Q: If this TA isn’t ratified and we go back to the table, could we lose any improvements?
Yes, it is possible some of the improved provisions would be different in a second TA – there is no way to guarantee any outcome.
Some hold a strong sentiment to always vote no on the first TA in order to gain additional improvements. History shows it can be a mixed experience.
In the last round of negotiations at Alaska, TA1 was rejected, and TA2 had improvements.
But previously, TA1 had a limited amount of flying at 12.5 hour duty day, and a 360 TFP benefits threshold. It was rejected, TA2 eliminated the small percentage of flying at 12.5 hours but the 360 went to 480. There were more changes, but to put it simply – there were trades. If you wanted to maintain the 10.5 duty day with no exceptions, it was a gain, but if you wanted less than 480 that was a loss.
If we go back to negotiate a second TA, we will absolutely press for improvements, or to change provisions Flight Attendants were unhappy with. It is possible we would only see improvements in TA2. It is also possible we would see trades or changes – and it would be up to the individual to decide if those changes were gains or losses.