That's not true. The SIA that AirTran pilots voted for, in overwhelming numbers (against the recommendation of people like me and every member of the negotiating committee), included the ability for Southwest management to decide what aircraft, seat, and base would get transition slots first.
The deal was awful and SWA management is scum. But the pilots caved and voted for it, so that's where the blame ultimately lies.
The deal was awful and SWA management is scum. But the pilots caved and voted for it, so that's where the blame ultimately lies.