Can you explain the negotiating process? Who all is involved for company side, typical length it takes for things to be agreed upon, how often to expect updates? What does section 6 opener look like? Once the group surveys are completed, what does the negotiating committee process consist of and how are the concerns brought to the company? With all of the new people since the last contract negotiation was started over 10 years ago, please explain how it all works.

Here’s a link to the Wikipedia page for the RLA which is a good place to start and a infographic created by AFA that explains the complete process:

 

This is a very long answer and one better suited to the next membership meeting.  The negotiations process also varies, a lot.  It is very dependent on a whole host of factors.  We have seen very amicable negotiations and ones that lasted four years over a merger and required two separate mediations.  The short answer is, we have no idea how long this will take or how difficult it will be.  Every negotiation is its own event.

 

“Section 6” is just a reference to the Railway Labor Act which is the law that governs how we go about business.  Section 6 is the specific section that governs bargaining and the rules associated with negotiating.  A Section 6 opener is just an official document which starts the negotiation. The Company will be represented by Labor Relations, various Dispatch Management and specific subject matter experts (e.g. Dana may show up for scheduling discussions…).

I would note that it has not been 10 years since we last did this.  The LOA that extended our agreement was the result of Section 6 negotiations that took a different turn. Every negotiating committee also takes on its own personality and operates in its own way. The only thing I can tell you is that we do not propose anything until the Negotiating Committee is in agreement.