Please Dash,
At least learn something about us before you criticize.
They furloughed those guys and girls out of spite. It cost them far more than it saved. That's what a Lorenzo style management team does. No, it wasn't "in the last year or so". It was during our contract negotiations though ....
Apparently the last sale 'We' had, was the most successful in the last 40 years of SWA's history. With the inclusion of AirTran. That's what BJ said anyway.
There is cause for optimism with regard to combining these companies.
Edited: To add "girls" to guys. I just flew with one who was a month from losing her house. All from a "spite furlough". They threatened to fire them instead of furlough them. To ensure they wouldn't get a decent job again.
My response was not directed to anyone else than the poster I responded to.
But since you decided to engage, who or what was I criticizing? What more do I need to learn again? Any furlough is a furlough no matter what the reasons. Lecturing me on the human costs continues your condenscending approach that is arrogant and a general representation of most the AT pilots on this board. I have been a pilot furloughed, and I have been a pilot acquired in transactions during my career. It sucks to be furloughed, and almost as bad as getting acquired. So I get you guys. But the last thing I did was to potentially anger the work group, that was much larger than mine, by acting entitled to their seniority and enhanced contract. A date of hire or relative seniority integration does affect our career value. At the end of our careers we will be able to quantify exactly how much but you would need that crystal ball to see how much now.
It as simple as this. Our average age is significantly higher than yours. Our guys will gain relative seniority at a much lower level than your younger group on the property with your relative or DOH seniority. This should be simple to understand. Throwing in "potential" growth does not sweeten up the situation. All we absolutely know is what we have right now. Who would have guessed 10 years ago that the then almighty American Airlines would be in the position they are in right now. Who would have guessed that they would have 1842 pilots still on furlough 10 years later. They were on the top of their game. Now they seem to be the only one without a dance partner.
Ultimately, you need to know who will always have the final word. The choice will be yours. Are you going to be a SWA pilot? Or are you going to be a Tranny? Blend and no one will know the difference. Not doing so will fall you within the unpreventable stereo type that will follow you the rest of your career. No matter what career enhancements you will receive with this acquisition, you will feel different from the non-Tranny pilots.
You don't have to listen to this wise, old pilot. But everything I have just said will come to pass. Bank on it.
Up to now, it has been a smooth purchase for sure. Depending on how these integrations go, it could change in a New York minute. At this point, this is far from over.
SWA management will not and should not publish their concerns. But don't think for a moment that they don't have concerns. They do.
imp:
