Mesaba Big Announcement on Friday

[T-handle]

at these LEC meetings yesterday, which officers were there? today there is an MEC meeting in MSP.

 

[flap operator]

IF and I say IF this deal has anything to do with CHicago Express... this could be why there have been no announcements. Take from it, whatever you wish. Not really sure if it means anything, other than the fact it sounds like no decisions have been made.

http://www.indystar.com/articles/2/227601-1762-223.html


FO

 

[Mel Sharples]

Nothing new to report....

But why in the hell would this be taking so long? I can't imagine a scenario involving just XJ and XJ ALPA that would require negotiations that are this long and this hush-hush.

I'm assuming the gag order is because it could have SEC implications. I'm also assuming if "most will like it, some won't" that it involves a pay freeze to get new planes and/or a seniority shift.

In any case, I grow less excited by the day and a lot more nervous. Somehow I think this whole deal is going to turn into a giant turd in the punchbowl.

 

[T-handle]

Don't forget a 2 year contract extension.

Add that to just under 4 years left in our existing contract, with another 2+ years of contract negotiations.............

 

[Fly4hire]

Nothing new to report....

I'm assuming the gag order is because it could have SEC implications.

Or business information or plans they do not want competitiors to know about. BTW, it's a confidentiality agreement, not a gag order. Sort of "we'll give you early info on an item so you can act on it, but we don't want our competitors to know yet". Don't forget these agreements are voluntary - don't agree and you won't get the info.

Many MEC's have been working with thses restrictions for years, and it has always been the topic of conspiracy theory, accusations of under the table deals, and other speculation.

Generally it is to an MEC's advantage. Do you want to be reacting to a business event when you read it about in the paper? The flip side is MEC's that don't use this provisions then get slammed for not being ahead of events.

 

[Ace McCoy]

In any case, I grow less excited by the day and a lot more nervous. Somehow I think this whole deal is going to turn into a giant turd in the punchbowl.

It sure was fun for a few days to think that we actually may have a shot at some good news but Mel is right the longer this goes on the less exciting this gets.

I think this has nothing to do with NW and is more flying for another carrier using the Big Sky certificate.

Probably though in about a week we will get an announcement saying "both sides tried to work on something but it fell through and will not be happening. However, due to confidentiality agreements signed we cannot tell you what it was. Please continue to fly safe and focus on our cost metrics moving forward year over year blah blah blah...."

 

[Vdub Pilot]

It does seem coincidental that C8 was waiting for news on Monday and didn't get it. Apparently they hear the same thing. News coming soon... gag orders signed all around. Food for thought.

 

[Ace McCoy]

No offense to my ChiExp brothers but I hope it is something more exciting than getting more saabs. We really need some growth around here to give some relief to our 5+ year fo's

Now I'm at the point where if this thing drags on through the weekend I'm voting no out of spite no matter what the LOA says.

 

[Dodge]

Just for S&G's, does anyone know what is the hire date of Chicago Express's most senior pilot?

Oh well, it was fun for a few days to believe that management would actually do something positive for this airline other than throw money out the window with Big Sky. It shows how stupid they really are. The contract negotiations are over. The company got their pitiful payscale and no trip and duty rigs. No better CDO language or pay. No sick pay accrual enhancement.

They can sell Big Sky any day now.

 

[Inconceivable]

My prediction

not that I pretend to know anything, but how about this scenario:

an expansion of Big Sky flying, outside the NWA family (or maybe as the 3rd link, who knows with these people) in anything from 1900's to E170's. a relaxing of your scope and or list merger with big sky pilots. maybe adjusted pay rates as part of the whole package.

Some are happy: the 5 year f/o's who get to sit left seat in a 1900

Some are not: newhire f/o's who find themselves displaced to Montana.

If the SEC and/or NWA MEC aren't involved, there are a limited number of internal scenarios that could keep your MEC occupied with this for so long.

Best wishes and happy thoughts, regardless.

 

[Mesabi Miner]

Probably though in about a week we will get an announcement saying "both sides tried to work on something but it fell through and will not be happening. However, due to confidentiality agreements signed we cannot tell you what it was. Please continue to fly safe and focus on our cost metrics moving forward year over year blah blah blah...."

Dude, that is the BEST analysis I've heard thus far. "Please continue flying safe and focus on increasing our operational performance." Right out of JS's mouth!!! I can hear it right now!

MM

 

[Vdub Pilot]

Just for S&G's, does anyone know what is the hire date of Chicago Express's most senior pilot?

About 11 years ago.

 

[hawkerflyer]

Mesaba's changing their name to Pinnacle Express...

 

[anavrofo]

Mesaba's changing their name to Pinnacle Express...

Thats not true, Its going to be Pinnacle Express I.......

 

[Napoleon TNT]

Maybe they mean THIS (18th) Friday...