Thanks for asking--
Hawkered, thanks for the support..
I always knew your instincts would lead you to join us, eventually. I think 284 has sealed their own fate. The proof is on our side that we have just cause to separate, and the head honchos of Teamsters have been put on alert that they either work with us or lose us altogether. It's pretty clear from their intervention that they are taking the warning seriously. I think we should let IBT legal handle the mess while we concentrate on getting a good contract. Our attention and money need to go towards that goal, as a group. That said, I'd not be surprised if some individuals pressed the case on their own. You certainly see support for that on the SU board. Without a doubt, bylaws were broken and voting rights trampled!
FAcFriend, I think our conversation is relevant to the topic...
...so to answer your questions/comments.....
Yes the computer industry was hard hit as well; I have a nephew that has had a struggle. But there is a BIG difference between companies that are clearly having to cut back to survive and those that waste money --the NJ pilots see it firsthand--while claiming they can't pay fair wages. They stopped the fear campaign and now admit they are profitable.
I am also bothered by the big pay gaps seen in aviation, industry wide. Sure some difference is justified, but I don't, personally, think the feast and famine approach often seen is fair. Pilots say that aviation is in a turmoil and undergoing lots of changes. I hope when things settle down that there is more balance, pay wise, across the industry. I refuse to believe that any pilot would be less careful w/the lives of 10 passengers than the pilot that has 100. The defeated TA had a pay by weight scale that many of the pilots disliked on fairness. Perhaps, NJA pilots will be able to lead the way in that search for balance. After all, the company has hired about 1000 pilots in the last 4 years and there are less than 1900 total. That puts the majority in the low pay range so I'd be surprised if a top heavy contract were passed. Too many families know how hard it is at the bottom.
I suppose the laid off pilots do face that ugly climb again. I feel badly for them. It just doesn't seem right, does it? I do hope it changes in the future. I know that my husband has vowed not to vote for a contract that has a subpar salary for FOs. Pilots should not make less than a whole host of other workers (including blue collar ones) as is the case at NJA, currently.
The pilots at NJA have been working under the old contract, and most--82%-- felt that it was better than the TA. There was NOT a COLA built in the old contract and the only raises were those for longevity. The pay has eroded over the last 6yrs--3yr contract plus 3 yrs to negotiate a TA that failed to offer more when inflation was counted. Many of those hired in the last 2 yrs or so, were told at their interviews that they'd upgrade in a few months, but that didn't happen and the company didn't adjust the FO pay for them. Historically, there hasn't been a group of FOs at the bottom pay scale this long before (to my knowledge). That is why there was a successful move for the senior pilots to withhold bids so that 117 FOs could get bypass pay--an awesome show of unity by the pilots!
My husband says that the demographics of the NJ pilotforce has changed a lot in the last few years. There are more furloughed pilots from the majors where pay was better and that is why you'll hear comments about self-worth from many of the NJA pilots. The MEC (5 pilots) that negotiated the TA were quite senior. So yes, I/we think that was part of the problem. I suspect the biggest factor, however was simply a personality problem. They weren't into communication or input from others, a style that is completely opposite of our new leadership, where we have heard more in the last few months than pilots did in the past 3 yrs. The pilots are going to be starting fresh w/new leaders, surveys to back them up, and out from under the thumb of the local chapter of the Teamsters that were also part of the disaster of the failed TA.
Thanks for supporting stay-home mothers. There are many young families in the group who have made a lot of financial sacrifices to keep the mom at home. I talk to them on our wives board. Of those that are working outside the home to supplement their husbands' income, a high percentage have expressed a wish to stay at home. Teachers frequently say that they see a difference in kids with stay home moms. My children are at the top of the class and I don't think it's just a coincidence. With the amount of time that pilots spend away from home (not easy on kids), it certainly should be financially possible for one parent to be at home full time. These are the children of professionals and their lives should be a reflection of that status. Good schools, safe neighborhoods, and extra activities are taken for granted in those homes. A pilot should be able to provide the same for his family. The NJA pilotforce is looking for a contract that meets that standard.
Thanks for your interest. Best wishes to you and your family.
Netjetwife
