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On 2/12/2003 4:55:34 PM oldiebutgoody wrote:
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On 2/12/2003 3:36:31 PM Pacemaker wrote:
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On 2/12/2003 3:22:46 PM oldiebutgoody wrote:
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There isn't a chance in the netherworld that the pilots will agree to this. If their contract is changed, You WILL see a pilot strike. No doubt in my mind.
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Oldiebutgoody, I respectfully disagree. If you look beyond the rhetoric what evidence can you provide that this pilot group is willing to send this kind of message? How many pilots told us the day after management tries to kill the pension the airline will grind to a halt; has their been any appreciable reduction in our on-time performance or completion factor? Most pilots' lines of time are built around 78-80 hours; at the end of the month let's check and see how many lineholders voluntarily overflew up to and over 85 hours. Sure, let's get tough - as long as it's the other guy that takes the heat!
IMO this is a weak and self-centered group that is not willing to make a stand, even for this. There will be a lot of grumbling and threats and then they will take Dave's deal and it will continue to be business as usual. No strike.
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I don't agree with your analysis, and here's why: This issue has turned into a referendum on labor and collective bargaining. U ALPA WILL NOT agree to this, the main reason being that it will send shockwaves throughout the airline industry, and shortly afterward throughout other industries as well. The MEC may not even have the authority to agree to this, since the contract was signed by ALPA National. I think that issues which affect the top seniority guys (I am NOT one of them) are taken VERY seriously at U, due to the age of the pilot group. This is a very serious issue, one that I hope gets the appropriate attention from all sides, especially the government, since they are likely to have many more retirement plans dumped in their laps really soon if U is allowed to do it. I am not even sure that the government will allow U to do it, and that is the only way it can happen. The next two weeks look to be really interesting. My other belief is that if this does happen, ALPA will allow U to come out of bankruptcy, then take some kind of "self help" action. Then, Mr. Bronner would have his "mammary" in the ringer with all the other creditors. My real hope is that the company and ALPA come up with some creative way to either continue the current system, or find one that is agreeable to both sides.
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Oldie,
I think you make some valid points that can't be argued.
The ripple effect this will have in our industry and others is why I believe it is in everyones (Gov. especially)best interest to settle this pilot pension issue.
I hope the pilots continue to show strong solidarity, and we all need to join them in supporting their endeavor for equitable resolution.
Retired 1,
I think now everyone has caught on to what the "domino theory" is all about.