Cwa, The Wicked Stepchildren?

[lovesthesouth]

Just wondering if there are any agents out there that want the voluntary buy-out that is being talked about?? I realize it's tacked onto the 13.10 an hour deal, but do you feel the sense of urgency here like I do? I'm thinking if this thing goes into the dumper we are all going to be up a creek without a paddle, and we have nothing much now as it is..(for example--no pension to speak of)...I feel as if the writing has been on the wall for us a long time ago and why didn't I change career paths? The healthcare field is starting to look mighty good to me now and that $15,000 would be nice to get me going. Okay, blast away.........but go easy...just a little shakey right now!!

 

[LGA / 037]

Dont forget if we were to vote the contract in, then the company would have to receive a 25 % yes for the buyout according to the COMPANY proposal. I also hope our crack staff at the CWA watches so if the company does file chap 11, the agreement wouldnt go by the wayside. Remember that $15,000 gets taxed, so your looking more at $8,000 in the bank .

In adddition, you can pull your $401k money at a total of a 30% penalty if you are under age. 10% to Fidelity and 20% to the government. ( These numbers per a Fidelity rep. )

The way you are talking is the buzz for ALL the remaining mainline stations as well as Res centers around the system.

 

[networking]

Remember too, that part-timers only get 1/2 that amount. I am pretty sure those downgraded involuntarily are included. That means $7,500 per agent...after taxes probably $5,000.

 

[Schatzee]

And don't forget that if the buyout is not done in a lump sum, if the company goes into BK, they will not have to pay you those payments. Could be a lot less in the bank account than you think..... :censored:

But Bronner and Bruce wouldn't do that, would they?

 

[LGA / 037]

And that is the primary reason why I have been told by pilots the MEC turned down the proposal and wouldnt let the pilots vote!

 

[bobcat]

Just remember if you take the buyout you do not receive unemployment benefits. After taxes, if you are lucky, you may end up with approx. $10,000. How long will that last, three or four months? Then what?

The union needs to educate its' members and make sure they understand what exactly they are voting for and what the ramifications will be. They need to explain what the final dollar amount will be after taxes if they take a buyout and explain how it will be paid out. They need to waken others and make them aware that if the proposed pay cut is imposed that, that will severely lower unemployment benefits when Res. is disposed of. They need to explain that if the CWA members vote in favor of concessions that at any time management can outsource any darn time that they please. Some one at one point made up a paycheck that would reflect what paychecks would look like after the cuts and copied it side by side with a current paycheck. It was enough to make you want to puke. What did they do with it? They hung it on a board with a hundred other pieces of paper and hardly anyone saw it. That is the kind of info that needs to be shoved in everyones face so they can see the harsh reality.

Everyone needs to think before they start jumping at $$$$$ signs. What good is it going to do to give in to more concessions when Res. will be gonzo anyway? That $15,000 buyout is a slap in the face. Another dangling carrot!!!!!!!!

 

[wings396]

I would be willing to bet that you will never see anthing after the first 5K. Once you are out the door, the Company will find a way to weasel out of the other 2 installments. If I were going to take that measly amount, I would have to have the entire $15k in hand prior to cleaning out my locker. Their "Word" is worth nothing around here, not even if it is in writing.

 

[olivia]

From the reservation sales offices...I don't think the buyout will prevail
if a vote was taken. From the people I have spoken to, it is not attractive.

Out at the airports, I don't know.

There are a lot of folks that are head of household or single parents, struggling
even with our current wages and benefits. They will not willingly vote themselves such a drastic pay cut.

best of luck to all.