Here is the link to today's WSJ column discussing UA & US merger talks:
See Story
Regards,
USA320Pilot
Hmmm...
And here is the release of a joint statement by the UA and CO MEC Chairmen. Now why would they release a joint statement if there are serious talks going on with US?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
In Reaction to the Announced Merger
Between Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines
April 15, 2008
“For the past several years, mergers and consolidation have been part of the vernacular of the
airline industry. Monday’s announcement of a merger involving Delta and Northwest Airlines
could be just the first of a series of announced marriages between major U.S. carriers.
“Most airline analysts believe an announcement involving United Airlines and Continental will
soon follow Monday’s Delta and Northwest news. The management teams of United and
Continental must understand one hard fact: the pilots of our respective airlines will not allow any
merger unless management meets or exceeds our demands to be treated fairly and equitably. Our
concerns will be addressed before we ever agree to allow our airlines to merge.
“If a merger benefits airline executives, Wall Street financial groups and legal firms at the
expense of pilots and the flying public, we will use all lawful means necessary to ensure the
transaction is unsuccessful. We are not going to stand by and watch as our futures are controlled
by others. Pilots on both sides of a merger must be fully involved and will play a significant role
in the acceptance or rejection of an attempted merger.
“We have real concerns regarding any transaction involving our airlines, and we have repeatedly
asked our respective companies to acknowledge and address those concerns prior to making any
merger or consolidation announcement. We will not stand idly by while the CEOs and their
executives attempt to merge our airlines without regards to the long-term feasibility of the final
entity.
“Let there be no mistake. This is not about pay or benefits. This is about survival. We will fight,
on every possible front, any attempt to merge our airlines at the expense of the pilots.â€