Well, no, why should he? His fiduciary responsibility is to the shareholders of his company. Indirectly, from what I've seen at ASA over the last few months, anyways, he seems to understand that taking care of the employees who create the revenue is a good way of taking care of the people who own the stock. (This could change in a heartbeat, I know.)
It's up to us as employees to give SKYW a positive return on their investment in our most recent contract. Frankly, ever since the RLA became a part of our lives, the best/only job protection we have is to make ourselves the best pilot group, frankly, for the money, available.
Retort to the Retort (using the same number system):
2. Having one seniority list
COULD be in our (Skywest's and ASA's) best interest. However, there is very little interest by the Skywest pilot group. By the same token, there is probably not even close to a majority of ASA pilots who desire one list. And finally, the CEO of Inc. has no desire to attempt one list. My points will be simple regarding each party, but not complete. Skywest pilots see an advantage to staying non-ALPA (overwhelmingly.) Part of the reason, is that a majority do not want one list and saw ALPA as a threat to keeping one list--theirs! They are leveraging their non-unionism to compete against us to get growth--from Inc. The plan works quite well.
Secondly, most ASA pilots do not want one list. They only have to look at USAir/AmericaWest and Delta/Northwest to confirm their position. The unknown and the
pain to get gain
is enough of a reason--with uncertainty of reward not guaranteed.
The CEO and corporate vision is to maintain 2 certificates--for liability and financial reasons. Although that concept does not mean that one list could still not occur, it takes 2 willing partners (both pilot groups) and an Officiator (MGMT) to consumate the marriage. Everyone has their own interests to protect, and the safer position is to maintain status quo.
Keeping 2 separate companies also gives the advantage of selling off or selling back one of the Companies, should the opportunity or the need arise.
3. I am not sure where you get the "antagonizing Skywest pilots" idea. I have made no such statement or have that predjudice. The Skywest pilots have to do what is in their best interest. Similarly, the ASA pilots have to do the same. Yes, we are in competition by the very nature of our two lists. As of today and in the short past, we are a threat to each other. Maybe, someday, that will not be the case.
In regard to what has happened in the last 7 months, credit goes to three parties. First, there is the installation of Skywest MGMT at ASA, which has established the processes and tools we need to do our job. No surprise there, Skywest has a proven track record in these areas.
Secondly, our employees have risen to the challenge and used the tools and processes to bring about this change. The employees at this company have always been untapped and in many areas, have always succeeded despite having NO MGMT! There really wasn't any miracles performed, just better managment of all available resources. Yes, as a result, morale has risen and the work and challenges continue and always will--and our employees will meet the challenges and excel in performance. It wasn't Rocket Science.
Finally, credit also goes to our mainline partner for taking over the ramp and improving the operation. In reality, this is a major reason that we have any opportunity to succeed.
