Airline Pilot Forums

Chicago Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-0428-united--20100427,0,6211931.story)

It says a matter of days for a decision, but when do you guys think an announcement will be made, either way? Week's end?

Two anchors tied together always help a ship float.

FUPM!

http://weblogs.cltv.com/features/health/livinghealthy/popcorn.jpg

six bucks and my left nut says we are going to merge:D

really? that's all you have to throw on the table before going there? Get a cash advance on the CC or something.

really? that's all you have to throw on the table before going there? Get a cash advance on the CC or something.

You missed a John Candy Planes, Trains and Automobiles reference there.....

You missed a John Candy Planes, Trains and Automobiles reference there.....

Ha dang I did :D

Never mind

Never mind

ahhh man. That was awesome...why pull it?

Two anchors tied together always help a ship float.

FUPM!


I see "FUPM" in the plane... who is he and what did he do to you?

Bar, I did not read it, but I say post it and if it violates TOS, I will pull it free of charge! :D

...I will pull it free of charge! :D

I've flown with many captains who admit they pay to have it pulled on certain overnights. :eek:

I see "FUPM" in the plane... who is he and what did he do to you?
Paul Mitchell. His hair products are sooo overpriced!

I see "FUPM" in the plane... who is he and what did he do to you?

F U Pay Me

I think it's time we push all the BS to the side and stand up as one large pilot group by beginning to unify before the merger even gets announced. When this merger does go through, UAL and CAL pilots together will have huge leverage over the company as long as we can act as one group and not pi$$ on everyone while only thinking of #1. This is a critical point in our profession and we can either take advantage of it our let our CEO's keep slapping us in the face. I'd rather use it to our advantage and get our profession back on track from the detour it took over the course of the last contracts. The FUPM Store (http://fupm.mybisi.com/)
If you don't have one yet UAL or CAL go here and buy some. It might sound like a waste of money but $1 can really go a long way when everyone wears it to show management we all are fed up.

Look to DAL/NWA as a model. We were the only group to make gains in the face of the downturn and high oil. Had we been able to agree before hand we could have realized even more gains.

Look to DAL/NWA as a model. We were the only group to make gains in the face of the downturn and high oil.

Southwest, Alaska, and Jetblue were able to get better contracts I think. A little fuzzy on those details but I did see rising numbers.

Southwest, Alaska, and Jetblue were able to get better contracts I think. A little fuzzy on those details but I did see rising numbers.

I should have said first. I think we were the first. And we were the only Legacy/Major Flag carrier to do so.

The FUPM Store (http://fupm.mybisi.com/)
If you don't have one yet UAL or CAL go here and buy some. It might sound like a waste of money but $1 can really go a long way when everyone wears it to show management we all are fed up.

This is a score. I am gonna get a few and pass 'em around!

Any chance we can keep our uniforms?

The blue with silver sleeved piping just doesn't sit well with me.

Any chance we can keep our uniforms?

The blue with silver sleeved piping just doesn't sit well with me.

Heck, we (CAL) need the slimming effect of the black uniforms. There are some pilots on our list that test the structural limits of polyster.

Look to DAL/NWA as a model. We were the only group to make gains in the face of the downturn and high oil. Had we been able to agree before hand we could have realized even more gains.

Look to us as a starting point. Your merger will create a very powerful network/brand. I think we'll compete effectively with you based on cost (mostly in terms of debt servicing, not pilot costs). So I'm not jealous. In fact, I wish you great success. I wish you everything you want, and more.

I'll be asking for whatever you got immediately after you get it.

One of our mistakes was to go for the "better" contract. You wnat to be in the business of cherry picking this mo-fo right off the bat.

So I sincerely mean it: good luck!

Any chance we can keep our uniforms?

The blue with silver sleeved piping just doesn't sit well with me.


We are going to new uniforms for the whole airline in 2011.
Since Smisek will be running the place, I am sure he can have anything he wants - including a traditional look on the stripes.
Talk to him - I prefer that as well !!

Maybe another will return to run the combined brand! :eek:

I think it's time we push all the BS to the side and stand up as one large pilot group by beginning to unify before the merger even gets announced. When this merger does go through, UAL and CAL pilots together will have huge leverage over the company as long as we can act as one group and not pi$$ on everyone while only thinking of #1. This is a critical point in our profession and we can either take advantage of it our let our CEO's keep slapping us in the face. I'd rather use it to our advantage and get our profession back on track from the detour it took over the course of the last contracts.

A well reasoned post. Btw, will my 1996 seniority hold EWR 767 Capt?.......................just kidding.

Only if I can hold SFO 777 Capt. :D

I hear that our MEC's are working closely together. Hopefully we can benefit from this marriage. With regard to the seniority merge, I trust that we will all be equally angered and then move forward.

Heck, we (CAL) need the slimming effect of the black uniforms. There are some pilots on our list that test the structural limits of polyster.
************************************************** ****
What a terrible thing to say!! What they Need is Better Tailoring!!
Buying anything Off the rack is "dicey" So make Sure you keep those snappy leather jackets. Hell! I wish Everybosy could buy one!!

I hear that our MEC's are working closely together. Hopefully we can benefit from this marriage. With regard to the seniority merge, I trust that we will all be equally angered and then move forward.

I have got 3+ emails with a PDF of a "RUMORED".....and again RUMORED....SLI in the works. It's basically SLI of Relative Senority top to bottom.

There are 2 versions.....RS with both lists using pilots ON PROPERY from CAL/UAL......the other using RS of ALL Pilots (Furlough & Active) from both carriers as well.

The list have been laided out with DOH/DOB/Percentage overall/....they also have a colum that shows how your % is affected in the RS SLI set up. ALL info shows slotts with DOH and DOB, so you can see right where you would sit in this particular model. The notes in the email along with this PDF file say it looks similar to DELTAs merged list.....have not much knowledge on theirs, but from the powers to be, that's how it's been compared. AGAIN....just a MODEL that has been constructed.

Interesting to say the least.

CAL MEC meets with Mike Boyd this week for a two day meeting....I'm sure this will be one of the topics in the 'war-room'

Good luck to all of US.

Any chance we can keep our uniforms?

The blue with silver sleeved piping just doesn't sit well with me.

I'll wear both uniforms, inside out, backwards, and upside down......just as long as the "New Death-Star's" joint CBA contains solid SCOPE, Work Rules, AND don't for get FUMP!!!.....

Socal,

Good luck to all of us is correct. If this merge does happen, we need to come together, and focus on a joint contract that will benefit all of us well into the future. It won't be easy. I'm certain there will be posturing on both sides regarding sli.

Regarding uniforms, Glenn Tilton has seen fit to have a fashion designer put us new threads next year. They can spend money on new uniforms but not a contract. I'd be happy to wear flip flops, bermuda shorts, and a tommy bahama shirt.

Are you interested in posting those emails?

So is there any update from the meeting?

I'd be happy to wear flip flops, bermuda shorts, and a tommy bahama shirt.

That's not gonna feel so good in DEN or EWR in February! Personally I like the black but like the retro logo on UAL's brass better.

I have got 3+ emails with a PDF of a "RUMORED".....and again RUMORED....SLI in the works. It's basically SLI of Relative Senority top to bottom.

There are 2 versions.....RS with both lists using pilots ON PROPERY from CAL/UAL......the other using RS of ALL Pilots (Furlough & Active) from both carriers as well.

The list have been laided out with DOH/DOB/Percentage overall/....they also have a colum that shows how your % is affected in the RS SLI set up. ALL info shows slotts with DOH and DOB, so you can see right where you would sit in this particular model. The notes in the email along with this PDF file say it looks similar to DELTAs merged list.....have not much knowledge on theirs, but from the powers to be, that's how it's been compared. AGAIN....just a MODEL that has been constructed.

Interesting to say the least.

CAL MEC meets with Mike Boyd this week for a two day meeting....I'm sure this will be one of the topics in the 'war-room'

Good luck to all of US.

Definitely better for CAL in the long run. (the on property one) What's the most junior United guy's DOH?

Any chance we can keep our uniforms?

The blue with silver sleeved piping just doesn't sit well with me.

I'd be totally cool with that. We are supposed to get some fancy new uniforms next year, so you might want to wait and see what they come up with. Truth be told, though, I'll fly in my underwear if the pay/workrules/scope are right! :)

Cute 9;
Lets leave the perceptions of what happened here in the past. Both sides vote on anything. Remember that.

Our turn in the spotlight is over. It is CAL/UAUA's time to deal with all of the fun stuff.

That's not gonna feel so good in DEN or EWR in February! Personally I like the black but like the retro logo on UAL's brass better.
That's cool, I will wear my wool overcoat and galoshes.

http://kateharwood.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/golashes.jpg

Time to pull up a chair and watch the fireworks.

For all of you CAL guys. Here are a few things you can expect from the UAL pilots, seeing as how they are far superior (like the Delta pilots), and they think they are saving your a$$

1) Expect a minimal show of negotiators on Day 1 of the SLI negotiations. This is to give everyone involved the false impression that there is nothing to worry about. United merger negotiators will also go to their constituents and tell them about all the CAL negotiators that showed up and accuse all CAL pilots of being overly-protective.

2) Expect UAL pilots to negotiate their own contract before the SLI negotiations have been completed. Excuse? You darn CAL guys just weren't playing ball and time is off the essence. The only problem being there are nuggets in the new contract that are specifically harmful to you CAL pilots. (ie... they will negotiate , by themselves, pay raises and a few highly-publicized items, but in the end, UAL pilots will dictate terms. Why? Because they are bigger, smarter and they are saving your a$$.) Particularly onerous will be the fact that the A320 rates will be higher than the 737 rates you have..heck it's a far-more complicated airplane to fly than the 737. "We don't care if your 737 has more seats and payload."

3) Expect ALPA National to do NOTHING, I mean N-O-T-H-I-N-G, to help CAL pilots. UAL is bigger, and gosh darn it, we don't want to do anything to disenfranchise UAL pilots. (ie...There is an ALPA merger policy...your union dollars were spent on gathering lawyers that came up with a merger policy should one ever occur between ALPA carriers. The problem is, that policy will never be used because ALPA neither has the BALLS or the fortitude to take a stance on a controversial SLI negotiation. You will go to binding arbitration because ALPA will not envoke the PID (Policy Implementation Date)...it's just too risky for the ALPA National blood suckers.

4) UAL pilots will protect that 744 like it a golden egg. Expect multiple-year fences. For the 777 captains at CAL...don't even think you compare to their super-premium wide body flying skills--don't even THINK about it.

5) CAL pilots will be wearing the uniform of the United pilots...even if it is a new one designed by some faggy New York firm that was paid millions of dollars to design it. Sorry, it's just the way it is when you are bigger, smarter and remember they are saving your a$$.

6) More to come later I am sure...if anyone else wants to place their predictions on the SLI negotiations, please do so.

Please accept my apologies for all of the TIC remarks. Northwest pilots have been through it all before. When you want leadership, you will not get it if you are CAL pilot. Always remember, that it is the job of UAL negotiators to make you feel inferior and substandard. Try not to take it too personally. It is just the way it is done in this industry now. If you aren't the biggest, and you don't bring in the greater portion of money at ALPA, you aren't going to win the big battles.

Best of luck to everyone involved. This isn't a slam on any UAL pilot. Heck, most UAL pilots are just trying to make a living and deal with a substandard pilot contract, just like the CAL people are...just like the rest of us are. But make no mistake, UAL is going to assert themselves EARLY and AGGRESSIVELY. No matter how hard CAL wants to negotiate, NO will be the answer and this thing is going to arbitration.

Believe me, we (NW/DAL) wrote the book.
Hey mon! U gotz de bone to grind eh?

DC9Driver,

I don't have any idea how the negotiations will go, and like you said, I'm just trying to earn a living over here. I don't think you will find ONE United guy that thinks they are "saving CAL's a$$". I know I don't. At the end of the day, Im not expecting to roll into CAL with DOH, because that isn't reasonable. I'm also not expecting to lose my Captains seat to someone who was hired 10 years after me because THAT'S not reasonable either. It will be what it will be. My guess is that IF a merger should go through, we'd like to negotiate from the strongest sections of both contracts.

Please don't go firing up folks about what's "going to be" when none of us have any clue how its "going to be". You may not like how your merger turned out, but it looks a HECK of a lot better than the USAirways/Cactus one! Let's just stop speculating and wait to see what happens.

so if this goes through...pretty safe to say there would be no hiring at CAL/UAL for a loooong time due to the 1500+ combined furloughees?

Congrats to all the UAL and CAL pilots. It sounds like things will be getting better.

DC9drivr:

First of all United pilots admit that we are grossly inferior to the Glorious-All-Knowing-Wonderful-Delta-Professional

Second of all, we would appreciate any help from CAL pilots to save our A$$ from Glenn Tilton

;)

DC9drivr:

First of all United pilots admit that we are grossly inferior to the Glorious-All-Knowing-Wonderful-Delta-Professional

Second of all, we would appreciate any help from CAL pilots to save our A$$ from Glenn Tilton

;)

Monkey,

You are absolutely right...

Don't our uniforms make us look like pretentious, unapproachable, holier-than-thou pricks? LOL

Amen! on the Glenn Tilton comment. These guys are just going for their payday.

Sorry to be overly speculative on what will take place, but ALPA is ALPA.

ACL,

You have benefited at the expense of many, many NWA pilots. It is pretty disingenuous to state that we should let the past be the past.

Here's a fact for UAL and CAL pilots:

There are pilots on the DAL combined seniority list that were hired in 2007 that are now senior to pre-merger NWA pilots that were hired in 2000. By the way, that pilot hired in 2000 was FURLOUGHED for 5 years while that DAL pilot was either flying for a regional or accruing a pension with the military.

I honestly hope this never happens to ANYONE on the CAL list, but if history repeats itself, it will.

There has been a lot of talk lately about Delta acquiring Alaska Airlines. If I had it my way (based on what I have been through) it would be my wish to have DOH from day 1. No one should have to put up with this holier than thou-we-are-better-than-you mentality.

ACL,

Do you seriously think you can tell the CAL/UAL community that our merger turned out fairly? Do you think Letter 19 was fair? As far as the votes go, you need to look up a term called Bait and Switch (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=nmy&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&defl=en&q=define:bait+and+switch&ei=cBvaS7W9BYPWNpTVsJoB&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title&ved=0CAYQkAE). Because that is what happened to the junior NW pilot.

Keep drinking the Kool-Aid.

DC9drivr:

First of all United pilots admit that we are grossly inferior to the Glorious-All-Knowing-Wonderful-Delta-Professional

;)

Monkey,

I forgot to mention one thing...

Ask ANY Northwest pilot, and the common perception that DAL pilots are "all-knowing" and "wonderful" will be laughed-off. A DAL pilot is absolutely NO different than a NWA pilot. They just like to THINK that they are better and have no problem with people thinking they are better. At NWA, we actually went into the merger with the false perception that DAL pilots, and Delta Air Lines, were actually better than us. How sadly we were mistaken...how sadly we were mistaken.

There is an element of North vs. South mentality, but it isn't as pronounced as our tie up. (ie...attention to detail vs. laid back southern attitude)

Monkey,

You are absolutely right...

Don't our uniforms make us look like pretentious, unapproachable, holier-than-thou pricks? LOL

Amen! on the Glenn Tilton comment. These guys are just going for their payday.

Sorry to be overly speculative on what will take place, but ALPA is ALPA.

ACL,

You have benefited at the expense of many, many NWA pilots. It is pretty disingenuous to state that we should let the past be the past.

Here's a fact for UAL and CAL pilots:

There are pilots on the DAL combined seniority list that were hired in 2007 that are now senior to pre-merger NWA pilots that were hired in 2000. By the way, that pilot hired in 2000 was FURLOUGHED for 5 years while that DAL pilot was either flying for a regional or accruing a pension with the military.

I honestly hope this never happens to ANYONE on the CAL list, but if history repeats itself, it will.

There has been a lot of talk lately about Delta acquiring Alaska Airlines. If I had it my way (based on what I have been through) it would be my wish to have DOH from day 1. No one should have to put up with this holier than thou-we-are-better-than-you mentality.

ACL,

Do you seriously think you can tell the CAL/UAL community that our merger turned out fairly? Do you think Letter 19 was fair? As far as the votes go, you need to look up a term called Bait and Switch (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=nmy&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&defl=en&q=define:bait+and+switch&ei=cBvaS7W9BYPWNpTVsJoB&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title&ved=0CAYQkAE). Because that is what happened to the junior NW pilot.

Keep drinking the Kool-Aid.

CAL roughly hired about 20% of it's pilots after 2005 so if anyone goes behind others in regards to DOH I can only assume it will be United behind CAL. What's the most junior United guy and when did the 80%er get hired?

So is there any update from the meeting?

Monday...

United, Continental to announce merger Monday: report - Yahoo! Finance (http://finance.yahoo.com/news/United-Continental-to-rb-3993462933.html?x=0&.v=1)

I have got 3+ emails with a PDF of a "RUMORED".....and again RUMORED....SLI in the works. It's basically SLI of Relative Senority top to bottom.

There are 2 versions.....RS with both lists using pilots ON PROPERY from CAL/UAL......the other using RS of ALL Pilots (Furlough & Active) from both carriers as well.

The list have been laided out with DOH/DOB/Percentage overall/....they also have a colum that shows how your % is affected in the RS SLI set up. ALL info shows slotts with DOH and DOB, so you can see right where you would sit in this particular model. The notes in the email along with this PDF file say it looks similar to DELTAs merged list.....have not much knowledge on theirs, but from the powers to be, that's how it's been compared. AGAIN....just a MODEL that has been constructed.

Interesting to say the least.

CAL MEC meets with Mike Boyd this week for a two day meeting....I'm sure this will be one of the topics in the 'war-room'

Good luck to all of US.

I have seen that as well. Pretty good job of straight relative seniority. It does differ from DAL/NWA in that it does not account for a/c differences. I suspect that the slotting at the top would be more favorable to UAL guys just based on how many UAL guys fly widebodies vr how many CAL guys do. (113 a/c vr 46 a/c). By the same token, I suspect the narrowbody slotting would favor CAL. With a 5+ yr disparity in nb junior captain DOH, it would be ugly but that is the nature of the beast. The key is going to be not throwing a tantrum in the corner when/if we don't get your way...(cough, cough, Easties!:) )

Of course all this is IF we merge.

THe new ALPA merger policy is VERY long, but here are a few interesting tidbits....

d. No integrated list shall be constructed which would change the order of the flight deck crew members on their own respective seniority lists.

e. The merger representatives shall carefully weigh all the equities inherent in their merger situation. In joint session, the merger representatives should attempt to match equities to various methods of integration until a fair and equitable integrated seniority list is reached. Factors to be considered in constructing a fair and equitable integrated seniority list, in no particular order and with no particular weight, shall include but not be limited to the following:

(1) Career Expectations.

(2) Longevity.

(3) Status and category.


and..

(3) Arbitration shall be mandatory if, within one hundred twenty (120) days from the PID, negotiations and mediation have not resulted in an integrated flight deck crew member seniority list.

That's cool, I will wear my wool overcoat and galoshes.

http://kateharwood.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/golashes.jpg

Sweet, I get a set just like those at home.

(3) Arbitration shall be mandatory if, within one hundred twenty (120) days from the PID, negotiations and mediation have not resulted in an integrated flight deck crew member seniority list.

There's the rub. Neither group will declare a PID. It is a bad word and shall not be used in negotiations!

Ask your reps about that one.

Monday...

United, Continental to announce merger Monday: report - Yahoo! Finance (http://finance.yahoo.com/news/United-Continental-to-rb-3993462933.html?x=0&.v=1)

http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/forum/smileyvault-popcorn.gif (http://www.smileyvault.com/)

Glenn Tilton's dream has come through. I woner how much he's going to make.

in one fell swoop - more than you will in a lifetime. but that is fair right?

blahblahblah

Randy, is that you?

Here's a fact for UAL and CAL pilots:

There are pilots on the DAL combined seniority list that were hired in 2007 that are now senior to pre-merger NWA pilots that were hired in 2000.

The world has religious fundamentalists and date of hire fundamentalists. Both groups are blinded by their fervent beliefs and don't offer any practical solutions to real-world problems but they still manage to create a lot of havoc.

We've all seen the damage done by the DOH fundamentalists at USAir East.
Similarly, the DOH fundamentalists at Northwest cost all the pilots a ton of money when they wouldn't budge on SLI and forced the arbitration. How'd that work out for them? Delta pilots hired in 2007 are senior to NWA pilots hired in 2000.
There you have it. That's what DC9Driver's fundamentalism achieved.

I hope the UAL/CAL pilots have watched and learned.

Glenn Tilton's dream has come through. I woner how much he's going to make.

Ironically, he'll make a lot more this time than if it had gone through in '08. I read an article, earlier today, that talked about executive compensation and had the numbers for Glenn. Can't find it now. Must be the beer :)

The world has religious fundamentalists and date of hire fundamentalists. Both groups are blinded by their fervent beliefs and don't offer practical solutions to problems but they still manage to create a lot of havoc.

We've all seen the damage done by the DOH fundamentalists at USAir East.
Similarly, the DOH fundamentalists at Northwest cost all the pilots a ton of money when they wouldn't budge on SLI and forced the arbitration. How'd that work out for them? Delta pilots hired in 2007 are senior to NWA pilots hired in 2000.
There you have it. That's what DC9Driver's fundamentalism achieved.

I hope the UAL/CAL pilots have watched and learned.

Spoken like a true Delta pilot.

Take your pot of gold and carry on.

There are many flawed pieces of your ligic but here is just one:

WE DIDN'T DISPUTE FORM OUR OWN UNION BECAUSE WE DIDN'T LIKE THE RESULT"

Instead, we hold our heads high and carry on.

I am just pointing our some facts here. If you have a problem with that, well then that's just you. I figure both UAL and CAL pilots should know what goes on in a merger...that there will be guys like you opining about how great the SLI turned out, that you are wearing your hat, and pay regular pal visits to the chief pilot's office to stick your nose up their a$$.

Life is good, but it would be better without guys like you rubbing it in our faces!

Spoken like a true Delta pilot.

Take your pot of gold and carry on.



Pot of gold? My wages are half what they once were and my pension is history.

You may have a pot of gold, but...



I got a rock.

http://harryramble.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/charliebrownrock.jpg

Spoken like a true Delta pilot.

Take your pot of gold and carry on.

There are many flawed pieces of your ligic but here is just one:

WE DIDN'T DISPUTE FORM OUR OWN UNION BECAUSE WE DIDN'T LIKE THE RESULT"

Instead, we hold our heads high and carry on.

I am just pointing our some facts here. If you have a problem with that, well then that's just you. I figure both UAL and CAL pilots should know what goes on in a merger...that there will be guys like you opining about how great the SLI turned out, that you are wearing your hat, and pay regular pal visits to the chief pilot's office to stick your nose up their a$$.

Life is good, but it would be better without guys like you rubbing it in our faces!


Ok, here's the deal: This isn't about you.

We've got a lot to work out, and the very last thing we need is some Richard Cranium, who feels he was wronged, sticking his nose into something that doesn't concern him.

Glenn Tilton's dream has come through. I woner how much he's going to make.

He will get $9 million for merging the company. The top 3 at UAL will get a combined $17.5 million. This according to the AP and UAL SEC filing.

Spoken like a true Delta pilot.

Take your pot of gold and carry on.

There are many flawed pieces of your ligic but here is just one:

WE DIDN'T DISPUTE FORM OUR OWN UNION BECAUSE WE DIDN'T LIKE THE RESULT"

Instead, we hold our heads high and carry on.

I am just pointing our some facts here. If you have a problem with that, well then that's just you. I figure both UAL and CAL pilots should know what goes on in a merger...that there will be guys like you opining about how great the SLI turned out, that you are wearing your hat, and pay regular pal visits to the chief pilot's office to stick your nose up their a$$.

Life is good, but it would be better without guys like you rubbing it in our faces!

Seriously bro - drop it. We heard your sour grapes...we get it. Now move on. Umm, isn't this thread about a UAL/CAL merger?

Time to pull up a chair and watch the fireworks.

For all of you CAL guys. Here are a few things you can expect from the UAL pilots, seeing as how they are far superior (like the Delta pilots), and they think they are saving your a$$

1) Expect a minimal show of negotiators on Day 1 of the SLI negotiations. This is to give everyone involved the false impression that there is nothing to worry about. United merger negotiators will also go to their constituents and tell them about all the CAL negotiators that showed up and accuse all CAL pilots of being overly-protective.

2) Expect UAL pilots to negotiate their own contract before the SLI negotiations have been completed. Excuse? You darn CAL guys just weren't playing ball and time is off the essence. The only problem being there are nuggets in the new contract that are specifically harmful to you CAL pilots. (ie... they will negotiate , by themselves, pay raises and a few highly-publicized items, but in the end, UAL pilots will dictate terms. Why? Because they are bigger, smarter and they are saving your a$$.) Particularly onerous will be the fact that the A320 rates will be higher than the 737 rates you have..heck it's a far-more complicated airplane to fly than the 737. "We don't care if your 737 has more seats and payload."

3) Expect ALPA National to do NOTHING, I mean N-O-T-H-I-N-G, to help CAL pilots. UAL is bigger, and gosh darn it, we don't want to do anything to disenfranchise UAL pilots. (ie...There is an ALPA merger policy...your union dollars were spent on gathering lawyers that came up with a merger policy should one ever occur between ALPA carriers. The problem is, that policy will never be used because ALPA neither has the BALLS or the fortitude to take a stance on a controversial SLI negotiation. You will go to binding arbitration because ALPA will not envoke the PID (Policy Implementation Date)...it's just too risky for the ALPA National blood suckers.

4) UAL pilots will protect that 744 like it a golden egg. Expect multiple-year fences. For the 777 captains at CAL...don't even think you compare to their super-premium wide body flying skills--don't even THINK about it.

5) CAL pilots will be wearing the uniform of the United pilots...even if it is a new one designed by some faggy New York firm that was paid millions of dollars to design it. Sorry, it's just the way it is when you are bigger, smarter and remember they are saving your a$$.

6) More to come later I am sure...if anyone else wants to place their predictions on the SLI negotiations, please do so.

Please accept my apologies for all of the TIC remarks. Northwest pilots have been through it all before. When you want leadership, you will not get it if you are CAL pilot. Always remember, that it is the job of UAL negotiators to make you feel inferior and substandard. Try not to take it too personally. It is just the way it is done in this industry now. If you aren't the biggest, and you don't bring in the greater portion of money at ALPA, you aren't going to win the big battles.

Best of luck to everyone involved. This isn't a slam on any UAL pilot. Heck, most UAL pilots are just trying to make a living and deal with a substandard pilot contract, just like the CAL people are...just like the rest of us are. But make no mistake, UAL is going to assert themselves EARLY and AGGRESSIVELY. No matter how hard CAL wants to negotiate, NO will be the answer and this thing is going to arbitration.

Believe me, we (NW/DAL) wrote the book.
How do you live in a world where NO ONE is as smart as you? Really, predicting this stuff using your jaded take on the DAL/NWA acquisition is pretty lame. Time to move on.:)