This just surprises me because the SW pilots got nothing except people in front of them who weren't there before while THE VAST MAJORITY OF AT PILOTS GOT OR WILL GET HUGE RAISES IN THE NEXT 2 YEARS. Am I wrong?
Not true. A vast number of them have recently unpgraded, or are in upgrade.
(I know, Airtran brought this to the table, not the pilots)
A new Atlanta base, which filled rather quickly with some senior peeps evidently is was quite popular. (I know, Airtran brought this to the table not the pilots)
It appears GK was more interested in eliminating one of his direct competitors that was lowering his yield in certain markets than he was in obtaining this stellar pilot group and it's big Atlanta hub, gates, planes, routes. The promised synergies, increased yields, added routes (not to mention a subsidiary whose performance numbers are a matter of record) have all allowed GK to exceed his 15% ROIC target, which theoretically will be reflected on your next profit sharing check so although it's not the big raise you're so pissed the Airtran F/O's got, it is something. When you were a kid did you yell when your brother or sister got a bigger slice of pie, or were you happy for them? Line holding Captains will take a pay cut in the transition. I've talked to a few of them and they confirm it, and many may not see the left seat again. I'm happy our transitioned F/O's got a raise. They deserve it, every one of them were damn good pilots, a 121 Captain prior to coming here. You couldn't get hired here unless you were, post-911. Although I'll prob take a pay cut, I'M HAPPY FOR THE GUYS WHO GOT A RAISE. I hope next Thanksgiving when you're eating turkey with your family you get the biggest slice of pie.