Originally Posted by
Curtain rod
"If the TA is rejected by anything less than a resounding NO there will be insufficient mandate for major RP revision."
Not so. Yes means yes, and no means no. If the NC returns with a mandate to keep the TA's separate, and a list of show stoppers that must be changed (like O days, free Reserve and Clause 7, to name a few) then we'll see.
CR. You are correct. However it is unreasonable to expect the company to make significant concessions if the NO vote is tight. Do not promise what the Union can not deliver.
W patterns may go away someday in the future. BUT I like my 777 roster. The roster is stable, I have my W's, build up hours quickly and enjoy my blocks of time off. Vote for a lower quality of life now over the threat of what might occur some time in the future?
If the vote is NO then the NC must return to the negotiations with our list of show stoppers. The Union is guessing what the membership's priorities are today and the Company knows it! The Union needs to question the membership today, not 2 years ago. The questions asked must be specific, not open-ended generalisations which may be interpreted any way the GC desires. (Do you want more control over your roster? YES does not equate to a mandate for a USA style seniority based system.)
Two things are required. The GC must know and understand the desires and priorities of the membership. And the GC must inform the membership so they can know and understand the benefits of each issue and the downside cost. It is much better to knowingly sacrifice for the collective good than to feel thrown under the bus for someone else's benefit.
Historically the union was better at throwing one group under the bus to help a different group. The company probably actively worked to create this situation. Regardless,the GC is left holding the bag.