And there's a perfect example of the problem.

We have way too many guys like this who outsmart themselves with that kind of thinking, believing they know better.

How's that vacation change working out?

We are our own worst enemy.

SWA is the largest airline in terms of domestic travel in the US. If we shut down it would drastically affect commerce.

The RLA will not allow a strike where that would occur. The last strike allowed was Spirit when they had less than 1,000 pilots. We have nearly 10,000.

We can vote to strike. We’ll never get the chance. Management knows it. Your only shot at a quick CBA is to hold more leverage than the other side. The massive turnout during the pickets apparently worked in 2016. Food for thought....

Again...negotiations are hours old and our pilot group is already neutering itself with gross misunderstandings.

The RLA doesn't allow/not allow a strike. The NMB can't force you to negotiate forever (assuming you negotiate in good faith). The PEB can't stop a strike. Only Congress can step in after very likely 2, 30 day cooling off periods. Congress has never prevented an airline from seeking self-help, only railroads.

The media scrutiny on the company (and pilot group), and the loss of revenue during the cooling period will be massive. Customer access to technology and SWA permissive booking policies will further exacerbate this effect. This is real leverage.

There are some excellent resources on the SWAPA website explaining the RLA and book away phenomenon. Hopefully as we go into negotiations, more pilots become aware of process.

There is no reason we should not have an ILC.

Proximity....

You are incorrect about a PEB not stopping a strike. I went on Strike at AA in 1997.... for about 32 minutes before Clinton called the PEB and we were required to go back to flying.

https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/15/b...them-back.html

Kap

A PEB starts another cooling off period, during which each side must maintain status quo. However, a PEB cannot prevent a strike once the PEB cooling off period expires. Again...only Congress can prevent a strike.

In the 1997 AA negotiations, Clinton called a PEB right as the NMB cooling off period ended, stopping the strike right when it started. Then negotiations continued leading to a contract that was approved by the majority of APA members. No doubt AA pilots got a better deal than if they had believed that the "RLA will never release us", but I'm least knowledgeable about AA so maybe someone else can fill in the gaps.

What happens if you don't go back to work. Do they put all the pilots in jail?

The early open is great I guess. I don’t think it will make a bit of difference, though. The contract was completely rewritten by SWAPA. Look for the easy sections to get settled early and the tough ones to linger for a couple of years at least. This is not going to be quick at all.
I would not be surprised to see the company publicly (on YouTube like with the FAs) offer an extension as their opener.
The trouble with this pilot group is that there are too many independent thinkers and company guys who just can’t help themselves. We saw it last time and we will see it again. I am optimistic that this time will be better, but let’s face facts. The company has hired a former SWAPA President and a sworn enemy former crew scheduler as their pilot labor relations team. How do you think that is going to work out for us?

We had to start early to settle on a220 rates!

Jk

I am ready to vote YES right now.!
It might feel good to be part of the majority once.

Recent history shows, with multiple work groups, that SWA prefers to extend negotiations years beyond contractual expiration dates.