Hey Oscar, hope all is well.
Andy,
First off, I now have two son-in-laws named Andy (one goes by Andrew).
Also, it sounds like you made your 20. So congrats! Something I will never have.
On another note I am still waiting for someone (ANYONE) to answer the questions I posed to JohnDeere yesterday.
Could it really be possible that the AIP that has now been turned down was meant to do harm intentionally? Or was it a proposal that had the needs of a different pilot group in mind while recognizing those that arrived first? Not mean-spirited just a different way of identifying the need to compromise. As I said before "no compromise, no marriage." Are the AT folks entitled to every single benefit of the AT/SWA deal without any compromise?
I will tell you again that I have tried to put myself in the AT position and believe I have come to understand some of their arguments and reasoning. If those who have categorized the AIP with descriptions like, "Abortion" and or with their favorite pseudo profanities would take a deep breath then a different perspective might be seen. Engaging in attacks (MIL vs. CIV, Officer/Enlisted, Fighter pilot/others, etc.) or making claims about SWA pilots being in debt (no other pilot group has those) don't help much.
Calm, rational thought might make one wonder what this "culture" thingy is that is talked about so much. Even Tsquare gave me a little sympathy about the loss of said culture and erosion of our work environment that appears to be a lost cause.
I will tell you that you have unified the SWA pilot group by turning down the proposal. We were arguing and having heated discussions prior to your MEC vote. Now we are becoming more and more focused. Many are now open to ALL options available to our pilot group. That is sad because those options that they now want SWAPA and management to explore are unpleasant. I too have begun to question whether this deal was really worth it. That Deere John letter is still swirling around in my mind.
Please spare me the "arrogance" arguments.
This industry breeds arrogance and creates egos that are not exclusive to one pilot group. Ten years ago the arrogance comments were pointed at other groups. SWA pilots are just the current target of opportunity.
I have corresponded with a few AT folks here on APC and believe me when I say --- I want this to work out for the best.
The Oscar (trollboy to some)