Hi Pit,
I have always felt the way I do now; however, the last few years were "survival mode" tatics IMHO. I was not a "just shut it down" or we "should fall on our swords to save the industry" type of guy...because, it would have made no difference except those of us still employed at US Airways would not have a job.
The way I saw it was we could be like EAL dig our heels in and just have the whole airline go away (for not), or we could be like Continental and attempt to negotiate deals that MIGHT result in keeeping our jobs, and in the years to come negotiate back pay and benefits if there was a strong airline to bargin with.
First, I am happy we got to where we are today to be in a position to fight for our collective goods, and
Second, today if a far different time than the past few years.
It is now time to...well, be like YOU 🙂
I think you will see the vast majority of pilot rally towards these goals (and I hope other groups too).
Thank you PIT for all of yours years of leadership! BTW, how is the new job?
New job is just great! Thanks.
I had taken a very polarized position back then and for just cause. Battling in BK has a greater potential to render the union helpless in negotiating fairly, and possibly wipe out all the provisions that have any worth. Your dealing not only with the courts, creditors, but the public as well. I found that garnering public sympathy will directly have a huge impact on negotiating. The public support we received through the years was nothing short of phenominal. It was odd, yet funny. Once the public had your MO, they thought they could e-mail you with all their customer complaints and problems to get some reslove to their issue. They figured, heck you were helping your group...how about helping them...I had to write to the customers too, and copy in ALL OF SENIOR MANAGMENT...LOL...managment knew at that point...we had the public! Great strategy during those difficult years.
The unions have a choice. They can go with the blows or take an extreme position. Many of the leaders,(ALPA PIT/PHL, IAM, certain leaders of CWA included) take a hard stance position and use everything within their legal means to force management and the BOD to have some compromise. Often times, you have to argue even with your own leadership and International legal, who look often times to take the easier path of least resistance.
With Jerry G at the table for 4 years you have to get real crafty. He made my work life that much toughter, and I became extremely ambitious and tenacious. My actions became unpredictable for him, and management. This unpredictablility, believe it or not, helped the compromise process to a degree vs. none. Helped my group obtain items or save them...or else
😛 Geezus, at one point Jerry G. and "just call me Dave" were e-mailing me daily in their attempt to control this out-of-control, loose cannon.
And I agree with everyone of your points...that day has arrived for the collective groups to receive even a few % increase as an enhancement for wage, specifically when medical for all of U will be increasing every single year until you guys reach 40% by 2009.I know that in the AFA contract, it stated that the group would have to come to the table in 2008 to renegotiate medical again depending on the Company's cost.
If the company would even revisit the wage and make it go into effect Jan. 2007 to increase gross, it may keep all of U employees to remain at status quo for their medical contributions, or increase the flex spending. Some may be able to increase their 401K specifically with no defined pension credits, the 401K is imperative.
Peace
🙂
