1. Box-Hauler, you have a great and necessary idea: “once we have 10 767's or 20 crews or 36 months of straight service on an ANA Asian flight, all lines must conform to scheduling parameters (15 days off a month).” Recommend changing 36 to18 months and striking the word ‘straight’, they will cancel over a weekend to reset the clock.
We have a poor track record when it comes to looking into the future. We need a chance to fix the mistakes we inadvertently agree to now.
23 or even 18 day blocks are going to really suck. With the exception of the ILN locals and guys needing a block of off time or open time, how many are clamoring for the 16 day reserve blocks? At least you won’t fly ½ of it, how tired would you be if you had to fly it all? It’s okay to concede to 23 now, but we need an out if there is a lot of people screaming.
Forget that ANA pays for the tickets, ABX would like to keep people over there indefinitely so you can make them money instead of wasting their revenue days by commuting. But their productivity wishes are not the pilots’ problem. The contract was bid at current contract, so every concession we give, will be $100,000’s that flows to the bottom line every month. I want the company to make an insane amount of money, but it has to be at least livable for people doing the work.
2. A replacement for the DC-9 is coming in the next 5 years. We need to ensure its transition is smooth. Imagine the future problems with bidding, upgrades, scheduling and quality of life if a 73 and DC-9 were alternated every month in the nearby cities. It didn’t happen with the 76 because it didn’t make sense to. But inter-changeability will be a nightmare for us in the future. It can be fixed with one short paragraph in the CBA.
3. No Open Time when anyone on is on furlough. The company said they wanted it. The union said they wanted it. So get it done now. If we are about to hire, this should be a non-issue for both sides. It can be fixed with one short paragraph.
Despite what you will hear in the next 3 weeks there are several facts that must be remembered.
1. ANA is going to happen....regardless.
2. ABX needs 1224 to do ANA.
a. We shouldn’t be in such a hurry. They need something quick, we don’t.
b. ANA productivity is a company problem, not a union problem. They bid it at current book...it's all profit after that. IF you don't believe it...how did they cost a contract on projected concessions?!?!?!
3. ANA will not cancel the contract if you don’t vote Yes.
4. ABX will not go from hiring to furloughing if we don’t cave on every last issue.
For the next 30 days every crewmember needs to think smartly and not emotionally. Every few years we need to take off the pilot hats and act like businessmen. It's just business for the company and it should be just business for you too. Think critically. Whatever you agree to, you will have to suffer through for the next 8 years.
