You know 9E guys, you can believe the purchase of Mesaba is a windfall for struggling FO's to finally upgrade. Believe it...Really. But irrespective of the pay, seniority, work rules, whatever. I have no worry's about losing my MSP Captain spot to a 9E FO.
While I don't like Uncle Phil, he isn't stupid. The training costs alone will eliminate the chance of that. Nor should Colgan guys be worried about losing there Q400 seats to a senior XJ Captain who pines for the old Dash Days (got a lot of them).
We really need to make sure that the company is serious about getting an agreement by the 15th. I am highly suspicious because I think having the three pilot groups fighting benefits management.
Lets get together keep our current positions and base. I don't know the 9E agreement but just APC rates are showing same seniority 9E Captain about $5/hr less than me. I think if XJ pilots can at least keep current book (as of Dec 1), improve the work rules that I've heard the 9E guys have, then we can have an agreement. It won't be easy.
But if the term of contract is short, then I think the majority of XJ would go for it. Yeah, I'd like the same percentage increase as what Colgan and Pinnacle is going to get but I am just not sure that's possible. But there are other benefits besides money and if those things are addressed, I may be supportive.
Stop the staple talk and the lucky to have jobs stuff. We were not a distressed sale, we are stronger in just about every sense (safety, training, etc...) lets all get on board and be stronger together. That should make Uncle Phil nervous.