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On 4/28/2003 1:01:22 AM Dea Certe wrote:
Interesting editorial. No one knows better than the employees of US Airways current managements negotiation style. Perhaps the Daves think being the biggest employer left in the 'burgh gives them more clout. On the other hand, why should the good people of Pittsburgh have a gun held to their heads? It's time to call the bullies bluff.
As much as I love PIT, I'm afraid I have to agree. Many employees have survived base/stations closures in the past and I'm sure we will again. It would be costly for the company, having to pay the relocation expenses involved but if management deems that less expensive than operations in PIT, it will be done.
Has there been much interest shown by other carriers? It's a wonderful facility but the problem has been the O & D traffic, hasn't it?
Luck to all of us!
Dea
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Dea,
USAirways is not the biggest employer in Pittsburgh anymore. It hasn't been for a few years. The biggest employers are the teaching hospitals, specifically UPMC Health Systems.
The "gun" that is pointed at the communities head is that there is no real interest presently for another carrier to come in to PIT. Of course, that doesn't mean there won't be in the future. Perhaps these other carriers are waiting for U to decide whether to take a deal or not, and the minute they don't, another carrier will come into PIT and negotiate a good deal with the county. Part of me hopes that for the County. Have another carrier come in here just to show the airline Industry that there is "life" stirring after USAirways. Hell, another carrier would be smart to come in and incroach on U "franchise" East Coast monopoly. If U plays "hard ball" with the local and state officials with Pittsburgh, rest assured, it won't be looking good for them in PHL. PHL is a "hot spot" and there are other airlines that will love to tip toe into Us tulips in PHL and push U out.
As a U employee, I want to see U stay in PIT and keep their east coast monopoly. I also want to see the 9,000 jobs stay right where they are in "mainline".
Just as U and the unions have to reinvent themselves, so will Pittsburgh Allegheny County communities. They need to do whatever it is to ensure their survivability, and being a Resident of Pittsburgh my entire life, I particularly feel torn on where to place my loyalty.
I will say this, Gov. Rendall has some "trump cards", and I am sure as I'm sitting here, that he will use them... (PHL) if he has to to ensure an equitable deal for all parties. PHL happens to be the Mecca now, and I don't think it would behoove the Davies to exist both arenas.