Well, that certainly makes sense considering that the FA group is usually the most diverse group in an airline. The work rules in the their contracts are usually the most detailed and varied.

On the other hand the last 2 FA contracts at CAL were both passed the first time around...the FAs weren't too problematic then.

The company lied to everyone about the reasons for the need of the $500 and the process to getting it. They presented a horrible contract, so it was voted down. Now, CAL is calling our bluff by having requested mediation so soon in the negotiating process. I have to agree with an earlier post that the company has no intentions of truly negotiating to get this resolved. They would much rather just be released from mediation to see if the FAs will actually strike or be disruptive to the operation in some way after the 30 day cooling off period. Certainly the company thinks the FAs will cower down and not do a thing. FAs were angry before the contract was voted down. Now, knowing for sure that the company was lying has made the FAs even angrier. I think everyone will be very surprised at the FAs resolve.

As has been explained MANY times before in various threads. This is not an ill informed group. Most understand what is happening in this industry.The company and our union kept telling the FAs to "get informed, get the facts" This time they did. Again, there was plenty of willingness on the part of many FAs to give up pay and benefits. However, the manner in which the company wants it to happen via that crappy contract was completely ridiculous. There is more than one way to slice the pie of concessions. This idea that the contract that was presented was the ONLY way is absurd. Our union AND the company dropped the ball in regards to the FAs.

In regards to the 777s....GREAT...but how much more will come of the concessions given thus far...I mean first the money was needed to pay off some huge debt due at the end of the year and to avoid a "cash crisis" Then the order for the 787s, then the 757-300s from ATA & the 800s that American turned down. Most recently the 2nd quarter profit, and now 2 777s. C'mon folks lets be real. Thats quite a bit for $418 million thus far. And who knows what else is in the works.