Very powerful stuff...Couple of points:[FONT="] and the ability to count on a comfortable living in retirement—starting with a fully funded A -Plan for those who have earned it! Let’s not forget that today’s new-hire is tomorrow’s retiree [/FONT] __________________
Why not an A fund for every pilot? As you mentioned, they have earned it. They are, after all, tomorrow's retiree. As you've previously mentioned, if CAL can afford new interiors, fuel at $147 a BBL, new P-clubs, they can certainly afford an 'A' for every pilot. Why not start there and move forward? Otherwise, it's the have's and have nots. Fedex/UPS has "it." If you want to have an "industry leading contract", you have "it." Should it not be part of "taking it back?"
On a minor, but more emotional note, I personally cringe at the "military battle" metaphors thrown when trying to negotiate an employment contract. I have a cousin who was killed in Afghanistan on a firefight while on patrol in 2005. He was on the "tip of the spear," you are not.