Triumph for Mesaba pilots union???

[NEWSOUTH]

One more thing for pinnacle guys, remember LOA 21? I seem to remember over the last few years that your union didn't do a whole lot as far as letting Mesaba guys come to pinnacle, like we did for you in the late 90's. So let me see, you expect us to risk our jobs so you can get a better contract, and just because some of you picketed with us, and others volunteered in the strike center. Maybe we need a bit more than that guys, what if we try to raise the bar for you and we all end up on the street? What will it be then? "Who is Mesaba, never heard of them..."

Thats A lie! We will honor if you lose the Avro.

But we won't treat you like garbage as you did us.

 

[saabtrash]

I wasn't even there in 97, so I didn't, nor have I ever treated any of you like garbage. Newsouth, you are way too bitter.

 

[OakRBust]

64J


I was at Mesaba for 6 years. Was a member in good standing with ALPA. I didn't volunteer to help the union while I was there (but didn't b#tch either). I participated in the Wilson surveys like the rest of the pilots and that was where my participation ended.

I really enjoyed my time at Mesaba and especially all the great people that are/were there. I appreciate the work rule and contract that were provided to me by the hard working folks involved in the union (ALPA).

That being said... the one thing that really bothers me about ALPA is that they always fed you how you are underpaid... look at Air Willie, ASA, Comair, ETC... You guys/Gals deserve more...

I hate the term "Industry Average" Each regional has a different cost structure than the next. Mesaba has a different contract with NWA than Air Willie does with United and on and on. People can't just look at pay rates and call people sellouts. They have to look at each individual company and their existing circumstances (amount of profits they are making) and see what is appropriate compensation. If Mesaba is only profiting 8 million per year than they can't very well give 18+ million to the Pilots. (I realize that numbers can be tweaked for both sides benefit) That would kinda tick off the shareholders. Mesaba signed a 10 year contract with NWA I think in 96 or 97. So until that contract is up, they are stuck with a limited revenue stream. The payrates have to allow the company to reamin profitable.

5 years ago people sneered at SWA pay (heck some people still do) The great part about SWA and SWAPA is that they all sit down and yell and scream but they each listen to each other. They come up with agreements that are fair and good for the company bottom line. Our contract at SWA pays us all pretty handsomely (and getting better day by day) and still allows the company to be profitable. I really am thankful for that. I hope we never worry too much about what everybody else makes cause we are all doing pretty darn good right here at home. I believe that is why Southwest has been so successful. (I have only been here a little bit less than a year so aint no way am I near an expert on SWA as I am sure someone will smack me for this.)

Go to the road shows, listen to what your reps have to say read the TA and make your own well informed decisions and Vote accordingly. You all have the final say.

Good luck and sorry if it came across as condescending.

 

[FlyComAirJets]

It's real simple, either you raise the bar or you lower it. Ask yourself does this tentative agreement establish a new level in the industry, or does it merely reinforce the notion that we, despite profits during a dismal economy, deserve substandard compensation?

Management counts on us not to know the difference.

Vote early, vote often. Best of luck.

 

[saabtrash]

Unfortunately I think it raises the bar for Mesaba, but only for Mesaba if it passes. We aren't comair, and I personally don't think we are in a position to attain your payrates. Do you see that? Or do I sound like a wimp?

 

[JJJ]

Thats A lie! We will honor if you lose the Avro.

But we won't treat you like garbage as you did us

I believe that in order for the LOA to come into effect they would have to lose the flying, and Pinnacle would have to pick it up.

If the Avro goes bye, bye, and Mesa moves in there would be 300 furloughs and the LOA would not apply.

 

[jmddgc]

Saabtrash, you do sound like a wimp! Hang in there, we can turn this around. We have nothing to lose, only gain!

 

[xjavro85]

I beg to differ, you do have the TA to lose. If you vote it down than I PROMISE the next TA will be worse. Sign what you have and move on. But I really don't know why I post or read this board. The only people on here a the ones who whine all the time. You guys wouldn't be happy with any TA.

 

[jmddgc]

XJavro85 -
Do you think this will be the ONLY TA that has ever been voted down??? Come on, get real man?
Don't take this personal, it's business!!!

 

[Tflyer70]

I beg to differ, you do have the TA to lose. If you vote it down than I PROMISE the next TA will be worse.

Will it? Im not sure. Did the TA that America West get progessively worse from the original? I would like to hear from any of them as to what was gained our lost because of it. I would think the company would have a little more foresight on what would happen if they pull everything from the TA if it gets voted down as opposed to working on a small number of issues. We still are in the realm of self help if and when the MEC decides to play that card.

Sign what you have and move on.

Tell ya what, when you pay my union dues each paycheck, then you will have the RIGHT to tell me how to vote! Your statement has a management tone to it.

 

[mesaba2425]

The only people on here a the ones who whine all the time. You guys wouldn't be happy with any TA.

True dat. I haven't heard much from T-handle, Simon Says, CWASaab, etal, lately. They were pounding their chests prior to 1/10 saying that Mesaba wouldn't even be entered in the race to the bottom. Now they're neck and neck heading down the home stretch. Giddy up!

 

[dashtrash]

I have had a chance to review the basics of the TA. If I worked for XJ I would vote no. But not mainly over the pay "rates." The rates for the Saab are much closer to Horizon and Skywest than the 70 seat rates. The 70 seat rates are a joke. Furthermore, where are the rigs? And retirement is nothing like the pilots at Comair and Horizon have.
The cost of living raises are one bright spot. As are the protections against Big Sky. Yet, there seems to be no protection against NWA starting an agreement with another regional. The 50 seat rates are not as important since you dont fly any and probably wont. That can be left up to Coex. The 70 seat rates will leave you way behind though.
Good luck guys.

 

[AvroJockey]

Dep
Yea the hiring part is kind of funny to me too, good point HAH!

Actually, we are starting to interview, to hire 50 pilots immediately to cover staffing shortages as a result of schedule enhancements in the TA.

TA is still sub-par! Just vote NO!

 

[T-Gates]

I believe that in order for the LOA to come into effect they would have to lose the flying, and Pinnacle would have to pick it up.

If the Avro goes bye, bye, and Mesa moves in there would be 300 furloughs and the LOA would not apply.

This is true.....

 

[fly4ever]

There are no 70 seat rate scales in this TA.

 

[saabtrash]

Dashtrash, there are no 70 seat rates. Those would be decided by an arbitrator if we were to get 70 seaters...which also won't happen until NWA pilots give concessions on their scope.