First off, I hope everyone's holidays have been Merry so far.
As far as the rEastern pilots are concerned, they were the first to adhere to ALPA's "take one for the gipper" philosophy and look where it got them. Unemployed and hired at carriers not of their first choice and definitely not at ALPA carriers unless they started again at the bottom. Not a good option.
I can say I don't blame them for an ideal that want another group to "take one for the gipper" mentality on East pilots behalf being ALPA at the time of our merger.
The iBraniff pilots had a similar experience soon after, only many of them took a different approach. They crossed the picket lines at Continental (ALPA) and overseas, in Australia...and were welcomed with open arms. They were still considered strike breakers. [font=Times New Roman']
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1990-02-18/business/9002162294_1_pilots-braniff-australia[/font]
I pass no judgment on these pilots. They needed to feed their families and did what they did. It happens in everyday life in other professions and it will happen here.
Take a look at Howard OShell's blog. Here are excerpts from his blog.
http://www.howardosh...ogspot.com/?m=1
"APA needs to stick to its primary purpose of protecting our AA pilot’s careers. In this context that means insisting on real, tangible seniority protections for our pilots before facilitating a merger. Let’s work to our timeline, not someone else’s and use the very real leverage of our 13.5% stake to favorably influence the makeup of the Board and senior management."
You may have all seen the Crandall tape which was posted here.
I AGREE WITH CRANDALL 100%.
APA and USAPA are "attempting" to pursue a contract solution FIRST over a seniority solution. We are better off independent as US Airways and continue to work under our present work rules with separate operations and let American pilots "experiment" with their future. We can continue to make money, even with "fiscal cliff" and let American wallow at a diminished global position so we can take assets from them in the future. History supports my position.
http://www.alpa.org/...The_Line_II.pdf
I think all of us agree this will NOT work to secure seniority positions for the future. Only measurable and objective standards will work.
I disagree with most of our fellow union pilots that our management is against labor. I will, however, state that the interests of safety take a back seat to many economic decisions in any competative environment, especially when it comes to "ranking the value" of any labor group.
Somehow pilots believe they are above the politics AND economic reality affecting their everyday lives and can leave it when they get behind the cockpit door but I can say from experience during US Airways two bankruptcies that many of the pilots I flew with couldn't and it was a difficult time for all.
If I were kind for a day, I would establish a National "Labor Integration for Transportation Workers Board" made up of members from the FAA, NTSB, Insurance companies, ATA, CAPA, (or a union coalition), Aviation Medical Examiners (CAMA) and others to establish an AB INITIO methodology for Aviation professions, Pilots, Flight Attendants and Mechanics for logical and methodical ranking and valuation systems for each group. This is the SAFEST method, but pilots have ALWAYS liked competative risks and will fight it, as usual.
Having said that, I would otherwise have US Airways stand alone, increase code sharing and work to enhance the company position while keeping our jobs. I cannot and will not advocate the "Hostess" solution to wage increases. Let APA do that....emerging from BK will ensure that eventuailty for starters and we can continue to competatively undercut the industry with lower pay scales and increased competative growth flying where investors will invest money in us (like they're doing now) for a better return.
American is not making money now, and they CAN'T make money after emerging from BK without us. That is an economic FACT.
