I think if you did not hear at least two announcements, the "Take your seats for departure" and the seatbelt sign the first time we turn it off, it was probably an inop Public Address System.

That said, pilots not making PA chatter is hardly a sign of a labor action. Many pilots just don't talk much, and others have been complained to by passengers for talking too much. I make very few announcements because A) it messes up the movie and B) it disturbs those who may be sleeping. It doesn't mean I'm doing anything different just because of contract negotiations, I'll be the same after we get a new contract some day.

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