Our Interest Based Bargaining (IBB) session broke off. We made some good progress, but ultimately, the company still wanted to negotiate the "vision 2010" packet. We told them that was a non starter and walked.
We do start formal contract talks in March. We exchange openers and than the clock starts ticking. If no agreement is ultimately reached by April of 05, than each side presents 5 items to the arbritrators plus pay. Total of 10 items plus pay. They rule by the end of April 05 and it becomes effective May 1, 2005. The agreement will last 2 years if it goes to arbritration. My guess is, we will go to arbritration, because the company wants us to have a Ch11 contract without the threat or remote possibility of Ch11. They feel the arbritrator will give this to them. I guess we will see, but most all of us feel no cuts are needed. They just need to follow the contract better and they will get their needed labor savings.
As far as hiring. Flx757 is closer to the action than I am. But, we will have to hire. Retirements alone dictate that. The rumors also say atleast two new cities this year with some more connecting of the dots. The training department is also running behind on the LAX MD closure bid. Maybe, once the school house gets caught up with that, we will see a new bid.
Hang in the poolies. Hopefully soon!
