Building Common Ground.
 

Being a "Glass Half Full" kinda guy, I'm hoping I can start a thread where we build some common ground. I for one am excited to be a part of the world's largest airline and understand that the process of integration is difficult but that having the pilot groups working together will result in an infinitely superior result versus the calamity that otherwise would come from a brawl. So here it is: my thoughts on what we ALL have in common.

1) I like my job, and would like to strengthen my future job security.
2) I believe I am underpaid at present.
3) The Aer Lingus IAD-MAD flight is an attack on our union and profession and must be stopped.
4) Feeders are a reality that can't be undone, but it's time to draw the line and keep Continental's 50 seat restriction.
5) I expect my quality of life to get better NOT worse.
6) I have no desire to benefit from the SLI at the expense of CAL pilots, but I hope not to be hurt either (although I sure would like to be EWR based and stop commuting . . . anyone want to trade IAD 767 for EWR 767 :D)



So that's it for now. I know those are the easy ones, and I know it's tempting for the cynical side of our brain to step in with a "you're such a naive loser" comment, but I hope anyone posting here will work towards a positive discussion on what we have in common.


Cheers,

JP

Good thoughts.
 

Good post. I would like to think the average pilot at both carriers is in that area. There of course will always be extremes in both groups.

Regarding your point on scope, I believe that scope is a definite focus for the JNC. Having said that, do you think that 50 seat is recoverable while also stemming the JV issue?

I ask because everything in this process gaining a JCBA has a cost associated with it. That is just fact. Sure the ALPA cost versus the company's cost may not be the same. Nonetheless, negotiating capital will have to be expended to achieve any desired contract milestone.

That is the reality. Always has been without some huge leverage which I don't see here. Say the JNC stems the JV issue while giving into a reduced but allowed 70 seat RJ utilization by the new company that is tied to a much reduced percentage of block hours. Would that be satisfactory? Or, they agree to take a significantly smaller pay raise to stem the JV issue and cap RJs at 50 seats. Or.....

Where is your sight picture on "acceptable?" Suffice it to say that the pilots deserve gains in all areas. Is the realization among both groups that they will not get it all?

Just playing a little devil's advocate here. If Joe Pilot expects 40% pay, benefits increase, 50 seat, no more JV, etc......they are going to be sadly disappointed.

I can say it is nice to be observing from the sidelines as a voluntary furlough from UAL.

Frats,
Lee

Lee - we get it bro, you are a VOLUNTARY furlough. You state it in every post you make...what gives? We got your situation loud and clear from the first time you stated it.

I'm also observing on mil leave from CAL. But it really serves no purpose in posts I make, unless it directly relates to mil leave at our airline.

It would be nice to have some input from normal everyday line pilots on this forum. You know someone who has flown a full line of time in the last few months. Haha.

It only took 3 friggen posts to turn negative........nice job.

Adds to the fact that
 

...I don't expect anyone to take care of my interests. I know how to and am not afraid to walk away. Sure, with recall rights......I won't hold my breath. That is a safety net full of big holes so I never counted on it.

Being on mil leave is a great way to watch this whole thing. I didn't have that option anymore.....too old.

I do enjoy the show, however.

Frats,
Lee

You're such a naive loser. :D

Chill out Kernal...

.....and that would be spelled "Colonel".....as in the "Full Bird" to you.

Lee....

Couple questions for you.

You refer to being "vol. furloughed" over at the U.....of the 1400+ pilots serving furlough, how many of you guys/gals are actually "Voluntary" as opposed to out-right without a position??

You also said that you did some work with UAL with Block Hours v Scheduling.....was that pre-PBS, or after that transition?? Reason why I ask is just curious how much PBS was able to cut back (rough guess, not science) on required staffing pre vs post PBS implementation your your side of the fence.

SC