31 replies to this topic

[MadMan337]

Trying to add more available days off into the Mechanics CBA will not come cheap and the Company would never agree to it. No matter what you call the days off available there is only so many paid days that will be provided. We will have our hands full maintaining our Day Trade language, which is the most flexible in the industry. Our real focus should be on removing LOA #1 and getting out of Aeroman. Also tightening up our Art. 2 Scope language to provide more job security and more work in- house proportionate to our growing fleet size, our group should be growing just as much as the other groups as the Company expands. I would never expect SWA to perform as much in house as the failing legacies but at least more than current trends. Medical Benefits after age 65 falls under a Me Too clause in every CBA on property and would be great to get but........you know how that works. The one thing everyone needs to do as often as possible during negotiations is sign up to be an observer. There is no other way to experience how negotiations work and how things go from proposal to TA. It is an eye opening experience that will change what you believe you know about negotiations.

[swamt]

MadMan337, on 14 February 2012 - 05:48 PM, said:

Trying to add more available days off into the Mechanics CBA will not come cheap and the Company would never agree to it. No matter what you call the days off available there is only so many paid days that will be provided. We will have our hands full maintaining our Day Trade language, which is the most flexible in the industry. Our real focus should be on removing LOA #1 and getting out of Aeroman. Also tightening up our Art. 2 Scope language to provide more job security and more work in- house proportionate to our growing fleet size, our group should be growing just as much as the other groups as the Company expands. I would never expect SWA to perform as much in house as the failing legacies but at least more than current trends. Medical Benefits after age 65 falls under a Me Too clause in every CBA on property and would be great to get but........you know how that works. The one thing everyone needs to do as often as possible during negotiations is sign up to be an observer. There is no other way to experience how negotiations work and how things go from proposal to TA. It is an eye opening experience that will change what you believe you know about negotiations.

I agree with your entire post. I just hope they leave the day trades alone as they are a huge QOL issue a more way of life for a very large group of guys. Some guys would'nt know what to do if they had to come to work for 4 or 5 days per week, as they only work 2-3 days every week with the DT's.

[swa1963]

swamt, on 14 February 2012 - 06:28 PM, said:

I agree with your entire post. I just hope they leave the day trades alone as they are a huge QOL issue a more way of life for a very large group of guys. Some guys would'nt know what to do if they had to come to work for 4 or 5 days per week, as they only work 2-3 days every week with the DT's.

Day Trades is nice, You keep a steady partner on another shift , work double shift all week then get 9 days off! sign up and get Overtime you get your daytrade shift off with pay on Paid rest! good deal for us, we keep the train going yeah!

[Swadl]

For me day trades are a must!! I need them, I want them, I enjoy the benefit of them.

[AvTech04]

That's the biggest thing I look forward to is those day trades.. AT only allows same shift trades right now so it serves us no benefit unless you need an extra day off here and there... This day trade formula you guys have is brilliant!!

[swamt]

AvTech04, on 14 February 2012 - 10:23 PM, said:

That's the biggest thing I look forward to is those day trades.. AT only allows same shift trades right now so it serves us no benefit unless you need an extra day off here and there... This day trade formula you guys have is brilliant!!

I must say AvTech, it's so nice to have these options with the DT's. Some guys are hard core and work triple one day, off 8 hrs, work double next day, and then off for 5 days. Some other guys work it out with multiple partners, work 5 days, and take 9 days off. The key to this success for both mechanics or multiple mechanics involved is complete dedication to the program. Then you have the guys that just want to have more time off, and you can just giveaway your shift to someone. Nice for all the soon to be retirees to reduce time at work as well as money being made with the offset of SS. Very sweet QOL issue. If the company was to try and restrict this perk, you would "in fact" see a complete come apart within the mechanic ranks. More so than pay or bennies issues. And it's a fantastic option for all the comuters out there that have to travel or commute for work. Yes. It is brilliant... Can't wait for you guys to experience it.

[Swadl]

I'm one of those guys who would work a double then triple and have last shift paid rest.

[7andcounting]

I am new to posting here. I have been reading them for quite some time though. I have to say the civility on this thread is very impressive. I have sat on both sides of the negotiating table over the years (not at Southwest). The one thing we as mechanics must remember is it is not us against the company but us against the other airlines. If our proposals are reasonable everybody wins. I think that retirement health care is non starter. Most companies have gotten into financial trouble by agreeing to post retirement benefits i.e auto makers, state and local municipalities, U.S postal service. However their options to the issue.