Mesaba ALPA Conference Call

[screwed_again]

So what do your guys think of the conference call? Do we have faith in our MEC? Are the chest pounders who yell "not not penny!" finally going to shut their mouths and start engaging in some constrctive dialogue? We are in bankruptcy and we have to decide how much of a paycut we are going to take. It sucks, but its reality.

 

[YourPilotFriend]

Oh look, I was right. NWA has you guys in a bind, your only hope of recieving a fair deal is to negotiate a deal based on fleet size. In other words if your fleet consists of as many airplanes as it does now, not one penny. There can be no complaint by the company over that one, unit cost is what is being negotiated not future deals.

 

[Dodge]

.....

 

[screwed_again]

......

 

[saabingitagain]

Ohhhhh... the mysterious disapearing posts! Must have been some good stuf!

 

[Mesabi Miner]

Are the chest pounders who yell "not not penny!" finally going to shut their mouths and start engaging in some constrctive dialogue?

"Constructive dialogue?" Sounds like "pay cut talk" to me. I'm not a chest pounder, but when we give in and take it, just think about Spandex and Fooley rejoicing that their fraudulant plan worked. "Not one cent," sounds unreasonable. But with 49 saabs, I'm out of a job anyway and I can't stand the thought of doing anything to help a management team like this. Call it foolish pride, but there comes a time when you have to put it all out on the line. The time has come. I'm not going to purchase Jet-A with my paycheck. I'm not going to pay passengers' fares with my paycheck. I'm not going to pay for Foley's million-dollar mansion project. Not when I'm keeping my thermostat at 58 degrees because I need to save money.

We gave them their growth contract two years ago. They chose not to grow. They chose not to be aggressive and seek out other partners like all other regionals have been doing. They claim that it's our fault for being so senior, being so expensive, and therefore being a liability. I call it experienced, not expensive. We are experienced and senior because our inept senior leadership team has failed to provide expansion that would bring in new, "cheap" life blood pilots into the company. Do they expect us to negotiate new contracts with other carriers on our layovers in Detroit between turns? No, I tend to think that's their job. Those dispatchers at the Spectrum Center are surrounded by an SLT that is engulfed in incompetence and fraud. I'm tired of funding it.

I'm not a chest pounder, ... so I'll whisper. "not one cent."

MM

 

[Simon Says]

So what do your guys think of the conference call? Do we have faith in our MEC? Are the chest pounders who yell "not not penny!" finally going to shut their mouths and start engaging in some constrctive dialogue? We are in bankruptcy and we have to decide how much of a paycut we are going to take. It sucks, but its reality.

I am a realist. I am not a guy that says I am not going to give on cent. I am a guy that thought about it, and came up with all, I can give is 3-4% I believe it will be worse than that, so I put my house up for sale last month and now looking for employment elsewhere. A lot of you know me on this board and know where I stand on all of this.

Even if we get a status quo contract our SLT are crooked M.F'ers. I hate every single one of them and refuse to work at a company that they work at. There will be a special place in HE!! for these people.

 

[screwed_again]

I don't disagree with you Simon. Sounds like we are on the same track. I've started the ball rolling with my house as well. So much for flying airplanes for a living.

 

[wmudriver]

So...back to the orginal subject...what was mentioned on the conference call? Anything new or earth shattering? Updates?


Peniswrinkle's (PNCL) dinner/family night is tonight...WTF is that all about?

 

[kmox29]

I didn't get to hear the conference call, but here's my take:

Do not give any concessions to this company. Nothing. If they are threatening to end Mesaba as a company because we will not negotiate lower rates, SHUT IT DOWN. I will not be bullied like the Comair pilots. (And they were bullied to the last minute..."no concessions, no Comair") If we face the same "no concessions, no Mesaba"...fine. No Mesaba.

I have other responsibilities as well. House, kid, bills, etc. However, I will not vote in a BS concessionary agreement for that. We can do other things in life. I urge all XJ pilots to walk off the job...I urge our MEC to call a strike if they try to impose a contract on us. DO NOT THINK FOR ONE MINUTE ABOUT GIVING CONCESSIONS.

This is the biggest game of chicken we have seen...honestly I would rather die than lose again.

 

[Workin'Stiff]

You guys didn't miss much from the conference call... just a lot of um's and "ands"

 

[FIRE ALPA]

For years our MEC has led us to believe that we had this great relationship with the NWA MEC and vice-versa. They had our backs/we had theirs. When the noose started tightening, this MEC continued its matra about standing strong, fly the contract, strength thru unity, etc. Last week they publish a hotline message telling us that we should polish our resumes and look for employment elsewhere.

I feel like the guy that invested in an IPO and later discovered it was a Ponzi scheme.

Our MEC was given an agenda by this pilot group for the 04' contract to strike by a certain deadline, and then didnt follow-thru back in 2004. So, why should we believe that they will hold the line now, or do what we tell them to do? Why should we believe ANYTHING that comes out of our MEC? They have proven time and time again that they can't Get R Done.

Maybe the collusion isn't just with NWA/XJ; maybe it extends to ALPA national and our XJ MEC?

Maybe it's time to start asking the question, "What Does Tom Wychor Do"?

 

[wmudriver]

I was refering to the ALPA call on Feb 15th at the LEC's houses.

I never listen to XJ calls...that jerkoff sounds like a mix between Bill Lumberg (Office Space) and Ray from Rainman. "Ummm yea....kmart sucks...time for wapner...time to move forward...and and...move forward"

Kmox...I can't vote (probie) so I'm along for the ride. If the ride sucks, like a ride on a bicycle with no seat, I'll move on.

 

[Cokie907]

I'm encouraged to see many XJ'ers saying "enuff is enuff, let's shut it down". I totally feel the same way about Pinch A Nickel. You can only be pushed around so much without finally punching back!

The only real power the pilots have is the power of the strike. Not the act of actually doing it but the perception by management THAT IT WILL HAPPEN. I believe that most regional management teams perceive their pilot groups to be factionalized and therefore weak.

Its been 5 years since a regional pilot group shut one down. These management tyrants need to be taught a lesson. It might was well be taught by XJ or 9E. That's what I'm stickin' around for, no lie!

 

[Redtailer]

Here's an idea...

From one former Redtail driver to small redtail drivers here is the view from where I stand and I strongly suggest you communicate it throughout your group..

Don't let management fool you in to thinking that Mesaba is all there is. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO SHUT IT DOWN!!!!!!

Think about it, the FOs make so little money that they can do almost anything else and make the same or more money.

The Capts all have type ratings and are employable at a number of outfits that make about the same wages.. Do not believe the hype that there are no aviation jobs because in the last 5 years I have had 5 of them. Furloughed twice, but every single one of them paid better than $40000/ yr to start..

In my case it was actually better for me to get laid off because I found even better jobs out there.

 

[sniper]

For years our MEC has led us to believe that we had this great relationship with the NWA MEC and vice-versa. They had our backs/we had theirs. When the noose started tightening, this MEC continued its matra about standing strong, fly the contract, strength thru unity, etc. Last week they publish a hotline message telling us that we should polish our resumes and look for employment elsewhere.

I feel like the guy that invested in an IPO and later discovered it was a Ponzi scheme.

Our MEC was given an agenda by this pilot group for the 04' contract to strike by a certain deadline, and then didnt follow-thru back in 2004. So, why should we believe that they will hold the line now, or do what we tell them to do? Why should we believe ANYTHING that comes out of our MEC? They have proven time and time again that they can't Get R Done.

Maybe the collusion isn't just with NWA/XJ; maybe it extends to ALPA national and our XJ MEC?

Maybe it's time to start asking the question, "What Does Tom Wychor Do"?

He does alot more than you do. How about you, get in there and help solve all the problems.

 

[Simon Says]

For years our MEC has led us to believe that we had this great relationship with the NWA MEC and vice-versa. They had our backs/we had theirs. When the noose started tightening, this MEC continued its matra about standing strong, fly the contract, strength thru unity, etc. Last week they publish a hotline message telling us that we should polish our resumes and look for employment elsewhere.

I feel like the guy that invested in an IPO and later discovered it was a Ponzi scheme.

Our MEC was given an agenda by this pilot group for the 04' contract to strike by a certain deadline, and then didnt follow-thru back in 2004. So, why should we believe that they will hold the line now, or do what we tell them to do? Why should we believe ANYTHING that comes out of our MEC? They have proven time and time again that they can't Get R Done.

Maybe the collusion isn't just with NWA/XJ; maybe it extends to ALPA national and our XJ MEC?

Maybe it's time to start asking the question, "What Does Tom Wychor Do"?

You have got to be kidding me. You sir, are one un-educated guy. Grab your balz and call a rep with this mantra.....I dare you.

 

[xjpilot]

Originally Posted by FIRE ALPA
For years our MEC has led us to believe that we had this great relationship with the NWA MEC and vice-versa. They had our backs/we had theirs. When the noose started tightening, this MEC continued its matra about standing strong, fly the contract, strength thru unity, etc. Last week they publish a hotline message telling us that we should polish our resumes and look for employment elsewhere.

I feel like the guy that invested in an IPO and later discovered it was a Ponzi scheme.

Our MEC was given an agenda by this pilot group for the 04' contract to strike by a certain deadline, and then didnt follow-thru back in 2004. So, why should we believe that they will hold the line now, or do what we tell them to do? Why should we believe ANYTHING that comes out of our MEC? They have proven time and time again that they can't Get R Done.

Maybe the collusion isn't just with NWA/XJ; maybe it extends to ALPA national and our XJ MEC?

Maybe it's time to start asking the question, "What Does Tom Wychor Do"?



Are you part of the 2% wimps too afraid to sign the Vote of No Confidence?

 

[flyin backwards]

I'll tell you what, I have always said that I will not vote for consessions. However, I think that I can stomach 3% because I know I can make that back up without much problem. I sure as hell don't want this judge doing it for us. This bankrupcy is a shame and we all know it. Problem is, the rules are stacked in the company's favor. I would rather take 3% and not have to worry about finding a job, than 20% and finding another job. I don't know. I still can't see me voting in favor of ANY consession. But for those who beat there chest, it will get you absolutly nowhere. Sometimes it's good just to listen and make an informed decison. I've been without a job and it sucks. Let the MEC at least do their job and listen to what they have to say.

 

[wmudriver]

deleted

 

[mesaba2425]

For years our MEC has led us to believe that we had this great relationship with the NWA MEC and vice-versa. They had our backs/we had theirs. When the noose started tightening, this MEC continued its matra about standing strong, fly the contract, strength thru unity, etc. Last week they publish a hotline message telling us that we should polish our resumes and look for employment elsewhere.

I feel like the guy that invested in an IPO and later discovered it was a Ponzi scheme.

Our MEC was given an agenda by this pilot group for the 04' contract to strike by a certain deadline, and then didnt follow-thru back in 2004. So, why should we believe that they will hold the line now, or do what we tell them to do? Why should we believe ANYTHING that comes out of our MEC? They have proven time and time again that they can't Get R Done.

Maybe the collusion isn't just with NWA/XJ; maybe it extends to ALPA national and our XJ MEC?

Maybe it's time to start asking the question, "What Does Tom Wychor Do"?

:beer:

 

[xjhawk]

mmmmm lets see....3000 hours and hardly no PIC...where are those 40 grand a year flying jobs....lol

 

[screwed_again]

Our MEC was given an agenda by this pilot group for the 04' contract to strike by a certain deadline, and then didnt follow-thru back in 2004. So, why should we believe that they will hold the line now, or do what we tell them to do? Why should we believe ANYTHING that comes out of our MEC? They have proven time and time again that they can't Get R Done.

Obviously 2/3 of the pilot group thought it was "ok." They negotiated the best they could. If it sucked bad enough, it wouldn't have been voted in.

Do you think its that easy to have the MEC "do what they are told" and thats it? Some people are just idiots and have very little sense on how things happens in the real world.Do you think the company told Brain Randow to get a cost neutral contract? Absolutely. The kicker with negotiations is noone gets what they REALLY want. Morons...

If the chest pounders are so driven not to "give up one penny," we should see a mass exodus April 1 of about 1/3 the seniority list.

 

[Whoop Whoop]

Our MEC was given an agenda by this pilot group for the 04' contract to strike by a certain deadline, and then didnt follow-thru back in 2004. So, why should we believe that they will hold the line now, or do what we tell them to do? Why should we believe ANYTHING that comes out of our MEC? They have proven time and time again that they can't Get R Done.

Someone close to the action please correct me if I'm wrong, but as I recall, the strike vote in '04 (like now) was intended to give the MEC PERMISSION to call the strike IF it deemed necessary, not just because a deadline has been passed (like in '04).

 

[screwed_again]

Someone close to the action please correct me if I'm wrong, but as I recall, the strike vote in '04 (like now) was intended to give the MEC PERMISSION to call the strike IF it deemed necessary, not just because a deadline has been passed (like in '04).

You are absolutely correct.