Poll for US Pilots: Do you want to merge with AA/APA?

[FWAAA]

I don't know. I'm not an AA pilot, but I am not sold that APA has been looking out for the best interests of their members. Don't forget that they walked away from about $100,000 per pilot in stock in the new company, just so they could say "screw you AA".

When the APA leadership initially refused to send the LBO to the membership for a vote, I'd agree that the APA may not have been looking out for their best interest of the membership. Then, the board reconsidered and finally agreed to send it for a vote. At that point, I think the leadership did have their memberships' best interest in mind. The then President, Bates, even campaigned for the LBO, saying that the LBO was the best they were going to get. But the membership decisively rejected the LBO (including the 13.5% claim).

In my opinion that will go down in airline history as one of the biggest union screwups of all time.

If the APA can secure a better agreement (including an equal or larger claim), then it will go down as effective negotiation.

But if the APA doesn't get a better deal, then I agree with you - it will go down as a massive failure.

 

[twoturnin]

Forget the NIC now. We are going to be dealing with the "800 lb gorilla" now. Game over. In '85 old Eastern captain bud said we need a national pilots union in dealing with management. Pilots are dumb as a bag of hammers, me included. Just ask any lawyer.

 

[firedougparker]

When the APA leadership initially refused to send the LBO to the membership for a vote, I'd agree that the APA may not have been looking out for their best interest of the membership. Then, the board reconsidered and finally agreed to send it for a vote. At that point, I think the leadership did have their memberships' best interest in mind. The then President, Bates, even campaigned for the LBO, saying that the LBO was the best they were going to get. But the membership decisively rejected the LBO (including the 13.5% claim).

Fair enough.

If the APA can secure a better agreement (including an equal or larger claim), then it will go down as effective negotiation.

But if the APA doesn't get a better deal, then I agree with you - it will go down as a massive failure.

Agree with this, but in the present circumstances I don't see any way they are going to get a better deal now that the bankruptcy judge has let AA impose a term sheet.