Diesel, I won't edit my post but I will clarify it for you. I regularly offer encouragement and warnings to pilots (union and non-union alike) that are
presently fighting to achieve industry standards. If you think about it you will realize that the pilots being warned are the
Flight Options pilots that still believe their management will take care of them even after jacking up their health care premiums outrageously on the policy that the company holds. I'm sure that the Flt Ops pilots can give lots more examples along the lines of raises that never came and better QOL promises that were continually broken. I know that the majority of NJ pilots are satisfied with the current CBA and I have posted recently about the progress being made on the joint union-company endeavors at NJA so it wasn't likely that I was referring to the current atmosphere at CMH...
From talking to my husband I know that there are signs that NJA has come to accept the union and is beginning to realize the wisdom of working with them instead of against them.
You suggest that contract negotiations are "just business" but I disagree. Being a professional doesn't make one devoid of emotions; actually, many times strong reactions are needed to affect change. We all know that apathy causes lots of problems. It takes a very
determined/stubborn group to dig in their heels and fight back. It wasn't until the NJ pilots got
fed up and
disgusted that things started changing for the better. The same applies to Options. Those who don't care don't get involved so it isn't just coincidence that the most
dedicated also volunteer the most.
Negotiations are full of business discussions but the accompanying labor
unrest is frequently referred to as an
"emotional roller coaster." Experts warn union members not to be swayed by management instigated FUD.
Fear, uncertainty, and doubt, are definitely emotional reactions that are fought with feelings of
unity and faith in one's cause. The business side of it is doing the research and organizing your arguments for parity in one's field. But to hold your ground takes a lot of
confidence and the ability to remain
optimistic in the face of
discouragement. It's no accident that those most
passionate about what they believe in have achieved the most, particularly when logic would say that the odds were not in their favor. This human element part of the equation can apply to many different struggles for justice whether it's a contract battle for professional wages or a family's legal fight to have a criminal punished. The recipe for success is the same: Don't give up; be willing to finance the fight; hire experts; make use of all available resources to leverage your position; and draw strength and hope from those who support your cause.
Not just a "cheerleader" for NJ pilots
NJW
PILOTS ARE PROFESSIONALS WHO SHOULD BE COMPENSATED ACCORDINGLY
(Generalization was deliberate)
. Quack quack. 
