Well that time went by in a blink. Currently we are working on logistics with the NMB for the upcoming negotiations in Chicago beginning on the 7th. Next week we'll continue the process to make sure all parties are ready to begin bargaining in earnest.
As a group we face several headwinds and need to be prepared to react to them as the process unfolds. The first hurdle will be the overall economic position of mechanics in the industry. This is no secret as the American bankruptcy eroded mechanics pay and benefits at one of our largest competitors. The rest of the trunk carrier industry is in a similar economic position to American as far as pay and benefits are concerned. The economies in the Pacific Rim countries as well as Europe will also need to be monitored during negotiations. The effect of going over the fiscal cliff may also play a role unless a deal can be reached.
Reading the news this morning I came across an article about the new Prime Minister of Japan forcing change at the Bank of Japan. Since the economy of Japan has been floundering for some time the new PM is suggesting a stimulus program and an effort to re-inflate consumer prices. A peice of the article caught my eye "The central bank is now on track to pump 120
trillion yen ($1.4 trillion) into the economy - equivalent to the value
of six Googles - even though skeptics argue that this tide of money cannot break Japan's real economic logjam: falling wages." (emphasis added) Reading this reminded me of what just transpired in Michigan with the new right to work law and where it seems we as a country are headed. The Japanese by a wide margin just rejected conservative policies that have let them stagnate for some time. The full article can be read here.
Obviously there are also significant factors in our favor such as the need by the
company to combine the three maintenance programs and the fact that the company is currently doing well. Another factor in our favor is that oil seems to have stabilized. And of course the pilots have just ratified a new agreement and it appears other labor groups are well on their way towards achieving amalgamated agreements. It appears the domestic economy is picking up with manufacturing beginning to rebound and home sales are also increasing. A better domestic market should drive more ticket sales.
In any event it's going to be a very busy new year. A new amalgamated agreement the members can be proud of is certainly attainable as a result of all the hard work by members and experts as well as the solidarity of the membership. My hope and belief is that 2013 will be a very prosperous one as all this preparation unfolds during negotiations.
