Mesaba TA passes

[Saabslime]

Passed by 66%.

 

[DTWFO]

I don't even know what to say....Unreal!!

 

[Skyward]

Another airline lowering the bar. It's a shame, Mesaba used to be a good airline, now there just another Mesa.

 

[othello]

742 votes cast, 493 Yes = 66% PASS

Hopefully this will bring some much needed growth and happier times at Mesaba this has been a long process. We didn't meet all of our goals but I don't think anyone ever does.

For me individually I am getting a 23% raise overnight along with about a $2500 retro check. An eleventh day off a month, and biddable reserve lines. Just to name a few improvments.

P.S. the way I understand any of you out there that work even part of the year at Mesaba during 2004 will also be getting a retro check. be looking for it.

 

[alrightythen23]

Congrats Mesaba!!!

 

[captjim]

Guys, I would'nt come close to calling Mesaba Mesa. Fully read their contract, andaside from pay rates and per diem, it's not to bad of a deal. Many go straight to pay rates and judge the CONTRACT on them only. As for Mesa; Mesaba's contract is light years better than Mesa and better than Chuatauqa's. While not earthshattering it's by far from the worst out there. Also keep in mind Mesaba isn't infesting the US with small jets, they are primarily a turbo prop operation.

You guys have my respect, you kept your composure for 3 years and did the right thing. Congrats on moving on enjoying you future.

 

[ACE]

Another airline lowering the bar. It's a shame, Mesaba used to be a good airline, now there just another Mesa.

No, they did not lower the bar. Mesaba pilots voted on a TA that was a step forward for them not backward like Mesa. Granted, not as far forward as the rest of the pilots in this industry wanted to see, but nonetheless forward. The rest of us were not in thier situation at the present and have no right to judge. It was a descent TA. Congratulations Mesaba pilots.

 

[othello]

The only people that would compare this New contract to what Mesa is working under have not done any reasearch and are uninformed at best.

Skyward, please feel free to list any section of our new contract that lowers the bar for this industry.

Our scope and trainning sections are setting the bar are new 4hr min day look FWD is also the new standard in day pay. We are in the upper 80-100% in ever other section.

 

[skootertrash]

You had our support but you blew it

FUKCING PATHETIC!

 

[Mesabi Miner]

Thank you to all the level-headed, intelligent members out there that have read the Mesaba Contract and have done the research. We are Mesaba -- with the "BA" on the end. Anyone not realizing this needs to do some homework, and stop posting hate mail on these boards. Thank you to all the ALPA guys and gals that supported us through this long and miserable process. I speak for all Mesaba pilots in saying we will be there for all of you in the future.

MM

 

[Paul McCartney]

Just curious why you would vote yes on such a pathetic contract? Yes, I have seen it, and it is disgraceful. I am not attacking anyone personally, I just think you bought a lemon from a used car salesman. I am trying to understand the logic behind willing working for less than you are worth. A small DC-9 at NW has approx the same seating capacity of your Avros; an F-100 at AMR has approx the same as your Avros too. Do you think these pilots are worth more to fly similar equipment? Are you apprentice pilots, paying your dues? Did you settle beacause it is only a matter of time before you get on with a major? Why are you willing to accept only 10% of money you earned? 11 days off, a measley $2K-3K retro check? Come on, you worked 100%, you should get paid 100%!

The times have changed. Pilots really are their own worst enemy. I can answer your question which section lowers the bar for the industry: all of them! On behalf of the rest of us in the industry trying to make it better....thanks Mesaba for "lowering the bar" one more notch.

 

[sgu]

Just curious why you would vote yes on such a pathetic contract? Yes, I have seen it, and it is disgraceful. I am not attacking anyone personally, I just think you bought a lemon from a used car salesman. I am trying to understand the logic behind willing working for less than you are worth. A small DC-9 at NW has approx the same seating capacity of your Avros; an F-100 at AMR has approx the same as your Avros too. Do you think these pilots are worth more to fly similar equipment? Are you apprentice pilots, paying your dues? Did you settle beacause it is only a matter of time before you get on with a major? Why are you willing to accept only 10% of money you earned? 11 days off, a measley $2K-3K retro check? Come on, you worked 100%, you should get paid 100%!

The times have changed. Pilots really are their own worst enemy. I can answer your question which section lowers the bar for the industry: all of them! On behalf of the rest of us in the industry trying to make it better....thanks Mesaba for "lowering the bar" one more notch.

I agree with all of the above. In any case good luck to all, hope its what you can live with.

 

[DoinTime]

The house of cards continues to fall. When will it stop?

 

[InclusiveScope]

No, they did not lower the bar. Mesaba pilots voted on a TA that was a step forward for them not backward like Mesa. Granted, not as far forward as the rest of the pilots in this industry wanted to see, but nonetheless forward. The rest of us were not in thier situation at the present and have no right to judge. It was a descent TA. Congratulations Mesaba pilots.

Ace,
How is this any different than what happened at MESA? The MESA contract was a step forward for them just as you claim the MESABA contract is a step forward for the MESABA pilots. The MESA pilots sold pay for "scope" as did the MESABA pilots. Looks the same to me.

 

[Mesabi Miner]

Doin' Time,

Obviously the house of cards will stop falling as soon as the first regional tops Comair. I assume you fly for PCL. I look forward to shaking your hand with congratulations when your pilot group achieves this goal in your negotiations next year. Best of luck.

MM

 

[d.fitz]

the problem is the contract is better for Mesaba - not better for the industry.

Yeah - you made gains, but in the process made it alot more difficult for others' to force the company to pay a good, livable wage.

 

[Wanderer]

It is really sad how many ignorant, angry and OVERLY idealistic people there are that can hide behind a computer keyboard here on the Internet.

And I say ignorant because all I read here is "you are screwing the profession (MEEE!!!!!! ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME!!!)." When will you cowards wake up and realize that the industry and profession has changed. THINGS change. All these great contracts that were signed a few years ago aren't going to be there anymore. The consumer mindset relating to our industry has changed. And who is paying for your salaries??? The PASSENGER.

Hats off to the Mesaba pilots for getting a contract with improvements.

 

[100LL... Again!]

I'll be keeping my keyboard sharpened for when the PCL pilots accept a sub-mesaba contract (on workrules, not pay).

All your PFT gulfstreamers are gonna vote yes on anything, I'll bet.

Mesaba pilots did well on this contract. Period.

 

[T-Gates]

It is really sad how many ignorant, angry and OVERLY idealistic people there are that can hide behind a computer keyboard here on the Internet.

And I say ignorant because all I read here is "you are screwing the profession (MEEE!!!!!! ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME!!!)." When will you cowards wake up and realize that the industry and profession has changed. THINGS change. All these great contracts that were signed a few years ago aren't going to be there anymore. The consumer mindset relating to our industry has changed. And who is paying for your salaries??? The PASSENGER.

Hats off to the Mesaba pilots for getting a contract with improvements.

So what?! Because the passengers have a different midset we should all take it in the A$$ on our contracts?!

How long are people going to use the post-9/11 economy as a pathetic excuse to not get what they REALLY want. Because aulthough the Mesaba contact is an improvement on what they had, I seriously doubt that it was EXACTLY what the pilots had in mind when they were ready to walk on January 9th.

When I was at that strike rally, DW and TW talked about getting a contract EQUAL to those at Comair/AWAC... Where is that mentality now?

Now CMR/AWAC is unattainable? BS! CMR had to set precident in 2001, it's time for SOMEONE to step up to the plate and continue what they started. Bad economy or not....

When you look at those pay rates..... Do you think that's what you're worth?

 

[AZaviator]

1st year pay?

So, what does it come out to for a newhire's first year pay at Mesaba? Previously it was somewhere around $17-18k? What is it up to now?

 

[NEWSOUTH]

Well....

Still can't pay their bills. Still on reserve. And will be for the next four years the way I got it figured. But, feel the need to brag about better scope than Mesa ( but it's not) and industry leading work rules ( but it's not) and retirement ( last I checked a 401k was still a 401K, Not Retirement) and pay that's.....will just let that speak for itself. Just the truth and only the truth. Deal with it Mesa Ba. Come back over.

 

[cathal]

This contract sucks because it's a regional contract. It hit the regional bar- didn't move it because we're too afraid to.
We are being treated the way we've asked to be treated.
The Beatle hit the nail on the head when he pointed out that what the Avro does is the same compared to a DC9 or a Fokker, Inclusive scope said it right on too- we dropped the ball . We got our once in 5 years chance to make a huge difference and we chose to go on sucking on a pole just in case we get a shot at major.
There's no reason this can't be our major, except that we won't demand it.
Fly safe, fly the concession. Gave in '04, due in '09. Our union gave you what you wanted, so please don't bitch about any work rule for the next 5 years if you voted yes.
Looks like Mesa set the new bar- suck a c0ck just so you have a job. That's what we're doing now at XJ.
I don't like the taste, so I'm gonna bitch about it for the next 5 years.

 

[Wanderer]

So what?! Because the passengers have a different midset we should all take it in the A$$ on our contracts?!

How long are people going to use the post-9/11 economy as a pathetic excuse to not get what they REALLY want. Because aulthough the Mesaba contact is an improvement on what they had, I seriously doubt that it was EXACTLY what the pilots had in mind when they were ready to walk on January 9th.

When I was at that strike rally, DW and TW talked about getting a contract EQUAL to those at Comair/AWAC... Where is that mentality now?

Now CMR/AWAC is unattainable? BS! CMR had to set precident in 2001, it's time for SOMEONE to step up to the plate and continue what they started. Bad economy or not....

When you look at those pay rates..... Do you think that's what you're worth?

Thank you again for your ignorance. I am glad you posted.

I want to be paid ONE MILLION DOLLARS! Does that mean I am going to get it?

Seriously...do you NOT see what is happening in the industry? It isn't some sort of media/management bullpoop to screw "the Profession" post 9/11.

I will not defend the management here...but, for YEARS, our whole industry has been running on a pratically CRIMINAL business plan (I speak of the majors), taking other businesses (business travelers) out back and fleecing them. Finally, these businesses have smartened up and tightened their budgets...and as a result, our industry (and the horrible business models) are suffering.

And if you cannot understand that (because it seems as if all you can think about is "What is in it for ME") in those terms, try it in these: the next time you have to pay for something (ANYTHING that you think is outrageously priced), don't complain...just pay for it. You helping someone elses "profession" and have no right to complain - because it is helping them get exactly what they want.

Back to our industry: Yes, regionals are making money NOW...but have they been asked to make concessions? Some...but the "trickle down" is going to turn into a waterfall/flood relatively soon. I bet CMR management fears the sound of footsteps outside their doorways. Especially knowing what the DALPA is going through right now (trying to reach concession agreements with DAL).

We will all have to "take it." I would suggest preparing yourself by pulling your head out of your rear...or maybe just keep it up there!

 

[T-handle]

Remember that 98% of us voted to authorize a strike if necessary and this TA passed by a weak 66%. Still a clearly divided group and probably will be for a long time. So do not blame the entire Mesaba pilot group for ratifying the contract.

Go figure... I suspect more people were just tired of the whole process and wanted to end it. Another victory for management. Do you hear that laughter?? Yea, it's management walking and laughing all the way to the bank. Oh well, there's nothing we can do about it now except b!tch about it for the next 5 years plus another 2 or 3 for dragged out negotiations. Lets enjoy our pretty little RJs that we're not even guaranteed. oh yea, look for the "big announcement" in the coming weeks.

 

[fly4ever]

Cathal,

You are doing wonders for yourself and the rest of us at XJ. Thanks. Since when did a NWA DC-9 pilot get their job coming fresh out of a college program, instructing for maybe a year and a half and plopping down in a right seat and earn $100 per hour. They started somewhere lower paying just like us. Get over it guys, we gained in every section, including pay. Starting tomorrow, my pay will go up almost 13%. If I look back a couple of weeks ago to just before my 3rd year increase my hourly pay will increase tomorrow by almost 20%.

DoinTime, NEWSOUTH,
You PCL guys still don't get it. Your current contract is what has enabled you to get those precious jets - a contract that isn't even close to ours in work rules alone. You dug your own hole we didn't dig it for you. We got a contract that IS on par with AWAC, no, it's not Comair. Now it's your turn to try and move above us. We want you to. We will support you but you will have your hands full with all of those "buy-your-job" guys because they will do your job for nothing. They have already proven that.

Good Luck!


BTW, captjim, ACE, alrightythen23, Othello it is good to hear some support and positive words. This was a tough decision for a lot of people.

 

[Wanderer]

oh yea, look for the "big announcement" in the coming weeks.

No....they will wait until it is time for 9E to reach the negotiating table!

 

[dondk]

We want you to. We will support you but you will have your hands full with all of those "buy-your-job" guys because they will do your job for nothing. They have already proven that.

1... We the pilots of PCL did not have anything to do with the hiring of GIA people. To "suggest" otherwise is foolish..

2... At over 750 pilots on the ranks currently.. how many or better yet what percentage "may be" GIA? maybe 15% When we finally become close to 1300 strong, we "may" have close to 20% of GIA people.

3... Those GIA people (most who are really good people BTW) have been screwed or better yet "holly'd" over several times over. When their time comes to upgrade there will be dozens of dudes junior to them already in the left seat. They will have paid their dues over and over again in more ways than one.

While some of the non-GIA people are worried about how they "may" vote.. it is still better than 2 years away and PCL management has plenty of time to continue screwing them over. I for one am not overly worried about those who have been "holly'd and DW'd" several times over signing anything less or equal to what we currently have.

As for Mesaba.. maybe the soft money will make a difference in the QOL, only Mesaba pilots will know and tell. I am glad it is over for them and I hope it will make an positive impact in their lives.

 

[mesaba2425]

So much for raising the bar. I hate to say it but I told you so.

 

[jarhead]

Mesaba 2425

Question for you.

Do you really enjoy being a weiner?

Just curious.

 

[sf3boy]

Mesaba2425,
I thought you were against us raising the bar. The good news for you and all the other work groups at XJ is that there was not a strike and the company remains just as profitable today as it was a year ago. You all get to thank the pilots for ALLOWING you to keep your jobs since we have been told this last month that it would the pilots fault for you losing your jobs.

The bad news for us is that we did not get more pay than Comair to fly airplanes that we do not have. So, I will be very happy to see the 9E TA in few years go above Comair and show the XJ pilots really how to do business.

Just a little side note here,.......But we did secure industry leading turbo prop pay (2/3 of the XJ flying) and improve our already great work rules. Oh yeah, all of MAIR's flying will be done by us. Is all of MAIR's maintenance done by XJ wrenches?