I read this thread and wonder if it isn't just an exercise in frustration. The ISL will only come when there is a JCBA and the real focus in my mind is will the two pilots groups ever get a JCBA.

Many of us over here at LUAL are concerned there may be an end run to get the LCAL pilots a contract and abandon the LUAL pilots to fend for themselves. If you don't think it can happen just observe the tactics at work with the FAs and Mechs. The problem is we, LUAL pilots, have so much more to lose than these fellow employees.

Why? I am firmly convinced there is an airplane order waiting in the wings (no I do not believe it has already been signed) for replacements of the 757s and possibly 90 seaters. I envision LUCH Management will eventual drop the LUAL side and push towards a LCAL contract and thus place those airplanes and growth in to the hands of the LCAL pilots if they are unable to achieve a JCBA to their satisfaction. I will give you the exact words of a former CAL VP now working out Wacker Drive said to my face, "All we have to do is throw money at the CAL pilots and they will be happy..." I am not making that up!

Now many of you will say NO THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN! Please review our current history because IT HAS!

So while you all argue about the chicken and egg I hope you realize why the MECs agreed to get the JCBA first. Yes there are issues like banding and how it will effect the ISL, but the real golden egg to Management is a broken pilot group and a failure to achieve a JCBA will just feed into their hands!