Ok, i'll take on these remarks. I have several friends that are furloughed US Airways pilots and they seem to understand these points.
1. It is an asset sale, and CHQ/RP will abide by the current J4J agreement with regards to staffing U aircraft up to 32 airframes. Past that it will require an ammended agreement by CHQ pilots via a vote.
2. MDA pilots were given a chance to join the J4J program at CHQ 2 yrs ago prior to the start of MDA. We even had several come to CHQ then leave to go to MDA. We have many still at CHQ and they would not want anyone to be aloud to come in above their seniority.
3. E190's is by no means a "done deal". It has not been negotiated
with the pilots, nor has any agreement to us (CHQ/RP/S5) even recieving any been announced. Would we like to have them on property, yes we would, but not at any expense. This will be discussed within our pilot group when and if the need arises.
4. E190 pay scale. Cpt. 1yr. 61.89--- 5yr. 74.37--- 10yr. 86.63-- 15yr. 100.87--- 20yr. 119.32 (these rates are as of OCT 1, 2005.) F/O pay scale is the same for all a/c. --- 1yr. 22.06 --- 2yr. 29.68--- 3yr. 34.15---4yr. 35.20 (rates agains as of OCT 1, 2005)
It seems no merger/aquisition is an easy task. It is up to each union to best represent its membership. We like all other work groups are not heartless, do anything to get more aircraft type pilots; however, it is the obligation of our union to look out for our best interest. It seems that the best deal is reached when all parties are unhappy about the results. ALPA will try to reach the best agreement for it pilots; however, it seems that currently there is no issue with CHQ for ALPA to bargain. RP is not owned in any part by US Airways, thus has no obligation to take the pilots along with the airframes (assets). ALPA does however have several justifiable grievances with US Airways conserning the sale of these assets. I am sure they will pursue those issues. I also understand that a lawsuit is in the works between the pilots of MDA and ALPA. I am sure more will be listed about that in the comming weeks.
I hope this helps to answer the above questions. Continue to fly safe and look out for each other!
my $.02