The Flight Options Army part II

[netjetwife]

Premature...or an ice-breaker? It depends on your perspective. One hopes that paying the dues would follow an enlightening conversation and/or more interest generated. Sometimes a friendly nudge in the right direction can be helpful in getting things done.

I'm trying to understand their reticence and wondered if already having leaders in place means the MEC vote isn't viewed as a big deal to them. I don't know how they see it; that's why I'm asking.

 

[Mr. Magoo]

Here's why Flight Options Pilots (some) aren't paying dues:

* one of the selling points for the union was "no dues til contract".
* it won't help. Like arranging deck chairs on the Titanic. It is still going down.
* netjet pilots aren't paying flight options way. If flight options pilots all paid dues tomorrow, net jets pilots would still pay the same amount as today.

 

[netjetwife]

Here's why Flight Options Pilots (some) aren't paying dues:

Thanks, Mr. Magoo, that's what I was hoping to generate by my question.

* one of the selling points for the union was "no dues til contract".

Many think like UG--better a small amount over time rather than a big "catch-up" payment when the contract is done. The mantra seems to have been too simplified. Postponed does not mean "no charge". Do all of the Options pilots realize/remember that?

* it won't help. Like arranging deck chairs on the Titanic. It is still going down.

Rumors have been out there for years, and the company has stayed afloat. How much time has passed since the group first started sending in cards? The naysayers could have said the same thing then and now your group is working on a contract. Isn't it far better to work for your future and be prepared when it gets here than risk hurting your chance of success by not participating There's a difference between reasons and excuses. The selling point is the former; this is the latter. Hopefully it is said much less.

* netjet pilots aren't paying flight options way. If flight options pilots all paid dues tomorrow, net jets pilots would still pay the same amount as today.

With all due respect to the Options pilots this attitude is not an accurate reflection of the situation. True, the NJ pilots would not see a decrease in their dues, but more of their money would be available for their own needs. The NJ pilots would like to start a Pilot Aid Fund; that hasn't been financed yet. It is common for some people to say that charity should begin at home. While so far it seems that the NJ group has been supportive there comes a point when a hand up starts looking like a hand out and resentment then supplants the desire to help. The potential damage to the good will between the pilot groups far exceeds the difference paying your dues will make to your paycheck. Please do your part to foster unity. As you can tell from posts here, some of the NJ pilots need to see tangible evidence that the Options pilots are working hard for their future.

Paying dues is considered a strong sign that you mean business. Word like that will definitely make its way back to upper management. It has huge psy ops potential! What a tremendous show of unity and resolve would be demonstrated if the Options pilots turned in their dues and voted in their own MEC. Lack of interest --whether real or only perceived--makes your group look weak at a time they need to be standing tall and walking proud. To the individual pilot it's a small amount of money, but collectively it makes a huge difference in the support and respect your group will receive. It is critical that you realize the vast symbolism that is at stake here. Additionally, it's such an easy way for the pilots to make a direct contribution to their success that it amazes me that the majority haven't taken this basic step. When you look at what the NJ pilots did to win their contract battle--donations to Strong Union was one of the first things to put them on the right track. I can't stress enough that it's not just the actual means to finance your campaign; it is every bit as empowering to let the other side know how much you mean business. We all know that money talks. Time to let them hear you shout.

PILOTS ARE PROFESSIONALS AND SHOULD BE COMPENSATED ACCORDINGLY

 

[p3hawk]

Thanks, Mr. Magoo, that's what I was hoping to generate by my question.

* one of the selling points for the union was "no dues til contract".

Many think like UG--better a small amount over time rather than a big "catch-up" payment when the contract is done. The mantra seems to have been too simplified. Postponed does not mean "no charge". Do all of the Options pilots realize/remember that?

* it won't help. Like arranging deck chairs on the Titanic. It is still going down.

Rumors have been out there for years, and the company has stayed afloat. How much time has passed since the group first started sending in cards? The naysayers could have said the same thing then and now your group is working on a contract. Isn't it far better to work for your future and be prepared when it gets here than risk hurting your chance of success by not participating There's a difference between reasons and excuses. The selling point is the former; this is the latter. Hopefully it is said much less.

* netjet pilots aren't paying flight options way. If flight options pilots all paid dues tomorrow, net jets pilots would still pay the same amount as today.

With all due respect to the Options pilots this attitude is not an accurate reflection of the situation. True, the NJ pilots would not see a decrease in their dues, but more of their money would be available for their own needs. The NJ pilots would like to start a Pilot Aid Fund; that hasn't been financed yet. It is common for some people to say that charity should begin at home. While so far it seems that the NJ group has been supportive there comes a point when a hand up starts looking like a hand out and resentment then supplants the desire to help. The potential damage to the good will between the pilot groups far exceeds the difference paying your dues will make to your paycheck. Please do your part to foster unity. As you can tell from posts here, some of the NJ pilots need to see tangible evidence that the Options pilots are working hard for their future.

Paying dues is considered a strong sign that you mean business. Word like that will definitely make its way back to upper management. It has huge psy ops potential! What a tremendous show of unity and resolve would be demonstrated if the Options pilots turned in their dues and voted in their own MEC. Lack of interest --whether real or only perceived--makes your group look weak at a time they need to be standing tall and walking proud. To the individual pilot it's a small amount of money, but collectively it makes a huge difference in the support and respect your group will receive. It is critical that you realize the vast symbolism that is at stake here. Additionally, it's such an easy way for the pilots to make a direct contribution to their success that it amazes me that the majority haven't taken this basic step. When you look at what the NJ pilots did to win their contract battle--donations to Strong Union was one of the first things to put them on the right track. I can't stress enough that it's not just the actual means to finance your campaign; it is every bit as empowering to let the other side know how much you mean business. We all know that money talks. Time to let them hear you shout.

PILOTS ARE PROFESSIONALS AND SHOULD BE COMPENSATED ACCORDINGLY

That is a good point NJW

 

[RNObased]

* netjet pilots aren't paying flight options way. If flight options pilots all paid dues tomorrow, net jets pilots would still pay the same amount as today.

Wow Magoo exellent point... NOT

That isn't what I'm saying, nor care about. I care about throwing my dues awya on something that isn't going anywhere. We can use that money for things that benefit our pilot group. Don't really care if my dues drop or not, in fact I think they are going up soon.

 

[nerdpilot]

Good point

Here's why Flight Options Pilots (some) aren't paying dues:

* one of the selling points for the union was "no dues til contract".
* it won't help. Like arranging deck chairs on the Titanic. It is still going down.
* netjet pilots aren't paying flight options way. If flight options pilots all paid dues tomorrow, net jets pilots would still pay the same amount as today.

Also forgot that many are on the way out and see no reason to pay dues for something they dont plan on sticking around for. Dont forget who sent emails and literature in the mail asking the pilots to join the union before any of this began. I do believe the union is a good thing but when you sell the pilots on not having to pay a dime until the union earns its keep and get a contract, then changes the rules after the vote doesnt sit well with alot of people.

 

[netjetwife]

The rules haven't been changed on you. You still have the option to continue like you have been; however, being able to vote in your own MEC would help you to make sure that your group's interests are represented better, wouldn't it? 1108 has to follow rules, too. The IBT constitution governs elections and paying dues is a prerequisite for voting and/or running for office.

True enough. Those looking for another job would have little motivation to pay dues, I suppose. But at what point does it become obvious that they aren't moving on? 3 months? 6 months? I guess if they're still around when you get your contract that they can pay the back dues, but it would be much more helpful if those not leaving in the very near future would just roll up their sleeves and join the fight. After all, the point is to make the job one worth keeping so that none of you have to keep moving on.

You are the Union, Options pilots, and paying dues is organized self-help. That money is an investment in your future. Please help us help you.

 

[SCT]

"Please help us help you.".......NJW

Spoken like a true socialist there, NJW.

 

[netjetwife]

"Please help us help you.".......NJW

Spoken like a true socialist there, NJW.

SCT, please help me help you.....it's called the ignore function....


Options pilots, full participation will give you the greatest chance for success at the bargaining table. Negotiating your contract is a legal right. Standing up for one's rights is an American tradition. You're fighting for yourselves, your families, your fellow pilots and your peers in the industry. It's a cause to be proud of, and your demands are justified.
Best Wishes!
Netjetwife

 

[RNObased]

"Please help us help you.".......NJW

Spoken like a true socialist there, NJW.

Well it isn't often that I come down on the side of NJW, but this time I have to.

Socialist??? Hmmm... Not even close, but go with that if it makes you feel better about not helping yourself. Next thing you will be calling all of us Facists, or commies....