I dont think that Labor, in as far as merging the workforces is an issue. The government and the banks that own the airlines and make a lot of money off the airlines like things the way they are. Lots of airlines competing with the employees in a race to the bottom. As long as the planes fly "they" make money.
Consolidation gives workers an advantage at the bargaining table, the larger the group of workers the harder it is to replace them. With mechanics, pilots and other workers with specialized skills where the "pool" is even smaller this becomes even more of a factor. The government, which probably makes more money off airline operations than any other entity will block consolidation because our paycuts makes it easier for them to increase their share by charging rediculous rates for departure taxes, fuel taxes, landing fees, rents etc. Either that or they will put in legislation that inhibits us from gaining back our losses after consolidation occurs by reviving bills such as McCains s-1327.
As workers we have to examine the value of our labor and not tie it into the ability of the airline to make money, after all it doesnt really matter. Arpey and his ilk dont care what the airline loses when they get their bonuses, why should we? Whether there are a lot of airlines or a few airlines, the industry could "lose" billions every year and planes would still be flying. As long as we show up "they" make money. That is the key for us. We have to build unions where we can be portable and move from company to company without penalty, that can be done by having no progressions, and very high shift and weekend premiums so that the basic Monday to friday day shifts not neccisarily the most desired shift. As nmbgc01 brought up, the same people keep showing up at different airlines, the only thing is every time they move they pay a severe financial penalty and the only ones who benifit from that are the airlines.
