Thanks Short Bus. Yes, 70% voted for it, including ME. Other than being fooled by the roadshows into believing that it didn't include trip averaging, I still think that it was not that bad a contract. ALPA's experts didn't find it poor (at the time) . In reality, it was good as long as we belonged to Scotty and Jacob. In the hands of Indigo, our contract was found to be like swiss cheese.

But that was 2003. These guys are talking about 2007. NOBODY said trust us. The elected Reps stated publicly that the TA package would go to the membership. It was never written into the policy manual because the negotiators always need the ability to imply that they could get MEC ratification in case of a really great deal.
If you saved the AMES messages, I believe you will find assurances that the membership would get to vote on the contract.

How's the rails? in the end, you may end up better than all of us. if so, good on you.

you need to stop listening to people with an agenda for personal power.

IF the Herbites had intended to ram a contract down the groups throat, YOU WOULD HAVE A CONTRACT!. It really is that simple. We could have gotten a contract, and the pilots would have likely voted to ratify said contract. However, the MEC had promised dramatic improvements and chose to pass the torch to the next MEC rather than accept less than promised.

We could have had a deal summer 2006, had the MEC been willing to accept "cost neutral" and get the pay raise from productivity increases.

Try to get some facts next time.

[quote=skybolt;703285]
The elected Reps stated publicly that the TA package would go to the membership. It was never written into the policy manual because the negotiators always need the ability to imply that they could get MEC ratification in case of a really great deal.
[quote]

This is my point. It should only be considered a great deal if the membership thinks it's a great deal, not just the MEC. I just don't like the power in the hands of a few. I respect your opinion, though, and I know you are a good guy (if you are who I think you are). I agree that this is a dispararte group, and it will be an interesting vote when we get to one.

[QUOTE=Left Handed;703704][quote=skybolt;703285]
The elected Reps stated publicly that the TA package would go to the membership. It was never written into the policy manual because the negotiators always need the ability to imply that they could get MEC ratification in case of a really great deal.
No, the point is that keeping the company in the dark regarding who will be able to make the final decision is a plus for us in negotations.

As long as the official policy is neutral on MEC ratification vs membership ratification, the negotiators can play the company both ways.

If you don't like the power in the hands of a few, you should read the ALPA
C & BL's. The power is in the hands of a majority at a Local meeting. That's reality, just nobody cares to fight that fight.

Can someone in the November recall class give us a little scoop? Anything interesting?

Ive got a friend in class now, he is trying to find out what the plans are for JAN-MAR. Of course the are gonna be rumors at best. But I hope for some more call by FEB for a MAR class!!!

We'll see.

Yea, that would be good to know what they are being told.

This is what he told me:

4-5 A/C next year. Starting as early as JAN.
Small recall possible by FEB or MAR.
The recall is small due to the fact that they want to use some of the new A/C as SPARES. (??? i always thought an a/c on the ground looses money)
If FAA passes the new rest reg.(?) they have to increase workforce by 15%. Means all furloughs plus new people.

NOT OFFICIAL, it is what they are being told.

(personally, I always keep my hopes up, specially now, it is a matter of time, and I don't think that time it is much further.)

Not the best, but certainly not the worst.

Cheers.:)

You are right. My understanding is the FAA has been pressuring Spirit to have one or two spare aircrafts based on their use. I don't think it comes from their good intentions. I may be wrong.

What's up with our POI jump-seating quizzing everyone specially the FO's, from FLL-DTW nonstop, I thought they were there to OBSERVED???:confused: