rickair7777

June 2008..............

rickair7777

I think you are exactly right. Besides, with the rule change it is almost inevitable that a union will come to SKW anyway so they are just hoping to extract some concessions (or maintain status quo) with the merger process.

Captain Tony

[edit: delete flamebait] I seriously doubt SkyWest would have gone to the extreme measures to have ASA buy XJT (instead of Inc) if they hadn't already researched it and ensured it would end-run the scope that way. Atkin is smarter than all of us. I predict that the scope will NOT force a merger with SkyWest.

Nevets

There would be a representation vote. Theoretically, the vote could have an outcome of no union at all. But if ALPA wins, there would only be one ALPA contract for all pilots on the combined seniority list.

I'm curious then, why didn't JA do this two years ago? But you are absolutely right, this is an obvious and deliberate end-run of the letter and clear intent of the XJT pilots' contract.

The new boss' first act to his new employees is to disregard our hard fought legal contract. Doesn't give me the warm and fuzzies to start this relationship on a war footing. They say they want to treat us with dignity and respect, that is a loud of crap. Start by respecting our contract and then we will see.

This is going to be fought on more than one front. With the new voting rules I would be surprised if there wasn't another OC trying to get ALPA on SKW property.

As for RAH, they haven't even gotten a SLI. Once that happens there will be a vote and ALPA will be considered as all of the Midwest guys are ALPA.

JetJock16

The DelConn flying in LAX was originally given to SkyWest Inc who had ASA operate the routes. After less than a year when Jerry and friends would't agree to operate for less they awarded the flying to XJT. The funny part is (years later) that SKW is now operating some routes out of LAX for Delta.

Both XJT and ASA have had their fair share of rough times over that last 3 yrs and I wish the best for both groups. I strongly hope the XJT scope language holds up and we can all merge into ONE list.

SKW will be ALPA is 2011.

Captain Tony

He didn't do it then because the price wasn't right. And personally, I agree with those that say he wasn't really serious about buying it then, he was doing what he did for other reasons.

That IS a load of crap. The first lesson you all need to learn about SkyWest is that they claim to care about their employees, but while they're giving you a hug, they're reaching for your wallet. All that mumbo jumbo about how much they care about their employees "thanks for all you do" blah blah is just to keep everyone working. They only care about money for the shareholders. Research Brigham Young's "beehive" concept. This is the fundamental principle of SkyWest management.

Now does this mean you should start a "war" (your words) and try to force a three way merger? Don't waste your money. He did it this way for a reason, and you will lose. Don't expect support from the ASA pilots in such an endeavor either. Going to war with Jerry Atkin is akin (no pun intended) to taking on the Borg. You will lose and be assimilated anyhow.

Nevets

The shop fee is 1.45%

Of course he was serious. I was there in the room when he and BR made their little powerpoint presentation. You think he would have reneged if the MEC would have said, "fine, keep us all separate." He had nothing to lose.

Yeah, reminds me when he told us that we need to look at SKW as our "life boat" because we will be bankrupt in 6-9 months.

Well, the word war was over the top. But it was not XJT pilots that started any of this. The XJT MEC will try to force our hard fought legally binding contract on whoever it applies to. We may lose but that does not mean that the MEC fiduciary responsibility to their pilots and the contract gets thrown out the window just because its hard or will cost money. The ASA MEC was unanimously on board with a combined seniority list last time and I'm sure they will support whatever the XJT MEC decides to do again. Assimilation is exactly what I want. Both XJT and ASA should be assimilated into SKW and become one big happy family. Anyways, I didn't mean to imply that XJT will do anything illegal in fighting for the clear intent of our contract.

How many of those 2800 pilots did you know? The point is that with the old rules, NO ONE knows how many pilots were simply apathetic.

With a vote of all three groups, it will be a easy slam dunk vote for ALPA.

Bustin

The XJT scope is encouraging to me but hasn't history shown that during mergers that stuff doesn't always hold up? I guess the main reason I don't think it will is because we can assume Skywest knew of that and pulled the trigger anyway. Also the language of the purchase, as relayed to the ASA employees, states that ASA bought XJT, not Skywest Inc. Seems maybe that's their backdoor way of bypassing the scope. We'll find out soon enough!

jetlink

ASA pilots:
Please, we all want the same, improvements to our QOL. By supporting each other, we can create outstanding CBA, that will improve your pay and QOL. Seniority is important, and that should not be a problem by integrating our both companies into one. I'll be more then happy to provide anyone who requests our CBA, by looking at it you will recognize immediately, that XJT contract is far more superior then any other regional CBA out there. On the side lines, ASA has not bailed out XJT, by purchasing XJT for little over then $133 mil, they also walked away with our cash reserves of over $250 mil, which make this deal almost financed itself. In addition, should also look on our benefits 401K and B found, as well as $1.80 perdiem. 401K alone gives you almost 9% company 100% matching with defined contribution plan to 6 year employee. Your benefits are not even close to XJT. Furthermore; Trip pay protection, junior man pay, red flag, trades, and vacation protection and vacation award. So if anything, ASA pilots should fight to get XJT CBA in full...

ERJFO

Sounds like you haven't talked to ASA ALPA, multiple contract/RLA attorneys, or the senior management of SKYW.

XJT ALPA has.

I can understand skepticism here but why be so negatively vocal?

The bottom line here is that most of us on this forum do not know the intent of SKYW. Do they plan on fighting contract language that they demanded be removed 2 years ago? Are they ignoring it so that it can (wisely) be used as leverage in CBA negotiations? Do they plan on merging ASA and XJT operationally while allowing a single seniority list between XJT, ASA, and SKYW?

Even if SKYW knows all three labor groups would merge the company would be giving away a good amount of leverage if they simply accepted that.

Also, there is a lot more to this merger than just seniority integration. Unlike the pilots of XJT, ASA, and SKYW - labor contracts are not the first consideration in this deal.

Now, please tell me how I am wrong.