Bill, I have resigned myself to the fact that you are proud of the concessions we gave, and that you believe in the company union concept of labor relations.
That's your first mistake! "Proud" has never entered my thoughts regarding concessions. And the company union concept is working. But it is not the concept that you portray on these boards....ie..."Pajama Party", "In bed with the company" etc You don't want to believe anything that could even remotely be successful so you take every chance you get to shoot it down. That is your perrogative my friend.
But to defend yourself by using an example of those that your "without further ratifications" placed in a competetive dissadvantage in the industry which led to Bankruptcy filings, loss of jobs, and other worker suffering is over the top.
What are you talking about? The vote was made Informer. Concessions approved by ALL 3 UNOINS AND ITS MEMBERS. So you are saying that because the unions chose to fight it out and not got the BK route that is the cause of what you state above? Is the TWU causing global warming to??? I would guess there is more to a failing company than just 3 unions choosing to stay out of BK.
You actually gloat in the fact that your industry leading concessions of 2003 and more so for the last twenty years have led this skilled profession to being at the bottom of the barrel and in some instances complete collapse.
Gloating?????
You think more like Airline Management, than a union member.
Wrong! I am union thru and thru. But because my choice to help my union brothers and sisters is different than yours that makes me just like management. Brilliant conclusion!
You can continue to disregard those at the line stations, those at other airlines, and those workers that in the future will suffer from your continuous capitulation to management demands.
I have never disregarded anyone. I have fought for many issues relating to those you mentioned and I have not surrenderd to anything or anyone. You don't have the first clue to what this working together process entails. You don't have a clue to what information we now have access to that we were denied before. You just don't like the concept so you damn it. Another perrogative.
I know, as long as "You've got yours brother" you have complete disregard for others. But my bet is in the end, you pay the price for that philosophy.
I do have mine and you have yours and he has his and she has hers etc etc etc. I also know that it is a hell of alot more than others. Tell me, what price will I pay???
I do know that my union brothers and sisters at SWA and UPS wish we could somehow grow some courage and change folks like yourself. You never seem to make mention of their pay and benefit structure. And given the next TWU negotiations have been announced those at other arilines can surely look forward to another TWU first in the concession column, and know that their respective management negotiators will be demanding to match the next TWU debacle.
SWA and UPS are in a different financial state than AA. You can't even compare. If they are sitting back and waiting to see what the TWU will do they are in quite disaray then aren't they. You'd think they'd have better things to do. Hey, why is it that you haven't joined them at SWA or UPS????? You'd think if it is as bad as you claim....for over 25 years for God's sake, you'd have been gone. What's up??
Why don't you step out on a limb Bill and tell us what you think we will happen the next time the TWU goes to the bargaining table on your behalf? Will it be another 6 year contract with 6.5% raise? Will it be another B Scale without a defined pension plan? Or will it be a seperaion of the line versus overhaul contracts that will place you squarely in competition with the non-union MRO? Will be a complete elimination heath insurance followed by a TWU sales flyer offering costly coverage?
No matter how I answer this loaded question you will find a way to rip me on anything I say. I am not directly involved in all that so I can't say what they will ask for. Will we get it all back....maybe....maybe not. I do know that those involved are aware of "your" opinions, expectations. I also know they have sacrificed just like you have. The gloves will be off.
Come on Bill, give us your insight and wisdom?
By the way, I know union members from Northwest that were paid retraining by the state of Minnesota, left the industry and are now considerably better off than you or me! Many of them running their own companies and are probably hoping a union like yours will show up to represent their workers so they can profit from paying substandard wages for their respective industries. So go ahead and gloat about those that were not so fortunate, but remember, the TWU is soon bringing your next concession.
Lucky for them. I am glad that some (probably more like a few) were able to succeed. And how many was that??? 3-4000????? Now that would be a success story compared to what the majority endured. You encompass me as this selfish, only in it for me, don't care about anyone else, ass-kissing unoin member but when you shrug off the thousands who lost their jobs, insurance, their pensions, their livlihood, because face it Informer that is the stance you take, that all or nothing mentality, what does that make you? You continue to blame the TWU!
:down: 
