[Note: This JNC Blog post was revised in “[REVISED] What Happens if the TA is Voted Down?” The following strikeout text will remain for reference.]
Q: Without this extension, VX stays at their current pay and awful work rules until when? When we get a whole new contract is that right? And then our new brothers and sisters from VX will be voting for things on that contract they have not experienced or worked under, including, work rules and company ethics, such as broken promises. Also correct? I’m trying to see the whole picture- short term and long term. And then decide where we (all) make the best strategic decision to be strongest and most united.
A: You are correct on all points regarding the VX situation and what would happen if the VX FAs do not come over to the AS CBA (which would become the JCBA) as a result of a ratified TA.
Q: If we say No to this “first offer,” you will be sent right back to the table, and we will get more because they [management] never give us their “best offer” first, correct? Some people think that if they vote no, we will go back into negotiations and get a larger [pay] increase and the 480 improvements.
A: Contract negotiations is not like buying a car or a home. The “you never accept the first offer no matter what’s in the deal” approach is very troubling. Just remember that the parties passed multiple proposals prior to reaching an agreement, and the JNC rejected many of management’s offers. Therefore, the TA is not management’s first offer. Although it is possible that there might be improvements in another pass, there are no guarantees either. Additionally, it takes time to go through the process again.
Q: If this is voted down, would we go right back to the table or is this a one time merger TA offer? Would we then hold off until openers for the full contract negotiations coming up at the end of the year?
A: If the TA is voted down, management has told us that they will wait until October when the earlier re-opener for our Section 6 negotiations is slated to begin under our existing CBA. If that occurs, we will go into full Section 6 negotiations and our entire CBA will be potentially open for re-negotiation. Those talks have historically taken a significant amount of time. There are no guarantees regarding any provision to stay the same or to improve (e.g. pay raises, 480, etc.). Unless the parties were able to achieve a Merger Agreement TA2 prior to October, we would be back at the bargaining table potentially negotiating a full contract, yet with pmAS and pmVX on extremely disparate pay and work rules.
George Elmies says
All I can say, is if you don’t believe we deserve JD Power award winning pay and buy into the notion that because we are the 5th largest US airline we deserve 5th best pay then vote for the contract. If you believe we are worth more than that then vote it down. As a 33 year ex Jet America flight attendant I know what what you VX flight attendants are going through. You want the better pay and work rules. I get it, but patience is a virtue. In 1994 after a long contract battle and our threat of a CHAOS strike management offered us the Southwest contract, which we took in a heartbeat. This is why we have TFP rather than hourly rates. My first year under that contract I made an additional $10,000. Since then, over 20 years ago, as you can plainly see from the pay comparison chart, we’ve fallen substantially behind. Also, keep in mind that with the new tax laws corporations are getting a 14% tax break, plenty to give us a better raise and 401K match increase. I wish we could see the company’s first quarter financial results. I’m sure it will be substantial. So, be patient and get what you really deserve. I only had to wait 28 years for a San Diego base to open. Make an educated decision, it’s worth it.
Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President) says
The JNC respects your opinion and recommendation.
Just to correct the record, Alaska would be #4 at top of scale under this TA, not #5. We are currently projecting to be at #3 top of scale at the amendable date. However, we believe you are speaking more to the point that Alaska has made the argument in pilot arbitration that we should be positioned at #5 in the industry because we are the 5th largest airline.
Mike Druydd says
Well, vote it down, and see what happens! It ain’t gonna be good!
Is mgmt using VX pay as a bargaining tool? How can that negotiate a contract that is good for ALL of us??? says
Why is mgmt using VX pay as a bargaining tool? Why do they want this to pass? I don’t trust them.