SWA - AAI question

[Ty Webb]

TY. what if they don't? What is your recourse?

That's not up to me. I'm sure they'll work it out.

 

[MILF Hunter]

I had an AAI dude on my jumpseat to MCO last night, and he seemed very concerned about the ALPA MEC and their role in the acquisition. He explained that his fear is that the MEC is pushing SWA to follow their new contract, while simultaneously pushing to be brought into the SWAPA contract asap. He feels these are contradictory goals and ALPA is pressuring SWA mgmt too much.
Then he said his MEC recently sent an update to the AAI pilots saying they are holding the SLI process up until SWA agrees to gives them assurances on transition issues. This really confuses me because I am sure the transition talks are between SWA and SWAPA. He explained that more and more AAI pilots are concerned that this overly aggressive path will only jeopardize their future as SWA pilots.

 

[Bake]

Ty, who is "They"?

 

[dicko]

Dicky, I think the bigger question is "What are you going to do if they don't abide by your contract?" Seriously, what do you think your ammo will be to resolve the violation of your contract?

Same question to you TY. what if they don't? What is your recourse?

Baked,

I didn't mention contracts. Is that what you want to talk about ? If it is then talk to the lawyers. I dont know the answer, and neither do you.

Since you decided to respond for Angry Willie, why don't you answer the question ? Is this your position; "My boss is going to pay you more money so I want your seniority" ?

It's not going to sound any better when it's put to an Arbitrator. No matter how they argue it.

 

[FDJ2]

Really, what if they don't? They aren't party to the AirTran agreement and it was signed after the merger announcement. You really think an arbitrator is going to force a company to merge with another? Not likely. AirTran's best bet is for a speedy SLI so the SWAPA guys will help them get onto the SWA contract as soon as possible. They may fly under the AirTran CBA for years otherwise.

When SWA acquires AAI they also acquire all AAI obligations, such as leases, debt, and contracts, etc. And yes, an arbitrator will force a company to comply with its contractual obligations.

Your threat, that the AAI pilots have to bow down to SWAPA to get SWAPA's help isin a word, ludicrous. The AAI pilots have a contract negotiated under the RLA, it contains successorship language, that contract will be binding on SWA.

 

[FDJ2]

Dicky, I think the bigger question is "What are you going to do if they don't abide by your contract?" Seriously, what do you think your ammo will be to resolve the violation of your contract?

Same question to you TY. what if they don't? What is your recourse?

Federal law. Believe it or not SWA has to comply with it, including the RLA.

The major disconnect here seems to be that many SWA pilots believe they are in the drivers seats in this integration. They're not. They are equal players in it with the AAI pilots. Soon you will be one happy family. Make the best of it.

 

[Bake]

Guys or Gals, I'm not talking SLI and I'm not trying to determine seniority or who gets what. What I'm saying is that Ty and others are saying that SWA (not SWAPA) must abide by your contract or else. I know SWA has not complied with SWAPA's contract that we signed a year ago. Currently it is being grieved, but that is a slow process. So, what I'm asking is, what are the recourses for AAI guys if your contract is not followed exactly as written? Do you think you are just going to march into a federal court and shut down an airline or do you think you will put it through a grievance process which in itself can take a year or more? Ty is the one saying they MUST abide. I'm just curious what you expect to do when they don't (if they don't). I'm not attacking you, just asking a fair question so quit labeling me and attacking me; buttheads. I hope this all goes well for everybody or at least for most. I'm looking forward to many more years of a profitable airline and high payscales.

Bake(d)

 

[27 driver]

I had an AAI dude on my jumpseat to MCO last night, and he seemed very concerned about the ALPA MEC and their role in the acquisition. He explained that his fear is that the MEC is pushing SWA to follow their new contract, while simultaneously pushing to be brought into the SWAPA contract asap. He feels these are contradictory goals and ALPA is pressuring SWA mgmt too much.
Then he said his MEC recently sent an update to the AAI pilots saying they are holding the SLI process up until SWA agrees to gives them assurances on transition issues. This really confuses me because I am sure the transition talks are between SWA and SWAPA. He explained that more and more AAI pilots are concerned that this overly aggressive path will only jeopardize their future as SWA pilots.

That's funny, I didn't get that update. I am throwing the BS flag.

 

[MILPILOT17]

That's funny, I didn't get that update. I am throwing the BS flag.

If you're a SWA pilot then you should read the email from SWAPA that was sent out this afternoon. You will then have the update and you can take your flag back!

 

[27 driver]

Guys or Gals, I'm not talking SLI and I'm not trying to determine seniority or who gets what. What I'm saying is that Ty and others are saying that SWA (not SWAPA) must abide by your contract or else. I know SWA has not complied with SWAPA's contract that we signed a year ago. Currently it is being grieved, but that is a slow process. So, what I'm asking is, what are the recourses for AAI guys if your contract is not followed exactly as written? Do you think you are just going to march into a federal court and shut down an airline or do you think you will put it through a grievance process which in itself can take a year or more? Ty is the one saying they MUST abide. I'm just curious what you expect to do when they don't (if they don't). I'm not attacking you, just asking a fair question so quit labeling me and attacking me; buttheads. I hope this all goes well for everybody or at least for most. I'm looking forward to many more years of a profitable airline and high payscales.

Bake(d)

Obviously we will have to follow protocol. The system is biased against labor. I do believe they will have to abide by our contract but when is anybody's guess. If they refuse I guess it will go through the arbitration process.