Quote:
Originally Posted by Laughing_Jakal
Sure woulda been nice to get those A-380 rates locked in when the aircraft switch came up instead of crossing fingers and assuming they would apply. (Think Cowardly Lion from the wizard of Oz....."I don't believe in spooks, I don't believe in spooks") Seems like we ratified 2 (count 'em 2) LOA's since they anounced the switch and we didn't lock it in.
I like how the union talks about it's "Business Approach", but in reality I feel like I am dealing with sub-prime mortgage writer. Seems the other side is used to us putting up with some pretty childish stances on their part.......especially since we ate the LOA's.
Good work by FE......I think he is doing the best he can under the circumstances.
I chew my kids out for renegotiating a deal based on semantics....."Dad, you said I 'should'.....not that I had to"....."Depends on what the definition of the word "is" is. "B-777 is the replacement for the A-380.......but not for pay". I hope they never get to see these arguments as examples.
Think of it this way......
Since our contract negotiations and contract ratification, the Company has been systematically establishing a record of bad faith negotiating - all take and no give.
Meanwhile - in every case (including the contract ratification) our union and its membership has systematically demonstrated a willingess to "work with the company in a businesslike manner" - IN ALL AREAS - biting the bullet in many cases in the "spirit of cooperation"
Now - the company's chickens are about to come home to roost.
The arbitrator (System Board) may not even rule in our favor on the 777 Pay Rates.
All the 777 slots may be bid up by greedy ND's or other senior hogs to the trough.
BUT........
(Key Point Coming Next)
ANY WORK RULES REGARDING THE COMPANY USING THE 777 AS ANYTHING OTHER THAN A REGULAR WIDEBODY MUST BE NEGOTIATED AND
RATIFIED BY THE MEMBERSHIP AS CHANGES TO THE CBA. (all the contract language as it's written now specifically states "A380" and does not mention "777")
I'll admit, the time has come to stop giving the company "the benefit of the doubt".
By taking it up the orifice on just about everything since the contract (and maybe even including the contract) under the guise of the "businesslike relationship" - our union has positioned themselves brilliantly to win on the 777 work rules.
We've been MORE than accomodating over the last 3 years. It's our time to take now.
So, let the ND Bubbas bid it - the only thing different they'll get out of it is a 777 type rating and to fly a "brand new" airplane - big woop!
We don't have to ratify any changes to the CBA without a HUGE incentive ($$$)
just a thought.