Caveman
Grandpa
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2001
- Posts
- 1,580
I'm all for it. Then furlough 300 as soon as we can so I can get a better bid divisor... The first DB letter was comical maybe, but he also wrote a second one the very same day that included this language:
A union’s promises of job security, protection and growth are very seductive. I recognize the desire to secure your future, and to support someone when they make these promises. But no one can guarantee anything. I can only guarantee that we will continue to make the sometimes tough and always necessary decisions to protect JetBlue and position our company for success. DB
I would say once a union is on the property, our JBPA will negotiate great benefit and pay raises but in return (a negotiation) will give up our "no furlough clause". Goodbye 300 pilots (this is how much we're overstaffed) and oh by the way, how many captains will be displaced? Think of those numbers boys and girls when you vote. This vote will do nothing but split up the pilot core, many of whom do not support this move at this time in our economy...
There are three main reasons for us to organize. First and foremost is legally the company cannot provide certain specific needs that are unique to pilots unless they provide them to every other employee. An industry standard pilot retirement plan; pilot specific LOL/LTD/STD rather than generic workmans comp; scope; merger/acquisition language; ERISA concerns about our 401K, etc, etc. These are just some of the issues that are pilot specific. Without a CBA the company is legally bound to lump us in with everybody else.
Second, I'm tired of having no say in workrules and scheduling issues. As of now the company can change anything at any time and we can't do anything about it. A CBA will codify the rules and hold the company and us to that standard and in the event there is a disagreement there will also be a resolution and/or grievance process. Right now they interpret and we either comply or not at our own peril.
Third, as an organized entity we have the ability to negotiate for our services. Right now we have no choice. Take it or leave it. The PCRB provided a comprehensive and detailed analysis of how we stack up against the rest of the industry. Despite repeated promises of making us whole we are still behind the curve. Barger's response was to spin it and try to convince us we are on par with our peers. If he really believes that he's an idiot and if he's just trying to blow smoke up our asses it's insulting. Either way, as an organized pilot group we get to leverage a say in the matter. To what effect? Who knows, but that would still be better than being neutered.
In general, I like our management team and I like working here, but we are one CEO change away from a Lorenzo and we would have no say in the new world order from the new guy. A CBA will give us some protection.
If, and that's a big if, your scenario plays out like you suggest I still think that short term pain for long term gain is necessary. No, I'm not in the bottom 300, but I'm still in the wrong seat and still a long way from getting to the good seat. This airline isn't bad if you get to look out the left window. It's pretty substandard if all you see is the right winglet.