Pilot Concessions

[TDR1502C]

Why don't we all just skip to the chase and take a hosing that causes Southwest, Jetblue, Airtran, and any other rinky-dink LCC to have to take concessions to keep up with us. I'm tired of this "Keeping up with the Jones" on the way to the bottom. Let's do it in one step and get it done with, so we can rebuild the industry. Ever since I started in this field after Kahn's "I hate ALPA" folly we have been beaten over the head about how we have to stay competitive with such-and-such low rent operation. Let's hit bottom and start an up cycle, even if it tanks a few zombie airlines with political connections.

Other than that, make good on the previous concession's promises and maybe we can talk, though it doesn't sound good when VP's come around to the crew chiefs before openers telling them that a Southwest style maintenance program that would only employ half of us is in the future. Why vote yes when the Checklist For The Future doesn't include some of us?

 

[NWACSA]

That per diem is a couple dollars an hour to pay for meals. It is hardly enough to pay for all meals out. I wish the airlines would let us eat and expense our meals (like they do in regular business), then we'd be able to go out for a decent meal instead of fast food (which is about how much money per diem is). Hey Borescope, do you know how much the per diem is per hour? Didn't think so!

Per diem is to supplement the cost of being away from your hme, not to cover every expense in-full. If you were at home, you will still be forced to pay something for meals, why do you think you should have a steak dinner entirely on the company dole? Would be nice, but not the intent behind per-diem pay.

 

[Bigsky]

[Northwest pilots prefer pay cuts to job cuts
Liz Fedor, Star Tribune
May 26, 2004NWA0526
Pilots at Northwest Airlines want their $200 million in annual labor savings to come primarily through pay cuts rather than changes in scheduling, vacations or other work rules, a pilots union leader said Tuesday.

"Our philosophy is to make our cost reductions in W-2s rather than changing work rules," which could produce more job losses, said Curt Kruse, a spokesman for the Northwest branch of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).

While cost reductions in the form of W-2 changes verses work rule changes will benefit all pilots to some degree, the true beneficiaries are the guys and gals out on furlough. Many thanks to all those at NW ALPA who have continued to unselfishly look out for fellow ALPA members whose seniority number put them on an extended, unplanned vacation. With all ALPA has done at NW for the pilot group, it would be hard to imagine ever working for a non-ALPA carrier. Keep up the good work guys.

cheers

bigsky

 

[TDR1502C]

If this round of concessions gets NWA's operating costs below those of the zombie airlines', can we look forward to another round of concessions when the zombie airlines drag their labor contracts through the BK courts while trying to stay ahead? Will this BS ever stop?