TA in their hands
 

Sometime today, your LEC representatives will have finally been brought inside the super-secret veil of the TA. With highlighters and red markers (lots of them!) in hand, we are now focused on thoroughly scrutinizing every line of this career-changing document.

For the next week or so, we will spend just about every waking moment (and likely many non-waking moments) assessing the quality of this potential agreement, after which both MECs will separately but simultaneously vote whether to send the TA out to the pilot group at large. That vote will likely take place approximately one week from today, unless we need more time to deliberate.

As you know, the NMB and the MEC Officers are requiring that we not discuss the contents yet. We share your frustration and think that is inappropriate; nonetheless, in order to do to our job, we must reluctantly comply. Rest assured that we have heard your requests, demands, and sentiments, and we will act accordingly.

Act accordingly? I guess we will see. Good luck to us all.

When Pierce doesn't get his way in "non-binding" arbitration, it will be delayed...........again.

This whole thing is like two homeless guys fighting over who saw the sandwich in the dumpster first, management must be laughing their a$$es. off. If half of the rumors are true, this contract is a disgrace.

Ok, got this tonight from sUAL & Heppner. Wonder which one is true?

"Despite rumors to the contrary, there is no Tentative Agreement (TA) to announce at this time. While the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) remains close to completion, there still remain several Letters of Agreement (LOAs) and a Letter of Implementation that outlines the order of implementing various Sections and provisions of the JCBA. This order of implementation is IT and event dependent. The UAL and CAL MECs will soon begin their contract education period, dubbed Ground School, which will occur before MEC votes on the contract take place. The Ground School may take seven to 10 days to complete. Every effort is being made to expedite the process. The TA will not be released outside of the MECs until the MEC vote is completed, per National Mediation Board direction."

Both are probably true. LECs probably have what the line pilot considers the 600+ page contract (TA) that, if passed, we will work under for years. The MEC Chairs have been defining a TA as the contract--plus LOA(s) and $400m dispersal, which aren't done, so it is accurate for them to say there's no TA. Heppner says as much in this blastmail when he says "there still remain several Letters of Agreement (LOAs) and a Letter of Implementation" to complete. I notice that he doesn't say that putting words to the the AIP is still remaining or that work on xyz section is still remaining, as they've been saying in every communication since August. This would lead me to believe the writing of the contract is done and the reps are starting their "ground school."

Yes, like those who proclaim it's the end of the world based solely on rumors (or half of them in your case). Sit on your hands and count to ten, wind your watch, or whatever it is you do in the face of an emergency (real or perceived). Why not wait to actually read the thing before launching into your angry man routine?

I have no opinion until I read it, then I might just join you, but least I'll know why.

Another LEC chimes in
 

"While the TA is not finished, your C-11 officers are starting to review the 25 sections that are complete. Using excerpts from a C-57 update, we want to make sure your personal information is up to date for mailings that may be sent. Additionally, make sure you are current with any ALPA dues or assessments. If you are not in good standing, you will not be able to vote on any proposed contract."

Not be able to vote? If it is anything like the leaked info it should not be brought to the membership for selling and voting unless the current officers want to be recalled.

C'mon Syd, the pie is only so big. Industry standard stuff you know. With a touch of harmonization.