SWA - AAI question

[ivauir]

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

Is there any info on why we don't have a process agreement? Out guys explained that it is a pretty straight forward document that outlines: negotiate, mediate, then a panel of arbitrators. Seems pretty simple.

 

[GuppyWN]

I suspect IF we go to arbitration it will be because the Airtran pilots vote for it. Therefore it's really up to you guys to figure out what it's worth to get the big bucks and other HUGE contractual gains sooner vs. later. Gup

 

[Skyboy722]

A quick and honest question: Does anyone know if either USAir or A/W had similar language (maximum duration of seperate ops) in either of thier contracts?

 

[redflyer65]

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

I don't think it's an update, I think its the way ALPA is trying to do business. I'd say it's troubling if your a line AAI guy.

 

[GuppyWN]

OK..... I just read the update. You Airtran guys need to pick up the phone and ask WTF. You aren't even willing to keep negotiating the process agreement until you talk to your Mommy? That'd be funny if it wasn't so sad. Gup

 

[MILPILOT17]

OK..... I just read the update. You Airtran guys need to pick up the phone and ask WTF. You aren't even willing to keep negotiating the process agreement until you talk to your Mommy? That'd be funny if it wasn't so sad. Gup

Gup, read it again and then read what you just posted. I could be wrong, but I don't think it's the process agreement?

 

[GuppyWN]

That's what I meant! LOL....... And I had put transition in there first and then jacked it up! I still stand by the jist of my post.

 

[redflyer65]

Email states the "ALPA transition" team held up any further progress to clarify some AAI/SW management issues.

With ALPA involved, this could take awhile. Incredible.

 

[MILPILOT17]

I bet the company is less than thrilled with that email! I for one will be watching the company to see if they stand by the amount of sugar in their kool-aid!

 

[ivauir]

Email states the "ALPA transition" team held up any further progress to clarify some AAI/SW management issues.

With ALPA involved, this could take awhile. Incredible.

Maybe you guys are reading too much into the update?

 

[dicko]

Oops .... :erm:

 

[johnsonrod]

I suspect IF we go to arbitration it will be because the Airtran pilots vote for it. Therefore it's really up to you guys to figure out what it's worth to get the big bucks and other HUGE contractual gains sooner vs. later. Gup

Seniority is everything in this business. I think they'll go for the arbitration, and then the big pay check.

 

[Slug]

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.

This was in an email from our VP today that kinda backs up the quote above.


"The SWAPA NC and the AirTran Merger Committee seem to agree on the process of negotiating the SLI, but their Transition Team expressed a desire to address some of their transitional issues with AirTran/Southwest Airlines prior to our teams meeting again."


Sorry, didn't read page 2

 

[Bill Nelson]

I think they'll go for the arbitration, and then the big pay check.

Going for something you may not deserve may end up in the AAI guys never seeing the big pay check. Check your six.

 

[dicko]

The AirTran MC are a bunch of solid industry veterans. I won't speak for the Transition team. With one exception ...... No, it's not me.


Here you go;


"Members of the ATN MEC Merger Committee (MC) and Transition Team met again in Dallas on January 25-26 with members of the SWAPA Negotiations, Merger & Acquisition Committee. The purpose of the meetings was to close three remaining gaps in Process Agreement language. Substantial progress was made on these issues.

Disagreement remains on the critical issue of completing an operational merger within a specified time. As such, both sides agreed to defer further discussion. In the meantime, we will work instead to arrange a meeting between SWAPA, ALPA, and the managements of AirTran and Southwest, with the goal of concluding work on a Process Agreement; reaching a common understanding of the merger process; and discussing Transition Agreements to protect the interests of AirTran and Southwest pilots during the period between the Date of Corporate Closing (DOCC) and an operational merger of the two carriers. The MEC will have additional information on plans for those meetings, coming soon."

 

[BlueBlood]

Curious to this comment:

Disagreement remains on the critical issue of completing an operational merger within a specified time.

Does the Airtran union dudes have any say about the way SWA merges the two? Really, I wouldn't think that labor would be able to dictate operational decisions.

Good luck in this deal to all.

 

[dicko]

Curious to this comment:



Does the Airtran union dudes have any say about the way SWA merges the two?

Yes.

Love your curiosity. Keep at it.

 

[Bill Nelson]

Does the Airtran union dudes have any say about the way SWA merges the two?

Interesting.

 

[scoreboardII]

No, good luck with that.

 

[FDJ2]

With ALPA involved, this could take awhile. Incredible.

And yet the DAL/NWA merger (ALPA), with a significantly more complex integration, from labors perspective, was essentially wrapped up less than 1 year after the date the merger was announced.