Sorry Albie but if you support this a-hole in any way or fashion you lost my vote. Waffling on how he might be our a-hole is weak.

I think you guys are reading way too much into a list of names in an E Mail. I would be happy with any of the F/Os named but I don't think it is likely. I will translate MEC speak for you:

Thus far, the following individuals have expressed interest in the Negotiating Committee Chairman position:

The "Thus far" indicates current MEC leadership is not sure that someone from the current list will "toe the line". They have spent the last 24 hours arm twisting someone from the correct demographic to step up.

Been wrong before, but that is my bet.

Fub,

The difference between the way I look at the job and some other guys is I came here with a (admitted wild and goofy) thought and shared it with you. So far, the consensus has pretty much been "that's an interesting and goofy idea, and why don't you take it and shove it up your @ss! " I at least ASKED you guys what you thought...and I think I got the picture. DON'T EVEN CONSIDER IT! I came here (as I will in the future) throwing out thoughts and ideas and seeking input. And while I didn't get the Wilson center to send out a poll to APC members I think I pretty much got the flavor of how everyone feels.

Okay. Loud and clear. I won't. I consider this on brain storming forum, nothing more. I wanted to stimulate some thought--and get your take. Message recieved.

My original thought sort of paralleled what happened in Scotland many years ago. (Read your books--don't just think Braveheart here--great movie but still a movie version of the facts). We all know William Wallace was the inspiration for Braveheart and a superior fight, motivator, and leader. He is the soul of Scottish independence. However, it was Robert Bruce, a local that was mad at the Brits for scorning him, and a treacherous, deceitful, morally ambivilient leader that eventually defeated the British. He was no saint, but ultimately he got the job done. (Sidebar: Read "Born Fighting" by James Webb, Va Senator).

Next shot across the membership's bow... If some here really feel like the contract was skewed in favor of the senior guys last time (VEBA, GRID penalties, etc) then how would you feel with a younger, less experienced F/O running the negotiations? Does our best negotiatior HAVE to be a captain? Do you think buried in his heart will be a bit more sympathy to the guys who's careers will stagnate for 5 years (or more) due to age 65 and retro provisions?

Discuss--stir the pot--and I know some of you are heading to get your torches, pitchforks, and tar!

Why the hell we can't vote for him instead of Hillary I can't comprehend....

1) If we have to fight the British...Then I'm all for DM leading the way. Otherwise, I'd prefer we flog him.


2) I am a captain, a widebody captain...And, I have news for you. My career is also going to stagnate for 5 years, or so. Albeit, at a higher rate of pay. But, it is still going to stagnate. And, I only have 8 to go(to 60). I'd rather not spend them at the seniority I am now. So, the amount of sympathy that everyone thinks they deserve for this age 65 debacle is all relative.

All good points, Busboy.

I don't think the company negotiators are British. In fact, at times I'm not sure they are even human.

Surprised to see nothing said about "with or without us" MH. He is the guy who wrote the letter defending his position on the LOA and used the "with or without us" line. I'd rather have DM than a union guy who quotes Fred to get your vote!

Sounds perfect to get us more incremental scope improvements.

Valid point

Albie,

Keep it simple. There really isn't a place for a former management guy(especially this one) in this type of position. The 'fix' for the union/mgt issue is us the line pilots vetting each person and giving our input. Not glamorous and requires people to actually contact their reps or campaign their fellow pilots but it's the best way. Recently, another ALPA property had a former CP who sold the line pilots a contract that wasn't up to par lose his CP job and pop up as a MC after a little recall coup. He then proceeded to bash the company and the contract he sold just a year or so earlier. It didn't end well....