If things are running that good at USAir how come Parker and company can not settle on contracts, work rules, integration and labor disputes directly related to the previous merger or mergers? Bringing AA into the mix is out of Parkers league. Who is fooling who here? USAir does not give that warm and fuzzy feeling with mergers.
I think you are misinterpreting the point of my post.
Not trying to fool anyone. Just pointing out some hypocrisy and cheap shots from the FFOCUS / COCKROACH contigent. Please don't mistake my holding Art accountable for his history of cheap shots and manipulation as cheerleading for a merger. Unless you were a longtime reader of the US boards years ago, you may not understand the history of this group of frequent fliers and their sense of entitlement.
I have never been a vocal proponent of the merger. My position has always been that it "probably" gives the best chance for "most" of the current employees of both airlines to continue their employment uninterrupted for the next decade or however long they wish. The failure to combine
may prove be detrimental to both groups
in the long run. So I guess you could categorize me as "cautious, but open minded."
I said US Airways is running a good operation. Look at the performance statistics and see for yourself. That's pretty much a black and white, fact based, non emotional issue.
As far as contracts, I'm going to assume you are referring to the ongoing pilot situation, please clarify if I misunderstood you. The flight attendants had two TA's that they rejected, and I respect the voters' voice on that. The other groups are combined. So as far as work rules and labor disputes, number one unresolved would be the pilots, with the flight attendants next.
One should make a distinction when looking at this situation. Our emotions may lead us to one kneejerk response, but a further analysis of the facts and possibilities may lead our intellect to another opinion. As, emotionally, I do not look forward to another merger and the associated headaches, but it may be in my long term self interest to look at it differently.
You don't see a lot of people voluntarily resigning working here. The bad economy is an incentive to stay employed obviously, but in truth, the working conditions are not that bad and our labor management relations are much less strained and confrontational than with past US management. Are things perfect? No of course not, but it's all relative and subjective isn't it? US has had a history of carpetbagger style upper management coming in and leaving in a few years with millions, we don't have rose colored glasses on in assessing the intentions of our CEO's and their minions.
The simple fact is that Doug's job is to maximize shareholder revenue and operate the airline as efficiently as possible. The pilots inability to resolve their internal disputes has played into managements hands, and kept costs down. It is in Doug's favor to allow these two dysfunctional groups to bicker as long as they want and keep the costs down. Had the pilots had the foresight to see it was in their self interest to make some concessions to each pilot groups position, and unify as one voice years ago, they would have obtained a contract long ago and been much better off financially. They screwed up, and Doug has been the beneficiary of their actions. I'm sure he's content to let them bicker (thus keeping costs down)... it's not his job to make pilots "happy."
I understand the anguish and turmoil a lot of AA employees feel, and I sincerely wish the best possible outcome for all. Personally, I can take it or leave it (merger), however, it will probably happen in some form or fashion, and the challenge for all of us will be to accept it for what it is and make it work, either way.
Good luck to you guys and gals if you go it alone, and I look forward to working with the AA people should we combine.
