Strike authorization times

[bareman]

The RLA actually works pretty well if it is administered properly by the NMB. Most people are not used to that environment though, because of the previous administration's NMB. I believe that George W. Bush was quoted as saying that no airline would go on strike on his watch?? Maybe because of the mess during daddy's tenure?

The overall shift in the country as been anti-labor over the past 30 years.
In the decades before 1981, major work stoppages averaged around 300 per year.
From 1985 to 1990, the average was 52.
By 2006, the average had dropped to less than 30 a year.

from http://www.seiu.org/2010/01/origins-of-a-scab.php

 

[kellwolf]

and why in the h-e double hockey sticks, have the pilots at pinnacle not requested a release???

"Progress is being made." At least, that's what we keep hearing, even if it's baby steps. Realistically, as long as there's any progress towards a contract, the NMB will not likely release us, even if we asked until we're blue in the face. I think we DID say we'd go in for a proffer of arbitration, however, I doubt management would go for it. Seeing as how most of the stuff we're asking for is stuff 99% of the other airlines already have, it's not likely going to be good for them. So, they'll keep agreeing to work on defining language on sections that are already agreed upon.

About a month ago, I was pretty upbeat about it. Now, I'm just burned out and ready for it to be over. That being said, I refuse to vote "yes" on a turd of a contract. If we get another disaster like we did last year, I'd wager most of the people on the MEC would be recalled. If it doesn't have basic QoL improvements for reserves along with trip/duty rigs (and I'll SETTLE for a min day as long as it means RR gets a pay credit finally), I'm casting a "no" vote. That last TA actually lead to WORSE QoL for reserves than the 1999 agreement we're currently under, even though a lot of senior guys will spin it to make it sound like they were getting the short end of the stick.

I just got done with a 3 day in which I flew TWO legs. 4 hour duty day (DH worth 38 minutes), a 13 hour duty day with two cancellations (worth about 2 hours since we only get 50%), and ANOTHER 13 hour duty day with a repo flight, a 5 hour sit, a PWM-DTW flight and a DH home (total worth about 5 hours). So, that's 30 hours of duty for 7:38 of pay. Hell, even a 4 hour min day woulda netted me better credit. My FO woulda made more money slinging burgers a McDonald's.....