Still doesn't change the fact that the mechanic group is the one and only group being hired right now. I know what you are trying to imply, but the current hiring, 3-12 thru 7-13 will be diectly related to contract language nego in by AMFA after the teamsters left us wide open for international outsourcing WITHOUT any limitations, none, notta ZILCH!! SWA/AMFA's nego team was smart enought to get limitations as well as an opertunity to, yet again, bring more maint in house. If it wasn't for AMFA's nego language there would currently be 8-12 lines of maint in Elsolvador, and nothing would have been added to the Dallas maint lines. Matter fact with the teamsters language SWA could of moved more of the maint from here to Elsolvador.
AMFA is also the main pusher behind the push for the much more stringent oversight of not only international but local outsourcing as well.
As far as hiring at SWA, there has been a hiring freeze for all groups except for the mechanics, due to the 4th line coming to Dallas next year in July, as well as future hiring for when the W/A goes away and international growth begins to flurish next year and beyond. And lets not forget about Denver maint at the end of 2012 or early 2013 will be growing up to 30 plus mechs for maint up there.
Now, please tell us all; when was the last time the TWU or the teamsters ever were able to generate a hiring pool due directly to contract nego language at Southwest Airlines?? Answer; They have not... Nice try, I'll give you an "E" for effort though.