please get this done. Lives are literally at stake as you continue to have to hire some pilots who do not have the skills to be in the position they have been placed in.