Originally Posted by Viperstick

My initial read of the TA left me nonplussed. The pay raises were tepid (considering how much inflation has eaten away at purchasing power) and it appeared ADD PAY was used to solve all the previous problems we had with the contract. After looking more closely, I began to see things that caused great concern for the future of our profession. The biggest was allowing contract PI's at TK. This is a huge leverage giveaway, regardless of how innocuous it may seem now. Furthermore, the changing of reserve rules to allow 0600 departures on the first day is yet again a giveaway we should be careful about selling.

I sat on my decision until yesterday when I read the PRO-CON letters. The PRO letter seemed to be written to scare us into voting for the contract as this would be the best we could possibly do, considering a dark future economic outlook for the country. It also seemed to insinuate anything proffered by the CON side was simply misinformation. After two years of "experts" deriding supposed misinformation from other corners, only to have those same experts look like fools when the misinformation turned out to be fact, this approach seemed incredibly off key. On the other hand, the CON letter laid out a methodical, cogent explanation of the impact some of these Easter eggs could have in the long run. The foresight shown by the CON letter writers thus sounded more like my union representatives and less like management sycophants. I wasn't here for the lost decade, but I have no desire to set conditions that could facilitate its return.

If all you're looking at is $$$, then this contract should leave you wanting. If you care about the future of our profession, this contract should alarm you. The fact that this appeared so unexpectedly should signal a shift in the negotiating climate, particularly in light of the growing agitation at other airlines. I voted no because I won't be scared into voting for something with obvious warts. I encourage others to look carefully at the downside of this TA and consider where it could take us.

Originally Posted by Mytime2025

TA IS SUSPENDED.

MEC knew this is failing and got an out. I don't give a **** how we get it done, just get it done. Retirement plan will be the only way any TAs will pass.

Originally Posted by Cruz Clearance

I would pull to that old vacancy chestnut and say "The TA is in flux"

Maybe unprecedented, but ALPA legally probably can't back out of an active vote. We have until July 15 and the MEC is not even selling it anymore.
It should be 99.5 percent NO not including the 7-10 percent who can never be bothered to pay attention anyway. A no brainer.

Originally Posted by Mitch Rapp

The MEC needs to come out and literally tell the pilots to vote NO. Sadly, I have little faith in this pilot group to do it on our own. The forums are a GREAT resource but too many people are scared away from it because of the handful of jerks that constantly post nonsense. Of course, said scared pilots could also just ignore those posts. 🤦‍♂️

Originally Posted by AxlF16

Great post - especially this 👍

Originally Posted by A Well Known and Respected Pilot

From another forum:

Hello all-

Over the last week I've literally had hundreds of texts and messages about this TA. I have the upmost respect for ALPA, our reps and committee volunteers......as well as a love for our airline and pilot group. After weighing in all the options, listening to pros and cons, town halls, Q & A emails and tonight- the AA TA released- this hasn't settled well with me. I've been torn on this...but my gut has said this doesn't feel right.

There has been hundreds and hundreds of comments and some very detailed thoughts and insight. After tonight's MEC update- I feel this is the final red flag to say: "time out". I've voted No- we need to reassess, regroup and re-adapt to this post-Covid environment and what our future brings. This is the time to be truly United and I hope we can come together to reach a successful future. I greatly appreciate the effort and time the MEC and NC have put on this and believe they truly were doing what they felt was best. Things have changed and this may take some time to reassess this situation. I only want success for all of us and I want our United Next plan to be successful as well as the best work rules, contract and stability for our pilot group.

This is my opinion and I respect all who have taken the time to share all their views. There is no right and wrong- it's what's best for you, your family and pilot group. To the new hires- I know you aren't allowed to vote at this time, but please know - you are family too and most of us try to vote on what's best from the most junior to the top to protect and enhance the lives of all United pilots. No matter how you vote, I expect continued respect of our ALPA leadership as well as each other.

Originally Posted by AntiPeter

Yes. At times I have thought twice about coming to United. At times I have regretted my decision.

Yes. I have been disappointed.

If the pilots at UAL turn down this agreement and on the other side show solidarity and strength, my faith in the industry and pilot group will be restored.

Originally Posted by CALPilotToo

Why anyone would choose UAL over FedEx and UPS is beyond me. I get it from the outside looking in but if one truly does their homework no way is it justified to come here over those two. And after seeing this Id be getting my stuff in at FedEx and UPS so quick. The career earnings and retirement numbers at those two places is staggering over a career at UAL. Mind blowing the differences…

Originally Posted by Broncofan

completely agree, I really enjoy working here and am proud of our culture.. but we need to vote no to keep it that way and get something better.