While I am loathe to participate on this board and involve myself in the bickering and nastiness that is so prevalent here, it seems important to clarify where one or two issues are in negotiations so that perhaps some light can be shed on what's going on.
PAY: As of the latest briefing, the company's proposal on pay amounts to $62,500 for a 5th-year captain. This is LESS than what was offered in the failed TA one year ago of $69,000.
The current pay for a 5-year captain is about $61,000 and that was negotiated in 1998.
Factoring in a modest 3% inflation factor for the years '99-'05 totaling 21% as a LOW end, that $61,000 should now be $73,810. Add another 4 years to the "contract" ('06-'09) at the same 3% per year, and that $61,000 should be $81,130.00
Not only has the comany REGRESSED in it's salary offer of a year ago, it has failed to even offer a salary that keeps pace with inflation ALL THE WHILE RAISING THE OWNER MANAGEMENT FEES AT A RATE OF 3.75% A YEAR TO "COVER THE PILOTS' SALARY INCREASES".
It has also failed to offer and increase that places NJA pilots at anywhere's NEAR industry standard for the equipment flown. Their current offer is at the 10th percentile of NBAA compensation.
They are asking the pilots to accept what amounts to a salary DECREASE from the '98 contract.
Now, I know that many of you are company supporters and blame us evil and greedy pilots for all the problems at this place right now, but please, how can you honestly say to us that this type of offer is fair and reflects bargaining in good faith?
Would YOU be happy working for 1998 wages with NO adjustments for inflation let alone the necessary bumps to close the gap between the low wage scale and industry standards?
PAY: As of the latest briefing, the company's proposal on pay amounts to $62,500 for a 5th-year captain. This is LESS than what was offered in the failed TA one year ago of $69,000.
The current pay for a 5-year captain is about $61,000 and that was negotiated in 1998.
Factoring in a modest 3% inflation factor for the years '99-'05 totaling 21% as a LOW end, that $61,000 should now be $73,810. Add another 4 years to the "contract" ('06-'09) at the same 3% per year, and that $61,000 should be $81,130.00
Not only has the comany REGRESSED in it's salary offer of a year ago, it has failed to even offer a salary that keeps pace with inflation ALL THE WHILE RAISING THE OWNER MANAGEMENT FEES AT A RATE OF 3.75% A YEAR TO "COVER THE PILOTS' SALARY INCREASES".
It has also failed to offer and increase that places NJA pilots at anywhere's NEAR industry standard for the equipment flown. Their current offer is at the 10th percentile of NBAA compensation.
They are asking the pilots to accept what amounts to a salary DECREASE from the '98 contract.
Now, I know that many of you are company supporters and blame us evil and greedy pilots for all the problems at this place right now, but please, how can you honestly say to us that this type of offer is fair and reflects bargaining in good faith?
Would YOU be happy working for 1998 wages with NO adjustments for inflation let alone the necessary bumps to close the gap between the low wage scale and industry standards?
