Lear,
I think it's funny that you are putting so much stock into the "30% pay raises" that you guys are just bound to get, any day now. I have two responses to that: 1) Counting chickens that haven't hatched yet is like, well, "counting chickens that haven't hatched" and 2) If you actually realize those increases in your pay, it will only be because of the "leverage" that this acquisition by SWA has given you to your management (i.e. they don't want you killing their golden goose). As for your "financial loss" (again, not based on any reality, but what you hope happens in the future vis a vis those raises), well...you really need to call clear skies, 'cuz Son, you been smokin' the crack pipe. Coming to Southwest will be a financial windfall for all you guys - period, end of story. As for that not making any difference in arbitration, look up the arbitrated settlement to the USA/AWA dispatchers integration. Also, the inability to negotiate a contract for the last 5+ years, with the subsequent posturing to seek self-help and get your pound of flesh from a company that wouldn't likely survive a strike...well, that will probably play a part in the upcoming arbitration, too. I'll take our side in arbitration every day, but then again, I work for an airline that is at the top of everyone's career wish list, not for a glorified regional. And soon, you will too, as one of my F/O's.
Peace,
Shagadelic
I don't often post on this forum but I feel the need to post at this time. I don't think I have ever heard a more ignorant diatribe. This is especially disturbing considering that you claim to come from the AF. Your ignorance and self-glorification are a black eye to every AF pilot whether in the airline community or not. You sir, are tremendously misinformed!
I understand that this is all a big surprise to you. It is a surprise to us as well. But bashing fellow aviators with ignorant and flawed information only serves to discredit yourself, and unfortunately, every other pilot who wears silver wings.
Who knows how this will turn out. Hopefully our merger committees can come to an agreeable SLI that will protect everyones' current and future career. If not, we will follow the process that has been put in place for just such an occasion. Once the decision is made, I hope we will all knuckle down, put our disagreements aside and set forth making SWA the devastatingly unstoppable airline that I know we can be.
Cheers