You sign this contract now and you are hosing everyone for the next 10 years. Please understand the single biggest variable in the industry "MERGERS" and it is fueling all these Labor talks. How will you feel making $19, worst vacation in the industry, worst sick time, etc., and working for United who will love to keep you at your substandard wages as its own are making much much more and enjoying better benefits? Where have we seen this before? Dude, you have already seen the movie. The same thing you are trying to get us all into is exactly where the America West people are right now. You and all of us would be the equivalent of the current situation at US West. No way in hell does United move you up to scale if you have a contract that 'socks it to you' till 2011. I doubt you will enjoy making considerably less than others in the same company. I got news for you, your company isn't going to look the same in 6 months!
I told you all about this United/US AIRWAYS merger. Some of you just aren't listening.
OK, it's already starting to happen, just a minute ago from the financial times,
"People familiar with the carrier said Continental has had preliminary discussions with United and American.
United in turn is considering its own options in consolidation, including a combination with US Airways, the people said.
"Our preference has been to remain independent as long as the competitive landscape remained the same," Larry Kellner, Continental's chief executive, said. "However, the landscape is changing."
US Airways, the smallest US legacy carrier, may be an inexpensive alternative for United or American, industry executives said. The cost savings either larger airline could achieve through the purchase may easily exceed US Airways' market capitalisation of less than $1bn, they said.
Fuzz, what aren't you understanding about why Hemenway wants you to have a pathetic contract? Why aren't you convinced that Hemenway DOES have to come back? I told you we had 6 upper brass come in to ORD two weeks ago. I told you that Tilton and Parker met twice. Look for US AIRWAYS to be gobbled up by United or American although I believe united. Also look for you to stay under your current contract until 2015 if you pass it.
here's the full Financial Times article:
Click Here
Regards,
Tim Nelson
IAM Local Chairman, 1487, Chicago
email: appearances1@aol.com