AirTran to take ATA Employees with Deal

[TWA Dude]

Here is an exerpt from the AWA MEC Chairman's message:

I have said before that there is a way for reasonable people to sit
down and make this integration work in a way that justly recognizes that
we are the acquiring airline and, as such, entitled to a greater benefit
than the ATA pilots. An integration that protects America West pilots’
career expectations and unequivocally provides America West pilots with
furlough protection while enabling a transition period to a
fully-integrated seniority list.

I'm not pleased with Captain Szmal's wording so I post this as a warning to my ATA colleagues. As I've written before, should a merger come to pass I'm in favor of an integration that is respectful and that doesn't grant a windfall to either side. Many will disagree with me as being too benevolent but that won't stop me from speaking out. My gut feeling is that those who share my views at AWA will be too quiet and defer to the louder stapling types. A great debate will ensue as to what constitutes sufficient protection for the AWA pilots and it will surely get ugly. I hate to say it but words of ill-will will also let fly (except from me).

Personally I consider it unlikely that AWA will be successful in a bid for all of ATA since we're needing to conserve our cash. I guess we'll know more in the coming weeks. Good luck, guys.

 

[CaptSeth]

Here is an exerpt from the AWA MEC Chairman's message:

I was wondering when this might come up.

 

[TriStar_drvr]

As I've written before, should a merger come to pass I'm in favor of an integration that is respectful and that doesn't grant a windfall to either side.

TWA Dude, thanks for for your kind view on seniority integration. I suspect that your viewpoint is held by a small minority of the pilots at AWA. To be honest, if the tables were turned, I doubt that the pilots at ATA would be any more inclined to offer a fair integration to the pilots of an acquired airline. It's just the nature of the business. We roll the dice with a company, and hope it can carry us to retirement. Sometimes we win, sometimes we don't.

I speak only for myself, but I'm not sure I'd want to be integrated into the list. To be resented by the original AWA (or any acquiring airline) pilots for the remainder of my career, would make for a pretty lousy work environment. Obviously, to hold onto the seat that I've worked so hard to earn, or the respectable paycheck that comes with it would be nice, but I'm not sure the pain would be worth it.

So, I'm prepared to start over again (one last time). I've sent out the resumes and apps to the handful of airlines hiring, for which I'd be willing to fly. Old acquaintances are being contacted for letters of recommendation, and I'll just have to see what happens.

I hold no grudge against the pilots of any carrier. For the time that I'm able to extend the offer, you are all welcome on my jumpseat. Although don't be suprised when I hit you with 20 questions if you fly for a carrier that's hiring pilots.

Brad

 

[TWA Dude]

TriStar_drvr:

You have a great attitude and it will help you live longer than those who go through mergers with eternal bitterness.

TWA Dude, thanks for for your kind view on seniority integration.

While I certainly think of myself as a kind person my proclivity for a fair integration isn't meant as a gift. I think it benefits everyone.

I speak only for myself, but I'm not sure I'd want to be integrated into the list. To be resented by the original AWA (or any acquiring airline) pilots for the remainder of my career, would make for a pretty lousy work environment.

Obviously you'll do what you feel is best for yourselft but I think you're being overly pessimistic. Despite the way it seems on these message boards most pilots are rational enough to not take out their grudges on fellow pilots (yes, even AA pilots). The post-integration quality of life may not be as bad as you fear. Take care.

 

[freightdogfred]

I stand by the prediction the international LCC is the next big thing, and the airline that capitalizes on it will reap rewards.

BTC

Uhh....yeah. Like Sir Freddie Laker and his Skytrain......While your'e standing by your prediction, I predict Mikelson will take ATA back to it's roots, non-sked charters.

 

[Tristar]

Note that I never said at this point George would be the one to do it. SOMEONE will, it's just a question of who and when.

 

[MW44]

Tristar-drivr-
Just curious but why do you consider AWA to be "a lousy place to work?"

 

[ATA For Now!]

Tristar-drivr-
Just curious but why do you consider AWA to be "a lousy place to work?"

That is not what he said.

He said:

"To be resented by the original AWA (or any acquiring airline) pilots for the remainder of my career, would make for a pretty lousy work environment."

In other words, if there were a merger, the only person not pissed off would be the #1 guy on the list. If the rest of the crewmembers hate each other it wouldn't be much fun. Just ask the Republic/Northwest guys. I think there is still law suits being fought over that one 20 years later!

I'm sure that most, if not all ATA pilots would not have any problem whatsoever coming over to HP to work.

Rob V.

 

[MW44]

You're right, I misread that statement. Thanks for the clarification!

 

[freightdogfred]

Note that I never said at this point George would be the one to do it. SOMEONE will, it's just a question of who and when.

Note at THIS point that I was not saying you did.....What I did say is that the LCC international thing has been tried, and has failed.

 

[Data]

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