Apparently there are those who are not students of the merger past, even the recent past. The proposed UAL merger with U in 2000 was effectively killed by the UAL PILOTS.
Ironically, this was for the better for U folks. But make no mistake. The employees and especially the pilot group are a HUGE voice in the outcome of company planning.
In 1997, U ground employees were calling the U pilots everything but human in order to pressure them into agreeing to - and you remember this one - up to 400 Airbuses! (Still can't believe we rolled over on that one).
Will it happen? Two theories, maybe more.
THEORY 1 - If the heat gets hot, I'm out.
The employees at the present U are too fractured (inter and intra)to speak in one voice, and that is by design. We are acting more like tribes. Adding a group like Delta to the mix will only work if DP gives the Delta employees everything they want to keep the peace. He won't give them everything, but close to it because size matters, and he will need to have employees to fly the airline. This will ensure a transition can take place and will further splinter the ranks so no organized anything can take place.
THEORY 2 - Show me the money.
DP will SWEETEN THE POT if he has to, (more cash, less stock) just like U did to seal the deal with PI in 1985. DP is waiting for other offers as a comparison so he doesn't overpay. Sort of like an airline Texas Hold'em. I this scenario, DP will end up getting what he wants, one way or the other. The creditors will not turn down a significant outlay of cash in exchange for a recovery plan tied to leveraged assets and new stock. Delta will end up being sold, even if they stave off this HTO and there is nothing the employees can do about it.
One of the rules of business is that money talks but cash SCREAMS.
That is funny!
:jerry: 
