AirTran thoughts on Kelly's Disposal of SL10

[PropPiedmont]

So, what do the AirTran pilots think about Gary Kelly throwing SL10 in the trash now?

 

[redflyer65]

Incoming!!!

 

[dicko]

Surprise

 

[BR715]

Please elaborate.

 

[redflyer65]

Please elaborate.

Or not....

 

[PropPiedmont]

Please elaborate.

Company email stating Gary Kelly is wiping his butt with SL10. New plan in the works, update in a couple of weeks.

 

[StopNTSing]

Don't read so much into it....yet. SC is reporting that the company won't meet the timeline for 717 transfers to Delta that was spelled out in SL10. No where did I read that GK also told us to pound sand. Me thinks there is still room for discussions here. Write your reps and tell them what you expect in exchange for a waiver.

 

[dicko]

Or not....

Since the AirTran MEC letters were posted by SWA pilots, i'll assume that we've already set a precedent-



Hot summer. Hot airplanes. Hot topics.

Since the announcement of the 717 deal with Delta, Gary has made several public statements that have raised questions about the Company's intent to comply with provisions in our Collective Bargaining Agreement. As you recall, Side Letter 10 requires that all AirTran pilots be transitioned to Southwest Airlines, and that the AirTran side of the partition cease to exist no later than December 31, 2014. Effective January 1, 2015 all pilots (both Southwest and Airtran) will be working under one contract; the SWAPA contract will be in effect on that date. All provisions of our contract will apply to the entire fleet and pilot group.

As a result of the Company's agreement with Delta to transfer all but 36 717s by the end of 2014, I sent a letter to Gary asking specifically if their intent was to comply with the contract, and the deadline to complete the transition. Gary responded promptly and confirmed to me that the remaining AirTran aircraft would be transitioned after the December 31, 2014 deadline. To be more specific, he stated it was their "present intent and desire to retain the 717s in the AirTran fleet until they are transitioned to Delta, a process that should be completed by the end of 2015."

I believe it is crucial that our contract is honored; all of it including SL 10. While I certainly believe that we may be able to find a mutually agreeable solution to this complex problem, at this time we are not in agreement and the Company has offered no solution regarding their intent to not comply with SL 10. Our contract uses words like "shall" and "will", not "should" for the same reason the Company used those words in areas where they demand compliance. Absent a membership-ratified solution, the Company must comply with our CBA, to include Side Letter 10.

We felt this matter deserved your attention. Know that SWAPA is exercising diligence in addressing this issue. As developments arise, we will keep you updated in a timely manner.

Fly safe,

XXXX President

 

[funnyman12]

Since we are paid 30% less and flying the same routes on the same equipment it was easy to expect this possible problem. Maybe GK will do the right thing, but it is a very attractive carrot for management to have a B-scale. It seems more of a SWAPA problem than an Airtran concern. I bet bag fees are nice and attractive alao.

 

[dicko]

I wonder how many 737s will be left on the AirTran side after Jan 2015 ....... ?

 

[BR715]

I have flown with many Southwest east pilots that think Gary Kelly should resign.

 

[redflyer65]

I wonder how many 737s will be left on the AirTran side after Jan 2015 ....... ?

Just guessing..

Zero 737's
32ish 717's

What's your numbers?

 

[PropPiedmont]

36, 717s & 20ish 737s.

StopNTSing,

Check your company email, not SWAPA.

 

[OldManPilot]

I was excited when the whole Southwest/AirTran thing began, but to be honest, it has been one heartbreak after another. How can you plan anything when the rules are continuously being changed.

 

[scoreboardII]

36, 717s & 20ish 737s.

StopNTSing,

Check your company email, not SWAPA.

where are you getting this number because I do get company email?

 

[K-Mart]

I was excited when the whole Southwest/AirTran thing began, but to be honest, it has been one heartbreak after another. How can you plan anything when the rules are continuously being changed.

If you truly are an oldman you'd realize this is the airline business.

 

[Whine Lover]

"...How can you plan anything when the rules are continuously being changed? "


If you are truly, truly, an Old Man....you'd realize...this is Life.

 

[freightdogfred]

SC talkum loud, but all braves in ATL know he speak with forked tongue. He will do as the the Great White Father in Dallas tells him.
He has many braves, but few warriors, they care about only wampum and will never walk the warpath, the Great White Father knows this.
Soon many braves will walk the trail of tears to the Great White Fathers house in dallas, they will support the Great White Father even though he threaten to killum all squaws and rapum buffalo.

Great White Father, him one smart paleface

 

[redflyer65]

I join you in an early afternoon drink sir!

 

[mitch1209]

Freightdog,
That was the funniest thing I've read on any forum, anywhere. At least, you've kept your sense of humor.
mitch

 

[dicko]

Just guessing..

Zero 737's
32ish 717's

What's your numbers?

Over the last 6 months I've heard 38 as a high number. As low as 12. All for International ops.

GK knows that SWAPAs main aim is to cokc block any gains to their "brothers" on the other side. Everything else is extra gravy.

 

[waveflyer]

I have flown with many Southwest east pilots that think Gary Kelly should resign.

Maybe Fornaro is available for the job??
Maybe?

+1 on "airline biz" comments
Most of you are proactively negative.
IMO, happiness as an airline pilot takes patience, an even keel, an ear to the ground, ability to read between the lines, and being proactively positive.

IOW- the opposite of most

Just remember you are NOT trapped by this job. You have lots of choices both in and out of your current employment.

 

[redflyer65]

Over the last 6 months I've heard 38 as a high number. As low as 12. All for International ops.

GK knows that SWAPAs main aim is to cokc block any gains to their "brothers" on the other side. Everything else is extra gravy.

Not sure I agree with your SWAPA comment, I think they would like everything to be wrapped up Dec 31, 2014 as written. Most likely not going to happen. Why would SWAPA want to miss the deadline?

 

[funnyman12]

We (airtran) get the pay regardless. Why would we care?

 

[BR715]

Heard a rumor today that GK may leave and go to pepsico!

 

[Luv2BFlyin]

Say/agree to one thing and do another. The Trannys kind of expect that. It's nothing different than we've seen for the last year and a half. What would you expect us to say, "We told you so"?

But hey, it's just business, get over it.

 

[Kharma Police]

So, what do the AirTran pilots think about Gary Kelly throwing SL10 in the trash now?

It's not our fight, all we can do is watch from the sideline.

 

[redflyer65]

Heard a rumor today that GK may leave and go to pepsico!

Should I sell their stock before the announcement?

 

[humveedriver]

I'm just curious. I've posted and PM'd a few SWA folks here that I had concerns the transition timeline was not going to be met. When Gary announced the 717 going away neither SC or anyone here seemed concerned that some 717s would be on property in Jan 2015. Why the sudden "surprise" weeks after the announcement?

 

[texman]

1. SWA will use are retirements to cover the 2015 dead line per SL 10. 2. We will have 737's coming from Boeing to bring those seats and the 36 717 will go to the desert temporarily till DL gets them. What a mess