Ep#1 The Change to ALPA and the Start of Negotiations

[a2btrail]

"In this episode host JC talks with MEC Chair FO CH, MEC Executive Administrator FO TE and MEC Communications Chair Cptn RB about our past, the present and our future as Air Canada pilots. The episode touches on Air Canada's rich history and evolving culture as we begin negotiations for a new contract."

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb- ... ce=i_share

More episodes ahead over the coming weeks and months. Download the free app and don't forget to follow the pod within the app.

I wish AC pilots the very best.

[RippleRock]

Great team. Love CH and we're sooo lucky to have the likes of RB (PhD) to step up as our Communications Chair.

This guy has endless respect for the profession and our roll in it. He is one of the most highly respected and intelligent gentlemen at our airline. Everybody listens to this guy.

LET'S GO.

[FL030]

It always amazes me how intelligent some pilots are. It's so frustrating that these people are treated with less respect by their employer than a tradesmen that didn't finish high school.

[YYT_Dill]

It always amazes me how intelligent some pilots are. It's so frustrating that these people are treated with less respect by their employer than a tradesmen that didn't finish high school.

I, and nearly all pilots, support ALPA and their negotiations. The current CBA is an abhorrent mess and is structured extremely company friendly.

Agreed, there are talented and brilliant pilots! Regardless of formal education background, every industry has those bringing up the group average (and those that pull down). Trades, however, are the new golden tickets in many areas and probably would be a darn fine career path with better stability.

That said, every negotiation ever has been contentious. Doesn't matter if you are a doctor, nurse, sanitation worker, teacher, industrial plant worker.. the list goes on. Even the contracts that are portrayed as being mutually positive are, at some point, made during screaming matches. Pilots aren't the only professionals that are disadvantaged by profit-seeking companies/governments, nor are we direct descendants of the big man upstairs (except for that 5 bar cappy I met last week). Does a company voluntarily give away money that could go in investor's pockets? No. Do unions demand provisions that could be business killers in a down economy? Yes. There will be gains and drawbacks in the next agreement which will likely come down to a strike vote and 11th hour deal.

For both sides, it's not personal, it's business. Are there some examples to the contrary? Sure. That is the exception rather than the norm.

My hope is a fair contract that ensures continued job creation at AC and WAWCON that reflect the true and competitive market value pilots deserve. Like it or not, the AC contract will either lift us all (directly or indirectly) or keep us treading water (looking at you ACPA).