EDUC8-or
Well-Known Member
I am not surprised by the outcome. Thought it would be 60-65 range however. The younger more Facebook using crowd was probably 95% against this online. More junior pilots had more to gain by waiting, lesser retro to think about and a longer career to wait it out. Older crowd had substantial retro pay out on their way to retirement plus a good long term disability gain.
I'm not surprised it passed. I am surprised it passed by such a significant margin. Most of the guys and gals I fly with are pretty close to retirement and were yes voters. By no means am I a chest thumper, but I was (and am) firmly against the deal. People wanted to know why I voted against and my main reason was no change to our trip trade system. There are others like I'd like an extra hour of sick per month, another day off on reserve 9 months out of the year, and guaranteed better DH seats. I think these were easy wins if it got voted down.
As far as our trip trade system is concerned, it's pretty locked down right now. I had mostly two day trips on weekdays in June and was only able to trade one trip. The rest either couldn't be traded or could only be traded for four or five day trips with trailing redeyes. I think that will be relaxed slightly after the summer is over, but if you are junior and can only hold four or five day trips is is very little flexibility with your schedule.
Interestingly when I ask the yes voters what they saw that they really liked it's the money and LTD. I haven't heard anyone list any other gain, not one single one. I do feel there are some gains, but am also concerned we got outplayed and outmatched by the company. Apparently there is already some confusion between RA/RO/25 coding. And I see sections that say at the company's discretion in the contract. We all know how well that usually plays out.
I was disappointed, but no means am I bitter. I've already moved on and am attempting to learn the new contract and implementation dates as best as possible.