L,

In the conversation(s) you are referring to, did the MEC member say that negotiations would continue while the NMB was brought up to speed, or are we basically in holding until whoever gets assigned is fully briefed?

Thanks

 

He said progress was being made with the company negotiators. The mediator would be involved as agreed to in the TA. The impression he gave was the negotiations would continue after the first of the year. From what I gathered asking for mediation doesn't actually mean we get one right away. So to answer your question, yes they will continue to negotiate while a mediator is chosen and briefed.

He said expect the contract by summer and the SLI by this time next December. They said they were not putting this stuff in print as the words the MEC puts out are dissected by all parties and not always in a positive way.



L

 

L,

I think you did just put it in print

Hope you/they are correct. Heck, maybe they'll just tell the NMB folks on day one, "just kidding," you can go home now.

That would be great news for all involved taking a timeline like you mentioned previously. I'll be the first to say job well done and thumbs up.

Looking forward to reading the TA announcement this summer. Check back with you then. Until then, one question, the 1 billion you mentioned is I'm assuming net gain after the cost of all the JCBA's. Guess the contract is going to be something because that is only half the amount of "synergy" mgmt spouted pre-merger if memory serves.

Frats,
Lee

 

All I can say about this timeline is that they better start recalls right after the Holidays. I can feel the love comming on for this summer.

 

The big difference is I'm not an mec official. If I print what was heard there is wiggle room for the MEC I suppose. The guys were in several cities spreading the word. A friend was in Tokyo at the downtown layover hotel and ALPA was there. Guess that is where my assessment is going. Giving MEC members TYO vacations. At least the guys I talked to were in a domicile.

Yes the billion dollar number was net. Also they said the company was making money and the sooner they combined the better monetarily for the corporation. Supposedly the finance consultant we are paying from the assessment is positive too on the contract. But, ALPA consultants have a history of selling us a pig in a poke.

L

 

You sure you wish to make that statement? You might want to reconsider Capt Kent.

Or better yet call your rep. Get the facts before you react
L

 

Nothing gets done easy.

 

From a blastmail sent today from EWR ACP Capt. Mike Bowers:


1. EFB/Ipad Update: As I mentioned on a previous blastmail we are looking at using IPads. I was under the impression that the IPads would be replacing the EFB's, but that does not seem to be the case. Here is what I am hearing now.

The Ipad or a device like it will be issued to each individual pilot later this year in order to be used to store AFM, FOM, training manuals etc. We may issue charts to these devices also. They are for use outside the flight deck, but may also be used in the flight deck to reference a manual such as a AFM or FOM. They are not to be used to view charts in the flight deck. The EFBs i.e. Class two EFBs will continue to be installed in all B757 aircraft and the B767 aircraft. The B767 is delayed as the maintenance schedule for those is really spread out as the installs are done on heavy checks. We will be updating the EFB software shortly as we have received the approval of the new software from the AEG so we just need to obtain local FAA Ops approval. We will be seeking FAA approval to use the Ipad-like devices to back-up the aircraft EFBs, that is if a EFB becomes inop in flight then the Ipad-like device may be used to view charts. We have completed an assessment of approx eight different units and the Ipad is looking the best of all these "tablet PCs", Jeppesen is working on the back end of the software in order to support the devices. We will know more early in January.

 

Shall we name a few names on the ALPA consultants. Not necessary. We both know who they are.

It's good to hear. Read a "magenta line" that is a significant shift from previous one's IMO. Looks like that unified front may be developed. Bravo.

Perhaps there are external forces on the company pushing them towards achieving the end game of integration sooner rather than later. I can only postulate that an external influence may by default be helping the overall cause now that the MEC's are playing nice together.

One can wonder. I can see the "Labor Strategy" department (that might be HR in other nice companies) coming up with a plan for full frontal attack, 70 seat CAL code share, JV's etc., knowing if they go through, great, if they don't, minimal loss, but at least we showed a strong hand. At the same time, they are getting pressure from whatever entity to push through to fruition and completely consummate the merger. The company's hope, they showed a strong hand (bluffed with minimal risk) while hopefully got the pilots to blink and reduce their expectations.

Negotiating 101: negotiate from a position of power (even if you don't really have it).

BTW, I do get and read all the ALPA emails. I was aware of the station visits.



Frats,
Lee

 

What is the status of EFB's/iPads?