SKYW + Comair (or ASA) union or non-union

[vc10]

If SKYW were to take over 100% of Comair (or ASA---I'll just keep refering to Comair from here on out, but you could read ASA instead), then it's highly likely that whatever the corporate structure (i.e. whether or not Comair was kept as a separate subsidiary) SKYW and Comair pilots would be adjusted a single class from a labor representation standpoint. So a single contract (or, if it stays non union, absence of a contract) would cover both groups.

Whether the resulting combined class would be union or non-union depends on the number of SKYW and Comair pilots. If the number of SKYW pilots is significantly more than the number of Comair pilots, the result would be a non-union pilot workforce. If there are significantly more Comair pilots than SKYW pilots, the result would be a union workforce. If the numbers are "comparable", the result would be an election.

So, the number of Comair pilots is about 1800, the number of ASA pilots is about 1500. What's the number of SKYW pilots?

 

[FDJ2]

You're assuming that the acquisition would be for all of ASA and/or CMR. Which may ultimately be the case, but never rule out a fragmentation.

 

[ATR-DRIVR]

How and why would they fragment?

 

[doh]

But still, how many Skywest pilots are there?

 

[flyswatter]

Look at you route structure and compare any place that SkyWest could overlap. No need to service the same route, although the plus would be where does the originator come from and overall service that Delta wants.. I would presume that ASA is more at threat since Delta's huge shutdown in Dallas.. Just a thought the whole industry is a huge rollercoaster..


Good Luck to all

How and why would they fragment?

 

[viper548]

Skywest has 2000 pilots

 

[doh]

So we need a couple hundred to vote for representation to get a union. No, scratch that. About 100 + 1.

 

[FlyComAirJets]

This speculation is getting way ahead of reality but if SkyWest were to acquire ASA and/or Comair they would be wise to organize to ensure that their seniority rights are honored.

A decade ago when Comair was making overtures towards Spirit, they went ALPA in record time.

 

[doh]

Union or not, I would hope no one would oppose straight doh, with fences to protect people from having to move their families/ lives.

 

[FlyComAirJets]

Amen

As opposed to the concept that 'its a fair deal if everyone is ticked off,' that would be a win-win that everyone could live with.

 

[starshipdrvr]

According to our current seniority list, 1974 pilots at SkyWest. In any case, this deal does not sound good for any pilot group.

 

[FlyComAirJets]

The following post should be read while humming Kume Buy Yah.

Whatever happens, I do not see my opinion having any bearing on the outcome of whether an acquisition is to take place (Fred hasn't been returning my calls). My point is simply that mergers do not inherently have to be antagonistic.

 

[Oakum_Boy]

Anyone care to share how many of your 1900+ pilots were hired in 2000 or later?

 

[CheckandSet]

quite-a few, maybe around 1100 - so mixing senority will not fly with the skywest group!

 

[TX_DFW]

ASA has 1600+ pilots for those who are intrested.

 

[Oakum_Boy]

quite-a few, maybe around 1100 - so mixing senority will not fly with the skywest group!

We have a similar number. I appreciate your right to self-preservation, however, I'm not sure that a 18 yr. ASA Captain would be interested in the right seat. We may be getting ahead of ourselves here. Interesting times though...

 

[front9]

If Skywest "buys" Comair/ASA there are no "senority rights" that need to be honored. What part of "buy" dont you understand? If you are bought by another company your current position is meaningless and you WILL have to interview with the company and go strait to the bottom of the list. ALPA has no say at Skywest, you think Skywest mgm. cares what Comair/ASA pilots think if you get bought and stapled to the bottom. If these regional lifers like the 18 yr captain dosent like it (I am one of them) then Home Depot is right around the corner taking applications. Thats just reality, we all have to go thru it at least once in our career with an airline.

Remember, you are special & unique - just like everyone else.

 

[viper548]

Anyone care to share how many of your 1900+ pilots were hired in 2000 or later?

SkyWest
Sen. num. DOH
500 6/99
700 4/00
1000 3/01
1500 3/04
1900 1/05

 

[Oakum_Boy]

If Skywest "buys" Comair/ASA there are no "senority rights" that need to be honored. What part of "buy" dont you understand? If you are bought by another company your current position is meaningless and you WILL have to interview with the company and go strait to the bottom of the list. ALPA has no say at Skywest, you think Skywest mgm. cares what Comair/ASA pilots think if you get bought and stapled to the bottom. Thats just reality, we all have to go thru it at least once in our career with an airline.

Remember, you are special & unique - just like everyone else.

ASA/Comair are bought by SkyWest. And, as you say, ASA/Comair pilots are forced to interview to achieve status at the bottom of the SkyWest list. So that means, that all SkyWest newhires are automatically upgraded to Captains, and a 18yr. ASA or Comair pilot will now be at the top of the FO list for $21/hr (or whatever it is). Firstly, about 1500 guys would up and quit immediately. Secondly, how would SkyW continue to operate per normal with no service interruption?

My guess- a pilot list merger would be caveat to any buyout agreement as put forth by Delta Air Lines, Inc.

Over.

 

[RichO]

My guess is that something would be needed to be worked out. Unlike the previous comment of "that's just life"...well, if 1000 of the 3000 asa/comair pilot's were to quit, the service distruption would cost millions until Skywest was able to spin up enough newbies....Comair/ASA is the east......If skywest were to take a tough stand, they would suffer....but, remember, we only know one little corner of the big picture.....