Dear readers,
Tis the season for contract negotiations! It seems as though
almost every airline and its union are developing a new agreement in principle (AIP) or tentative agreement (TA). Every other week we hear about another AIP or TA emerging. Of course, you hear about it from Aero Crew News first! 😉 All these updates have been keeping our team busy. If you haven’t had a chance to look at the airline contract-comparisons section on our website, also known as The Grid, please visit aerocrewnews.com/acn-grid/.
About three months ago, at a bar in Atlanta, Ga., I meet Victor Soler, our new Food Bites author. By complete chance, we started talking only to discover that we are both pilots. He invited me to sit with him and his wife and we began talking shop. Aside from learning that he is an avid foodie, I also learned that at one time, he had dissected The Grid when it was printed in the back of Aero Crew News. He cut, arranged, moved, mapped, highlighted, crossed out, etc. Several years ago, Victor created a visual chart of his career path from The Grid as depicted here in the picture he showed me. (I’m so glad he kept this memento of his effort.)
While I was feeling so buoyed by Aero Crew News’ role in his career, he hit me where it stung. “What ever happened to The Grid?” he asked. I explained that we had moved it online using software that is essentially a database where you can compare contracts, much like shopping for desirable features in a TV! Then, I attempted to show him only to discover that our site was down. After a few help requests, we were able to get it back up and I showed him the online version. He was in awe. This entire episode made me realize that maybe we don’t promote The Grid enough explaining what it is and where to find it. Victor’s experience was so valuable which prompted me to think that others might be missing it and its worth at a time when it is likely more valuable than ever!
This month, I want to reintroduce The Grid back onto the pages of Aero Crew News’ eMagazine, but in a different way. We have spent the last couple of weeks updating The Grid (to the best of our ability – revisions and updates are continuous). As an example of its robust capabilities and utility, we share with all, contract comparisons between Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Alaska Airlines on page 47.
I would love to hear what you think. Write me directly or be assured I’ll see your comments directed to [email protected].
Fly safe,
Craig Pieper
