Another SWA proposal

[SWA/FO]

He will honor the process he agreed to... but GK doesn't want this to go to arbys.

The process or PA, just gives Gary a list. He will decide if he wants to use the list. Honestly, the only sure path to our seniority list is via an agreement. Everything else is a craps shoot.

 

[dicko]

This is my point, if GK does not have to use the arbitration list, then why even go to arbitration ???

The appearance of propiety is more important than the actual act.

 

[Andy]

This argument of the 717 not being a cost effective airframe seems weak as GK is an accountant by trade, and has had ample time to review it's numbers. If it's such a money loser why would he take the time purchase an airline with leases on 80 airframes extending thru 2017?

The jewels for SWA were large presence in ATL and eliminating competition. LGA and DCA are small bonuses.
I don't even think that AT's 737-700s are much of an asset for SWA. All of the aircraft will likely be swapped for other aircraft; it's just that the 717 is at the top of the list for SWA to 'trade'.

Keep an eye on ticket prices out of BWI and MCO. I expect them to increase now that SWA and AT are both part of the same parent company.

To mix metaphors, SWA's already gotten the milk. You guys are now haggling over how much SWA will pay for the cow.

 

[SWA/FO]

OldManPilot; That is something your OWN Lawyers have told your NC and MEC. Gary can't be forced to use arby list. I don't know why some find this hard to believe. Ask your Lawyers.

 

[Flycatcher99]

I'm not going to wait. I've already started the weeping. The wailing and gnashing of teeth is next.

:nuts:

Teeth gnashing, while not seen as much in current times, is highly underrated.

I've also been so mad as to rend my garment.

"And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonished."

Ezra 9:3

 

[CaptWidgeon]

This is my point, if GK does not have to use the arbitration list, then why even go to arbitration ???

if he didn't go to arby and follow through with the process there would be legal ramifications. follow and abide by all the rules and he can do whatever he wants. not to say someone, somewhere wouldn't sue, but if he follows the rules i'd have to guess much more difficult to beat him in court.

not trying to fear monger or anything but this dude is smart. he knows where he can go and what he can and can't do, and the bottom line is he's looking at THE bottom line. family is good and all, but in the end it's business.

 

[atails]

He will honor the process he agreed to... but GK doesn't want this to go to arbys.

The process or PA, just gives Gary a list. He will decide if he wants to use the list. Honestly, the only sure path to our seniority list is via an agreement. Everything else is a craps shoot.

.....

 

[TickTickBoom]

Mr. Kelly is playing all the right cards to keep his options open. I don't think that saying AirTran people don't fit with Southwest Culture would sit well in a lawsuit. Dire economic circumstances is a get out of jail free card. How many pilot contracts and pensions have gone down to that one?

B717's going away as soon as is financially prudent? Can't believe neither side wouldn't see that coming. Imagine the margin bump on the capacity cut and the subtly increased fares. SWA's SL8 says all furloughs go to AirTran until there is no more AirTran. Hmm. Fragmentation language in both contracts say pilots go with planes? Check. No legal grounds there. Less than 50% of assets equals no M-B obligations? That's just juggling the books. Gary is an accountant. Two and two is... My AirTran buddies thought I was stupid for saying get on the 737. Poor bastards.

$70,000 per pilot raise x 1700 pilots? $119,000,000 savings for a one year delay in pay. SWAPA suing after arbitration delays integration a further two years saving SWA another ~$238M+ in pay raises that Citrus MEC says it would rather trade for seniority? Classic. WN and FL pilots in a race to blow their own toes off while Gary Kelly laughs all the way to the bank. House divided for the next Section 6 as well.

Southwest pilots learn what being a blue collar high speed heavy equipment operator really means. AirTran pilots find out that ALPA representation was a bad idea even if they "win". Also find out what "Mess with the bull..." means at SWA. GK will gore you and then stomp your ass. ALPA National may be the only real winner in this. SWA Culture (read productivity) crippled. Shareholder value (GK's real concern)...*poof*! ALPA legal territory gained and damage done while FL pilots are cast aside after what proves at best a hollow victory. ALPA would be stupid to let this go to a vote and miss this opportunity. They even end up looking like the good guy to most. Wow!

I don't think I could come up with a more jacked up situation if I tried. GK and ALPA win (maybe) and all pilots involved lose.

 

[CaptWidgeon]

BOOM is right...for a first post.

 

[GuppyWN]

Looks like the Airtran MEC will vote Saturday 9/3.

May you live in exciting times!

Gup