Hey, I hate to get in the middle of a good slug fest, but tomorrow is going to be a big day for the MDA folks...... I predict some news will come of the situation ;-) I predict some discomfort for leadership and the need of a couple cold beers and a sigh from the most unified group of professionals to ever strap on an airline.
For those of you who work under the Wexford/Republic umbrella, this wasn't about you. Yes, we are offended that your union is as weak kneed and greedy as ours, and when you have the sort of unity and integrity of this group, we really look down on those who have less of either and are willing to use our backs/careers/loss, as the spring-board of their gain. I worked for a contract carrier prior to USAirways, I know the drill.... "The company tells me what to fly and I fly it, sorry guys". What if the/your company bought Colgan and said sorry guys, the money is in Beech 1900's and we are downsizing. Would you be so anxious, eager, or willing to follow mgmnts requirements? Nope.
I and the other MDA pilots do realize ALPA tried to screw you all, but what they really wanted was to screw the MDA pilots because they knew the IBT would never go for it. So, you really didn't get scewed, a breeze just went up your skirt... ;-) Our official representative has contacted BB and they have had conversation in regard to what our minimum requirements are. We ask to be integrated or "dove tailed", jobs for everyone, with longevity for pay and vacation. I believe giving the boot to ALPA was also in the offering, but all was a no-go. Lots going on behind the scenes, but if you fly any "shiney new jet" they give you in the name of employment, terms like "whipsaw", "outsourcing" (goes both ways), and yes SCAB will be thrown liberally about....
The traditional term SCAB was for one who crossed a picket line to perform struck work. Also a tradition when that was the case, was for unions to support or be sympathetic to the cause of other unions. This not being the case, and the new way being "every chapter of every union for themselves", SCAB has taken on a new definition. How about this: A worker who at a lower rate and or lesser experience will perform the work of another who was better compensated to complete a task on the same piece of equipment in indestinguishable branding of said product while the rightfull holder of the job is unemployed.
Now, before you get all fired up.... I didn't call anyone a SCAB. However, try walking a mile in my shoes and those of my fellow MDA employees/family, I've walked many miles in yours.
ALL OR NONE!
SH