In the end, I think this is still good for the HA pilots, despite the lack of increased rates for flying the 330. As much as most pilot groups hate to admit it, growth is a good thing, and has actual, substantial value attached to it; quicker upgrades, better base assignments, etc.
The additional items we asked for, (pay, vacation, sickleave, etc) are still to be negotiated under regular contract talks, which will have to be mediated if there is no agreement by mid-September.
If we could just get everyone to realize that it isn't personal, that the company isn't 'out to get them', that it really is just a business decision, then we'd all be in a better position when it comes to negotiations. If we can go in with a calm steely-eyed determination, and not fall to the emotional aspect, (same as the management negotiators do), we'd be better off. For anyone who demands "I want XYZ, and won't take any less!", they don't understand that if mangement did the same, there would be no agreements and every airline would collapse in strikes. Face it; negotiations require give and take on both sides. Yes, management has given in too, otherwise we'd be flying for free, and last time I looked, there was a nice row of numbers on my W-2 this year.
And speaking of emotional distractions, dammit AQ Pilot, that avatar keeps making me lose my train of... um... where am I???
As for me and Hansoma, it'll be a tough job, but we just have to get used to being called bad names by our aircraft. Retard, Retard!
HAL
