Official UA/US Possible Merger Thread-Discuss here

[Richard]

We will consolidate the potential merger discussion here, but we request that you discuss the union/labor related aspects in their appropriate labor threads on US if possible.

We need to avoid duplicate discussions of the same topics where possible.

Thank you.

 

[boxer]

OT- Richard, has US Aviation considered creating a forum dedicated to labor/union discussions for easy access and so those who are not interested can be spared the thread hi-jacking that is so prevalent?

 

[Richard]

OT- Richard, has US Aviation considered creating a forum dedicated to labor/union discussions for easy access and so those who are not interested can be spared the thread hi-jacking that is so prevalent?

Boxer,

That idea has been considered, and may be implemented in future. The problem with that is that the same issues would then be discussed in multiple threads, which is exactly what we're trying to avoid.

Thanks for your comment. We may just do it at some point.

 

[767jetz]

A letter from the UAL pilot's MEC Chairman:

May 5, 2008
Dear fellow pilots,

Continental Airlines’ announcement on April 27 that it would abandon merger talks with other airlines has rekindled frantic media speculation regarding industry consolidation. Analysts’ communications hinting at advanced talks between United and US Airways have helped fuel this conjecture.

Aviation industry pundits make claims that the only way the legacy airlines will succeed is through consolidation. Our CEO has been obsessed with finding a merger partner for our airline since United exited bankruptcy more than two years ago. In fact, it has been his sole pre-occupation to the detriment of the daily operation of our airline. Last week, your MEC issued a press release citing the many problems associated with a US Airways and United Airlines marriage -- that it is a toxic stew of problems in which we will play no part. The company continues to issue statements pointing towards an inevitable merger. I do not believe a merger with US Airways is in the best interest of United Airlines, its pilots, employees, customers or shareholders. Nor do I believe that it is inevitable.

The company has initiated a campaign of fear directed towards its employees insisting that consolidation is United's only salvation for survival. Nothing can be further from the truth. An airline that is properly managed and operated can still stand alone and prosper. One needs look no further than Continental Airlines. If United Airlines management had been concentrating on truly running a world-class airline, including focusing on the future, reducing costs and investing in its pilots and employees, we would not have to go looking for a merger partner; those potential partners would, instead, be courting us.

Do not drink from the fear spigot. We must not allow this fear campaign to affect our long-term objective -- being a company that can effectively compete on a stand-alone basis within this industry. We must never negotiate out of fear. We understand and share the concern you have of a US Airways merger. Make no mistake. We will do everything in our power to prevent United from going down that path.

We all know our airline’s inherent strengths. United has a strong route structure, a large international reach, a superior mileage plus program, pilots recognized throughout the world’s airline industry for their safety and skill, and a dedicated employee group. The only ingredient missing is a management team that recognizes those assets and utilizes them in a way that would return our airline to the status of the world’s preeminent carrier.

Your union leadership will bring all resources to bear and leave no stone unturned in our effort to ensure the long term viability of United Airlines. We understand the responsibility we have to the pilots’ careers we represent, the thousands of dedicated employees, our customers and ultimately our shareholders. We will not let the Company’s fear campaign deter us from finding solutions to the problems that have been created by management’s myopic merger focus over the past 27 months.

The road ahead for this entire industry and our airline will be filled with many challenges. Your MEC is focused on internal and external solutions to making our airline right. Not surprisingly, the best solutions to our long-term employees are not those coming from the short-timers on Wacker Drive. Undoubtedly, the better we are at blocking management’s folly, the more shrill both internal and external communications will become. Do not play into this fear campaign. Don’t buy into the speculation in the press. Instead, be courageous and trust that we, as a unified group, can chart the course that is right for us. Remain calm, focused, and professional, and continue to stay informed.

Fraternally,

 

[UAL_TECH]

A letter from the UAL pilot's MEC Chairman:

May 5, 2008
Dear fellow pilots,

I do not believe a merger with US Airways is in the best interest of United Airlines, its pilots, employees, customers or shareholders.

Pilots are not employees?
Yea, I trust you guys...

B) UT

 

[luvthe9]

What can are pilot group (US) do to help you guys to stop this merger, we don't want it either, lets work together.

 

[Pacemaker]

US Airways pilots have already done quite enough in 2000 and especially in the past year to poison the well and create that "toxic stew" we read about. The UAL pilots don't need any help. The merger won't happen.

 

[InternationalShannon]

US Airways pilots have already done quite enough in 2000 and especially in the past year to poison the well and create that "toxic stew" we read about. The UAL pilots don't need any help. The merger won't happen.

Well .... la-di-da, your Highness!!
Race you to the bk court!! HA ha!!

 

[UAL_TECH]

What can are pilot group (US) do to help you guys to stop this merger, we don't want it either, lets work together.

It would help alot if you all would delay push backs, call in sick, time out, reject aircraft with too many MEL stickers, and refuse to work overtime.

This would be a great help to show 'THE MAN' who is in charge.

Solidarity Forever...

B) UT

BTW;
Just hope you guys do it first...

 

[InternationalShannon]

It would help alot if you all would delay push backs, call in sick, time out, reject aircraft with too many MEL stickers, and refuse to work overtime.

This would be a great help to show 'THE MAN' who is in charge.

Solidarity Forever...

B) UT

BTW;
Just hope you guys do it first...

Yeah, sounds like a good idea to keep your airline in business.....throwing a hissy fit , stranding people all over the place and then still going under. I'll laugh when you're filling out a US Airways application when UAL tanks.

 

[UAL_TECH]

Yeah, sounds like a good idea to keep your airline in business.....throwing a hissy fit , stranding people all over the place and then still going under. I'll laugh when you're filling out a US Airways application when UAL tanks.

 

[InternationalShannon]

:wub:

 

[UAL_TECH]

:wub:

I Got You Babe

:wub: :wub: :wub:

 

[luvthe9]

Yeah, sounds like a good idea to keep your airline in business.....throwing a hissy fit , stranding people all over the place and then still going under. I'll laugh when you're filling out a US Airways application when UAL tanks.

You will be in line right behind them, if your not willing to take a another big pay cut. How cheap will you work for?

 

[phxflight]

If you love something enough, you'll stick with it. The question is, how far can the paycuts go before the airlines lose even their dedicated employees?