Actually, it is not that hard to understand guys. Only 3 days left to the deadline and there is still no "hard copy" that you can refer to and actually see what you are signing. Do you think that is just a coincidence? This is planned for a reason. Only a moron would agree to a document without ever seeing it.
Wanna know management's worst case scenario??
Everybody rejects SLS and COS08. Here is why:
Captains agree to not extend unless it is on their current conditions, otherwise, they resign training and leave at 55 (would never happen, this airline would shut down tomorrow). You will initially see a reaction from management to the tune of..."we can't guarantee extensions to anyone that applies, but we welcome you to try". Not yet...., you hold out a little longer. Then you negotiate that it is all or nothing. Everyone gets extended on current terms or you all walk. Sound impossible? It will require unity. Not talking AOA here, but people actually banding together and doing it ON THEIR OWN, WITH THEIR FELLOW PILOTS. What a concept...
By agreeing extensions on your terms, the ball is now on your court. The best defense is a good offense... something on which our union needs serious schooling.
Remember, age 65 is a benefit to them more than it is to you. Otherwise, they wouldn't be proposing it at such a time as when most other carriers are trying to get rid of their pilots at the top-end of the seniority list - ie., the most expensive ones.
And as far as SLS, if NOONE takes it, the current team of managers will have three beauties to answer for at the next shareholders meeting: Hedging, Fines, and lack of SLS / COS08 uptake - which equates to their retirement "due to personal reasons".
Those are the worst case scenarios, not the ones proposed to you by the company or the AOA. Regardless of where you stand, before making a choice, sit down and think about it. You are all pretty sharp individuals, I have yet to meet a pilot that is not at least somewhat smart. Don't exchange long term gains for short term ones. Remember that this place is what you make of it.
