Expired 2012 but as a group, we made a bad call with a side letter and ended up with 0% raises due to the economy and company performance. As a group, we won't make that mistake, again.

 

So the side letter was supposed to allow for raises at the time of contract expiration if the company performance met goals? So 2013 was the target for starting retro pay instead?

 

Not to mention longer duty days for the same pay AND a year extension of our current concessionary contract! Yet another, old SWApA "negotiated", "WIN/WIN!" (for the company).


I would definitely not bet the house on that. THE reason the NC settled on the current AIP is because SWAPA polling showed conclusively that even in spite of our considerable leverage, the state of the industry and record profits, this pilot group will simply not go even close to the mat for an industry average contract.

Same as it ever was.

 

I would be interested to see the same polling data that you've seen.

Please post a link.

If you don't have a link, conjecture and rumors based solely on parts of a conversation overheard at the other end of the hotel bar are also more than sufficient.

 

My source is confidential, but highly placed in the SWAPA BOD. I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.

 

You've got one, too?

I don't believe polling data was the driving factor as to why this NC decided now is the time, and this was the deal that needed to be made. IP participation was high and increasing, membership support of SWAPA was increasing, our leverage and bargaining power was increasing. While not unanimous, I would be surprised if there's been a recent example of a more unified pilot group than what we've had the last few months.

How was our leverage countered? Hell, I don't know, but here's what I think:

-The root word of "mediation" is "medi", meaning "middle" or "center". If anyone thought a government appointed "mediator" was going to bless a "Platform and No Lower" or "Platform Plus" position during "mediated" "negotiations" that SWAPA agreed to be a part of, they were smoking crack. The Platform was a starting point, not an edict. But because it was intelligently created and realistic, it demonstrated our willingness to negotiate in good faith. But we were never going to get the whole thing.

-Finally, the company shows up, abruptly drops a billion dollars on the table and says "your move". Yeah, it should have been more, but "ONE BILLION DOLLARS" makes a solid impression on the mediator and most others involved. That was a tactic SWA borrowed from UPS management. What'd SWAPA give up? Having parking paid for? Flying better/newer jets for more pay?

-Another tactic GK has used in the past was giving employees the choice between "reward" and punishment. "If you guys don't want to play ball, I have no problem chopping your airline up and putting you on the street. (SIA 2)". I think everyone agrees GK et al has something up their sleeve. We're not going to grow organically and we're not going to stagnate. That leaves plenty of room for threats to be made out of purview of mediation and behind the curtains of non-disclosure agreements. That may explain JW's cryptic statement "There will be battles to fight in the future and we will need everyone."

-Let's not forget that the people involved in the process are human beings. How much time and effort are we going to ask (demand) from John and the NC and their families? Watch again the last video updates from Casey and John. They look like absolute hell. But that's because they've given more than anyone else. I'd like to meet the conceited SOB that thinks they can give more to this process and get more in return. I'd like to gut punch anyone who wants someone else to do it for them.

Anyhow, I think it's much more complicated than just polling data. Cheers.

 

Define recent. One year ago, 38% voted for almost zero raises and a .7% increase in 401K. I promise you that the polling would show that this pilot group had reached the limits on how far it would go to get a better deal. I have 4 pages of screen shots of backstabbers that had no problems picking up from the company on picket day. Many at straight pay. 80% would vote YES right now based on bullet points only. Never underestimate how clueless and spineless this pilot group can be and you will never be disappointed.

 

I was looking for examples of a more unified group than what we have today, not a year ago. You gave an example of less unification. I don't get it. My point being, it's about as good as it gets right now.

Polling data is just data, not a binding obligation. It's a mere consideration, one of many, for the NC to account for when they, in their best judgement, decide what is achievable.

Ever hear the George Carlin bit that goes something to the effect of "Ever notice how everyone that drives slower than you is an idiot and everyone that drives faster than you is an A-hole?"

If anyone who accepts less than you is clueless and spineless, what would you call a guy who won't settle for anything less than paid-parking, a 20% B plan, a $100,000 signing bonus, and a unicorn? Seriously, how would you describe him/her?

 

Our next SWAPA president.
It doesn't matter what I think. What matters is that SWAPA leadership thinks this is as much as we can get because they are best equipped to gauge resolve.
It wouldn't surprise me to see several of the company apologists get elected. They will then dial back the tough talking union rhetoric and help rebuild the "mutually beneficial" relationship that never existed.

 

If the BOD were to not send this AIP out as a TA, there would be a SWAPA membership mutiny in less than 24 hours. We gratefully unified for the last six months, but it ain't anywhere near what you think it is. And SWAPA knows it.