So what's the thought on this possible former TWA pilots award? If ALPA comes for an assessment to cover an award, will that be the death of ALPA?

Hey Hockey,

Some industrial psychologists call this " fear of legitimacy ". Basicly, you don't feel like you deserve any more, so do not rock the boat.

We only receive what we negotiate, not what we deserve....but if we, as a group, don't feel as if we deserve more, why would a company negotiator ?

In Unity,
BG

I'll be perfectly honest. After I read the contract survey I had the exact same thought. My other thought, was "wow I'm glad I don't work at USAir". Man, they are getting spanked in nearly every category.

Just because we are doing better than (most of) our peers doesn't mean we shouldn't be shooting for large improvements though. I was mostly taken by how beaten down this career is, if our current contract is equal to or better than (most of) the other legacy carriers.

All that said, I think as the "premier global airline", we should be compensated as such. There's no reason we shouldn't be shooting for +1 in every category in that comparison. If we matched or exceeded FedEx and SWA in all 5 survey categories, I'd be pleased.

We need to keep reminding everyone we come into contact with, that the vast majority of that comparison is based on bankruptcy era contracts. Anything less than a hefty restoration will be a NO vote for me.

I'm still willing to give the process a chance. However, now that we've been educated on the negotiating environment/process I want to start hearing ideas of how we CAN achieve major contractual gains, not reasons why we shouldn't even ask.

FWIW, I attended the Section 6 roadshow in ATL last week and I did not get the feeling that any sort of negotiating platform has been decided, yet. The contract survey will be out in a month or so, and the collective desires of the pilot group will hopefully steer the course (as it's supposed to.) We'll see.

The only percent that matters is percent above SWA pay and scope.

They can debate it till the cows come home. If their "negotiations" (read throat ramming) fall apart based on their (lack of) understanding of the definition of those words, then it will go to arbitration where an arbiter probably won't care whether it is one or the other anyway... therefore my irrelevant comment.

Windfall? Really?

I have found something to say to the skippers who don't seemed concerned about restoration. Anytime we see a SWA jet the following occurs:

"Hey Boss, you see that guy in the right seat of that purple jet?"

"Yeah"

"Ya know he makes more than you"

"What?!?!?"

An enlightening conversation usually follows

Thank you for pointing out my arrogance and reminding me of my proper place.

Boomer;

I gotta hand it to you, you crack me up.

These types of awards happen all the time. Juries get out of control and award millions to people who order hot coffee and then try and drive and spill it. You hear about the huge awards. The reductions in the awards to pennies on the dollar that occur by judges later on don't make the news. Alpa is also insured against these types of lawsuits. The insurance company will make the final decision on when to settle. It wont have a major economic impact on ALPA.