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As much as I’d wish there would be a stampede out the door, I don’t think it will happen. Has it ever? Well maybe after United got that holy mother of god contract in I believe 98….when we had captains quitting. I bet they are right inline with their forecast attrition and as long as they follow their super tight conservative business plan that makes the shareholders and board happy. They could care less about us. They got a windfall in April 2005 and it’s going to take years and years of work and solidarity to get back even “some” of what we had. The union sends out unhappy emails on how the company isn’t bargaining in good faith, why would they? At least our reps are listening and conveying to the union leadership that this crap is enough. The senior crowd who cared less about scope is taking a keen eye to all the E jets doing our flying………so it’s not worth the paper it’s printed on right?Originally Posted by Moose
Maybe another 2 years in negotiations with NMB. I hope they’re ready for the stampede out the front door as newer CBAs come to other airlines. Alaska will be left in the dust as other airlines see higher pay rates; far superior work rules; enjoy industry standard scope; have healthy retirement plans……etc. Pilots are a commodity. If you’re going to sell gold (your services) at $900/oz while others receive market rate at $1761, you might have a hard time justifying that
Even if negotiations take years I think it’s worth it rather than having a hasty TA shoved down our throats with minimal gain. I hate how JL a while back said to put the past behind us and move on. Yeah, maybe so. But the sting of 2005 (going from $120hr to $80hr and almost losing our house) is a good lesson in how our management reacts to getting something they want, they want MORE. Kasher earned us a spot at the sh#& sandwich buffet and just when we think we moved away… BAM we are right back in the buffet line. My input to the union reps is by all means take your time. The addition of VA crews helps our position greatly hopefully all these factors get us/future pilots a better contract down the road.
BTW I hate being a Debbie downer but sometimes with this company it’s like being Chaz Michael Michaels coming from behind the stage for his Grublets on ice performance in Blades of Glory.
Guess after all the years here I could quit. But then why give a junior guy a spot up and give up this awesome character building experience. Sometimes ya gotta laugh.