Another interpretation of ALPA’s refusal to extend the conciliation date is that, similar to the Austrian-Hungarian empure’s demands to Serbia in July 1914 (most unpalatable was the participation of A.-H. officials in the required Serbian investigation of anti-monarchist organizations) this ensures that the negotiations fail.rambus wrote: ↑Thu Apr 19, 2018 12:07 pm “WestJet has expressed to us directly and through the conciliators that they would like to extend the conciliation period. In fact, they have attached extension of conciliation as a condition to adding bargaining dates."
The conciliation period is designed to put pressure on Management to come to the bargaining table. If Westjet respected their pilots they would be at the table now…not looking for extra time to strategize. This is your opportunity to use the Canadian Labour laws, your union and your resolve to get the deal you deserve – it’s time to be treated fairly! Do not extend the conciliation period...it's your time to Stand Firm!
If the negotiation fails, this creates the conditions for a summer time organized protest and associated work stoppage, whereas extending conciliation might delay the possible work slow down to a less effective time period.
Also, a mediated contract of whatever form, relieves the union of the high expectations that they have created in the memberships of large contract increases. They can always later claim that “their hands were tied” by the process (that they engendered).
If they were given more time to negotiate, as the conciliators recommended, they would have no cover under which to hide. Whatever shortcomings in the first CBA, they would have all been on ALPA.
Additionally, a speeded up process, though it might not get the best CBA for the members, has the advantage of getting “a” CBA in place, which then starts the flow of dues from WJ ALPA MEC to Herndon, VA.
I’m not a member, so my opinion should be taken for what it’s worth, but were it me, I’d want to know what exactly I’m supposed to strike over before I picked up a sign.
For instance, has ALPA secured agreement with WestJet on section 22 Seniority yet? Scheduling? Swoop? Pay? What exactly is left to negotiate?
In diversity, meinen Genossen,
Herr VierTausendSiebenHundertNeunundNeunzig