I wish I had better news but currently, we have not discussed anything important yet in the contract. I believe that we are looking at least a year down the road before we see a T/A.
We are continually understaffed. Every month I see people being moved to the backseats when we can't even come close to filling all the flying for the frontseats. This the dc8 and 727 are running around 2.3 crews per a/c in the front seats and they are moving people into the backseats where we are around 3 crews per a/c
these numbers are absurdly low but they will not hire.
The union currently has a job protection program in effect where we are not picking up opentime. This is the only thing that stopped the furlough beginning in march. The company says that the furloughs have been suspended. They have asked the union to withdraw the opentime ban repeatedly and the union has told them that we can stop it if they agree to cancel the furlough and give a LOA stating that they will not furlough.
The company has refused to do that, if you look at the backseat numbers it becomes increasingly apparent that they are desperately looking for a way to make this furlough happen.
The unity of the IPA crews is the only thing that has stopped them so far.
This outrageous behavior on a very wealthy companies behalf is embarrasing and unfortunate.
Sorry I didn't have any better new, but now you know the rest of the story.
Good luck,
Nightrider