Sniper

In Bond McCaskill - don't think so (could be wrong, though).

However, anyone thinking that SWAPA can implement an arbitrated SLI but give a different longevity (or other penalty) to AirTran pilots, then get it voted in with their super-majority of 'original SWA pilots' needs to pay more attention to the US Airways merger legal play-by-play.

USAPA has already been warned if they do something like this to the former AmericaWest pilots that a DFR suit is "ripe".

SWAPA's too smart to repeat other's mistakes IMO.

forgot to bid

I don't think SWA's #1 concern is their ROI on FL pilots. They knew from day 1 FL pilots would get raises.

if time and money related to pilot costs were the #1 concern then a better offer would've been in order, no? They could've done a Delta style cash drop to incentivise a TA both sides would vote in.

I think the analogy of playing checkers while they play chess was spot on, and longing for punitive longevity is playing checkers.

SteelHorseFlyer

Someone needs to print this out save it and post it in about 8 months right after their upcoming S6 openers. I'm betting it'll look a lot like clairvoyance.

SteelHorseFlyer

ok armchair ceo. don't quit your day job. that has to qualify as the worst and possibly most incorrect analysis of this deal yet on here. POPCORN!

SteelHorseFlyer

possible. unlikely unless kelly wants to **** off almost 1800 pilots right from the gitgo who will then have no loyalty much less incentive to help the company run smoothly and will poison the water hole. bad bad idea. kelly is smarter than that but shhhh don't tell the pilots it will **** them off and ruin their whole delusional group wet dream.

Boogie Nights

I want and hope the culture survives. I want a place to work where doing a good job has rewards, and the leadership has my back. Lets face it both sides have a vested intrest in doing the best they can for their own bubbas. I think most of both groups will put the gloves down after the SLI is done. We all know there will 10% on both sides who won't let it die, but hopefully we can move forward.

I hold no grudge for what has been done, although you can't bring a knife to a gun fight.

I am keeping a cautiously positive attitude. I look forward to my first ride up front in Canyon Blue.

Here is to a positve and fair deal for the 90%, even if I end up in the 10% that gets hosed.

B- (I know Mr Naive)

Rodney717

I'm an AirTran pilot, and I'm not here to bash the Southwest pilots. Southwest has their 10% to 15% of Negative Nattering Nabobs, just like AirTran does.

During the Midwest / AirTran merger talks, There was never to be any stapled Midwest or AirTran pilots. In fact, as I understand it, a relative seniority list was already being agreed to before any buy-out was to take place between AirTran and Midwest.

I'm afraid that SWAPA has grown so used to STAPLING every [defunct] carrier that the parent company SWA has acquired, that SWAPA somehow feels that we at AirTran should be integrated only slightly differently (as a profitable carrier). Remember the 400-500 million we had in the bank when SWA bought AirTran?

I've supported our AirTran Merger Committee throughout this process, but the more that I've read, the more that I've become a 'NO' voter. No disrespect to my future co-workers, but the combination of the Staple, (Agreement In Principle & SLI), and the interpretive language contained in Side-Letter 9 simply cut just a little too deep.

Our Master Executive Council voted this AIP down not only because it was absolutely frightening, but because many AirTran constituents like myself emailed them and requested a "NO" vote. It was voted down 7 to 1.

There is still a possibility that this may not go to Arbitration, and that we as AirTran pilots will have our vote (September 30th deadline), yet after what I've been reading (I'm new to APC), I am afraid that arbitration is where this may very well be headed.

sailingfun

Not much chance of that unless SWAPA wants to go broke in a DFR lawsuit. I have never heard of a merger or buyout where the acquired airline did not get full credit for their longevity.
Again everyone seems to forget about the transition agreement. It was signed by all parties involved and clearly spells out what is going to happen. If there is no agreement on 30 Sep it goes to binding arbitration period.

OrionTanker

When the AirTran MEC voted down the agreement, they performed a very good job for the AirTran pilots. They listened to what appears the majority of the pilots. That great feeling will only be short lived.

Long term, I think the AirTran MEC gave their pilots a raw deal.

Most people think only in the short term. What can I get right now?

You were going to get a huge pay raise. I would like to think better work rules. Pretty good 401K program, voted one of the best in the country (not just the industry here). Better scope protection. Happier employees that actually say hi to you, and the best management in the industry.

Was the agreement perfect? No, and a hard pill to swallow. But, it might have been the best thing for the whole (AirTran and SWA) company.

We will not know for quite a while if the AirTran MEC did great job or lousy job. Good luck to the AirTran guys and gals.

tsquare

Naaaaaah, not buying this. I guess theoretically you and GK could hold them back and not integrate pay for 15 years, or whatever you deem punitive enough, but I would bet that a judge would see that as not bargaining in good faith. But even if he didn't, I would think that if you DID something like that the goodwill that you would squander just to be punative would trash the culture there. When the arbitrator makes his (their?) decision, it would be in your best interest to rip the band aid off and try to make your new brothers welcome. Or not.. and be the next east/west merger...