AirTran Road show Pairings

[BFL370]

I so trust ALPA, not. You keep saying the company can do what ever it wants with the contract, they can do the same and not Merge MEH, but do a code share. They can then transfer assets (Eastern/Continental) this Mgt has done that before.

 

[Lear70]

I so trust ALPA, not. You keep saying the company can do what ever it wants with the contract, they can do the same and not Merge MEH, but do a code share.

How do you do a "code share" with a company you own?

AirTran Holdings has made public statements and filed documents with the SEC stating they WILL merge Midwest with AirTran operationally once the purchase/merger is complete.

They are legally BOUND to that.

Once we are operating as a combined entity in name, we can file a Single Carrier Petition with the NMB, and EVERY CASE PRECEDENT with a combined carrier with one name in the last 5 years shows that we will be successful which forces the company to integrate seniority lists.

Our current Section 1 has a paragraph that reads almost identical to the proposed T.A. in how we will integrate that seniority list.

The risks are very small that Holdings could even attempt to whipsaw us, it takes about 24 months instead of the 18 that the T.A. gives us (which is the only down-side of staying under our current CBA - loss of 6 months time to integrate), and the proposed T.A. DOESN'T BIND THE HOLDING COMPANY ANYWAY.

It's AirTran HOLDINGS that's purchasing Midwest. Not AirTran Airways, and we do NOT have a letter binding the holding company to this merger language. Completely useless language without it...

Oh, and by the way, I don't trust "ALPA" as an entity, either. I have 13 open grievances from my last ALPA carrier unresolved after 5 years (they remain open even after you leave) and they really screwed up by letting Scope out of the bag (yet here we are considering doing the same exact thing after decades of experience that should have taught us better).

I do, however, trust my friend who sent me a bunch of those links to the NMB rulings, and the NMB rulings don't lie.

 

[CitationLover]

Well my Tybert, get your head out of the Hustler and power down the Media player with the gay porn and understand it is not the 717 guys who could be hosed but you and me, becasue if the 717 is replaced (would take years) you could also see the senior guys would go to the 737 and 717s to Midwest and you and me will be E190 FO's or Capts on reserve. That is just as plausable but possible under this contract and we could do NOTHING about it. That is a fact, but think as you will.

you're wrong. management is dishonorable to push everything to MEH, but are honorable to make great schedules? wtf are you smoking?

single carrier status fixes what you describe.

don't buy the BS.

 

[CitationLover]

Arent Omni, ATA and World now owned by one holding company, so are Polar and Atlas and none are being combined.

they are being operated separately. as lear pointed out, Joe has already stated publicly midwest will fly AS air tran. the eastern transfer of assets to continental is precisely what the single carrier status protects you from. look, mesa air group, if they had the patience before signing their crappy contract, WON theirs when ALL new jets were being transferred to freedom (the very situation you describe).

 

[Ty Webb]

If you really are a line pilot at AAI, pull out your Contract 2001 and look at it, instead of just posting random thoughts and fear-mongering. . . . I'll give you a little hint- it's under "Scope" in the sub-sections referencing "Transfer of Assets", "Common Asset Control", "Code Share", and "Merger".

 

[CitationLover]

If you really are a line pilot at AAI, pull out your Contract 2001 and look at it, instead of just posting random thoughts and fear-mongering. . . . I'll give you a little hint- it's under "Scope" in the sub-sections referencing "Transfer of Assets", "Common Asset Control", "Code Share", and "Merger".

don't let some facts get in the way of a good argument.......

 

[Just thinking]

Do not forget that they are looking at an Ab Initio program to bring the best to the right seat and lock them in the seat for 5 years

 

[RIDETHELIGHTING]

Do not forget that they are looking at an Ab Initio program to bring the best to the right seat and lock them in the seat for 5 years

Thats funny. You said the best.:bomb:

 

[Lear70]

Thats funny. You said the best.:bomb:

You know, we laugh about that, but it may not be such a far-fetched idea.

If this thing were to pass (which I don't think it will), and they got rid of all the 717's and replaced them with Embraers at a 40% pay cut and lengthened everyone's upgrade by 3-5 years, you'd see a mass exodus of 1-3 year F/O's out the door.

The company got away with it back in 2001 with the DC9's going away and displacements back to 717 F/O because there was simply nowhere else to go.

Now, all the majors are hiring or will be within a year, and our F/O's predominantly have 7-10k hours, half of which is turbine PIC and a lot of friends at other carriers.

Most of us came here from the regionals for the work rules and quick upgrade. Take that away, and a lot of guys will seek greener pastures, and you'll be left with no one but low-time regional guys applying, and the ab-initio thing might sound a lot more tempting to staff the RJ's...

 

[RIDETHELIGHTING]

no, i was just laughing because he said AB are the best.

 

[Lear70]

Oh, I gotcha...

 

[Steeler Fan]

Some how I bet all you guys havnt even gone to the show, do what you will and no Im not a senior guy. Good Luck.

I have...I was disappointed when I went to the TA to verify what Allen said. The text and his answers are not always telling me the same thing, which is a real bummer.

Shall/Will are really nice things to have in the contract. For the record, I really want us to a have a good contract that keeps us competitive for the long run.

 

[SkiFishFly]

Some how I bet all you guys havnt even gone to the show, do what you will and no Im not a senior guy. Good Luck.

What is presented at the road show via power point presentation or other means is not legally binding. They can say whatever they want and then later say "oops - guess we were wrong".
The only thing that matters is what is written in ink in the TA. This is what will be legally binding. Don't just go to the road show and accept their presentation. Read the TA and your current contract.

 

[whoknows]

Some how I bet all you guys havnt even gone to the show, do what you will and no Im not a senior guy. Good Luck.

I can read a TA and a contract. I do not need to hear spin at a roadshow; I understand what the TA says and how it COULD improve our pairings. I understand what AAI management could also do with this TA language. No DOUBT I am voting NO.

 

[Just thinking]

Thats funny. You said the best.:bomb:

I was being sarcastic... Klaus is hot on this idea... ask any regional Captain about their ab initio story... not that we are beyond reproach but I do not think the company is willing to pay draft pay to fly 'single' seat into crappy wx.I would like to see us to continue to recruit seasoned and qualified ATP pilots... not a good idea for social experimentation... could you imagine the success rates with our nuturing training department?

 

[FlyWolf]

I have an idea, why don't you elect Lear70 as your BoD chairman????

I bet he will get more accomplished that the guys on the top of the food chain in your union.

 

[FlyWolf]

Oh by the way, don't know if you guys know but our ALPA MEC is planning a big showing of support to the company stand alone plans by marching to the BoD meeting on the 14th. in full uniform. Plus the company is asking all employee who are off during the meeting to attend to show support for the company.

 

[RIDETHELIGHTING]

I have an idea, why don't you elect Lear70 as your BoD chairman????

I bet he will get more accomplished that the guys on the top of the food chain in your union.

I 2nd that, we need to get some sickers made "LEAR 70 for BOD Chair".:beer: . He can elect all the guys that help him with a couple of other section, you know who you are.

 

[FlyWolf]

AP
AirTran Deal Top Item at Midwest Meeting

Sunday June 10, 2:50 pm ET

By Emily Fredrix, AP Business Writer Midwest, AirTran Fight Focuses on Board of Directors at Shareholder Meeting

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Midwest Air Group Inc. prefers to fly alone. Time and again, that's what the board of directors has said in response to escalating takeover offers from rival AirTran Holdings Inc.

But in calling AirTran's repeated offers inadequate, Midwest's board of directors may have alienated itself from shareholders, more than half of whom have agreed to exchange their shares to AirTran for about $15 each in cash and stock if the deal is approved.

The board's nine members may find themselves alone this Thursday at the company's annual shareholder meeting, where three of them could lose seats to a slate nominated by AirTran.

Major proxy advisory services and institutional shareholders are urging shareholders to elect at least two of the AirTran-backed trio who would serve until 2010. Shareholder sentiment for the latest offer -- a cash and stock deal worth $389 million -- is high.

AirTran, operator of low-cost AirTran Airways, is confident the slate will be elected. Even though they won't hold a majority on the board, AirTran hopes the new directors could force Midwest to enter into negotiations or at least consider the offer.

"They'll be Midwest directors and they'll have a chance to evaluate all the information from that side," said Bob Fornaro, president and chief operating officer of AirTran Holdings. "I think most people believe the company does not belong to one person. It belongs to the shareholders."

Midwest said it was not legal to comment on the expected outcome of shareholder meetings. CEO Tim Hoeksema last week said the company supported its board members, who "have a deep understanding of the company and the potential of its strategic plan."

That came in response to the news that two proxy firms recommended Midwest shareholders elect at least two of AirTran's nominees. Institutional Shareholder Services, considered an influential advisory firm, also said Midwest should hear AirTran's offer.

"An enticing premium and high percentage of tendered shares sends a strong signal that the company should enter into a good faith discussion with AirTran to explore to possibility of a combination," ISS wrote.

AirTran has sweetened its offer several times, starting back to $78 million -- or $4.50 a share -- in June 2005. The company offered $290 million -- or $11.25 a share -- in October, and then $345 million -- or $13.25 in cash and stock -- in January. The latest offer is worth about $15 in cash and stock. The day before news of the offer hit in December, shares closed at $9.08. One day later, Dec. 13, they closed at $11.10. Since then, shares have hovered around $15.

CtW Investment Group, which works with union and public pension funds that hold almost 1 million Midwest shares, urged shareholders in letters this week to vote for AirTran's slate. Last month the group asked Midwest's board of directors to name a special committee of independent directors to enter into negotiations with AirTran.

"We believe the successful election of the AirTran nominees will inject necessary independence and objectivity into the Midwest boardroom, significantly increasing the likelihood of a value maximizing transaction with AirTran," the investment group's executive director, William Patterson, wrote.
Shareholders are becoming more vocal as well, including the CEO of Octavian Advisors LP, which owns 6.6 percent of Midwest shares. Richard Hurowitz said he hoped that AirTran's slate would bring new perspective to Midwest's board and urge it to enter into talks with AirTran.

"Having observed this a number of times, the dynamic completely changes," he said. "I think to have people in the board room who bring a different perspective and are interested in maximizing value are good things."
Midwest's slate includes:
-- John F. Bergstrom, a 60-year-old who has been on the board since 1993 and is chairman and chief executive officer of Bergstrom Corp., which sells and leases cars.

-- Frederick P. Stratton Jr., 67, who has been on the board since 1988 and is a one-time chairman of the board of engine-maker Briggs & Stratton Corp.
-- James R. Boris, 62, who joined the board in 2006, and is chairman of private investment firm JC Capital Management LLC.
AirTran's nominees are:
-- John M. Albertine, 62, head of consulting and banking firm Albertine Enterprises Inc. and former chairman of a presidential commission on aviation safety under President Reagan.
-- Jeffrey H. Erickson, 62, who retired last year as president and CEO of air cargo service firm Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings Inc.
-- Charles F. Kalmbach, 59, vice chairman of The University Medical Center at Princeton and a former Boeing Co. employee.

Midwest argues that even if AirTran's slate is elected, little will change and it still doesn't mean a takeover is certain.
"It doesn't really change anything," spokeswoman Carol Skornicka said. "It certainly would change the nature of the debate inside the boardroom."
AirTran has argued that the merger makes sense since announcing in December that Midwest rejected its offer of $290 million. AirTran went public with the rejections to tell everyone, including Midwest's shareholders, about the potential combination, which it expects to generate $3.5 billion in revenue when complete.

In the months since then, AirTran executives have touted how the airlines' fleets -- with emphasis on Boeing 717s -- and geographical reach would complement each other. AirTran, with its hub in Atlanta, runs primarily north and south, while Midwest, with its hub in Milwaukee, flies east and west.
They also say Milwaukee is underserved and could handle more flights, a point on which Midwest strongly disagrees. Midwest also argues the deal would cost Milwaukee many overlapping jobs that AirTran would cut. AirTran disagrees and says it expects to have 15,000 employees when the airlines are integrated.
Midwest Air Group, which also operates regional carrier Midwest Connect, has 3,500 employees and serves 51 cities on 185 departures a day. AirTran serves 56 cities on more than 700 flights a day and has 8,600 employees.
It envisions the combined company reaching 1,000 departures a day in 74 cities.
Midwest: http://www.midwestairlines.com
AirTran: http://www.airtran.com

 

[Uppercrust]

Well my Tybert, get your head out of the Hustler and power down the Media player with the gay porn and understand it is not the 717 guys who could be hosed but you and me, becasue if the 717 is replaced (would take years) you could also see the senior guys would go to the 737 and 717s to Midwest and you and me will be E190 FO's or Capts on reserve. That is just as plausable but possible under this contract and we could do NOTHING about it. That is a fact, but think as you will.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: