First off, it is not Maurice, it is Maury.
Second off, no problem waiting until May 1st - and I am "really happy."
Third off, had my share of dealing with ALPA. They offer some good things that we won't have but at a big cost. With their coming payout, of course, they want our dues.
Fourth off, once the TA (or whatever you want to call it since a union was not involved in securing it - however the OC was instrumental in motivating the offer and I thank them) is in effect, I sure would appreciate people not talking about our substandard pay.
Fifth off, living at my base as a junior capt on reserve, I sure love my life. I have slept in a hotel bed about a week total this year. My neighbors probably think I am unemployed as I am always at home. And I am involved in my kids life.
Sixth off, there is no Sixth off.
It is Maurice; Maury is a nickname.
http://people.forbes.com/profile/maurice-j-gallagher/3018
If you want to see a union backed TA, I have a copy of the most recent one from Alaska Airlines. You're welcome to go to one of the ALPA roadshows and pick one up for yourself. Everybody should attend at least one roadshow so you can make an educated decision what the best option is for you. It's only 2 hours out of your day and could make a huge difference in your career. I went to one.
I think you'll quickly realize the difference is night and day when it comes to professional TA's. It's practically the difference between a leaflet and a novel. There are dozens of protections, legalities, and benefits the Alaska Airlines TA contains that ours does not.
Management offered us the
bare minimum they needed to give to bust the union drive. If you look at JetBlue's union busting offer from management, even it is much much better than ours. They even included a million dollar fund to help with legal battles for the pilots. Our offer was much lower, but our pilots have been underpaid for so long that they'll jump on any pay raise.
One interesting fact: JetBlue's management has broken part of their agreement and they are seeking representation from ALPA.
On the bright side, we did receive an increase from 1 hour to 1.5 hour reserve call out times after the TA was announced. It amounts to a 30 minute increase in call out times and cost the company absolutely nothing. It took us over 5 years of negotiating to get that free perk.
I haven't spent one single day away from home in over a year for work; I love being at home, and I recognize the benefits of a union. Being at home has absolutely nothing to do with a union anyhow. Our business plan won't change, and if anything, we'll have better work rules with a union to help keep you home longer and the company cannot change them at will.
And there is no reason to believe the scare tactics some are worried about. This is a publicly traded company; Do you really think the shareholders would allow management to replace our pilot group with a different one when we're making millions in profit? Of course not, that's ridiculous; it would make their stock worthless.
Also there has been absolutely no talk about ALPA suing AAPAG or the company. That was a lie started by a few pilots engaged in a campaign of lies and misinformation. Both groups need to stop listening to the rumors, get educated about our options, and make the best decision for your career.
