The contract is that way because U is saddled with two extremely divided pilot groups that aren't acting as one. U's contract is currently an anomoly, but that has both worked for and against Parker. Yes, he exploits that situation to his benefit, but one wonders if he's realizing that it's also strangling any synergistic necessities he has to have. I think he does and knows he needs to break that logjam for U to have any chance.......that and merge with AA or eventually wither on the vine, becoming neither large fish (global legacy), nor lean fowl (LCC).

I think Doug would be willing to offer a DAL similar contract to get AA pilots (actually all AA labor) to side with his plan. If he could get AA, he could also inherit a pilot labor situation that would break his current pilot contract/operational synergy issue that was initially a benefit, but now an obstacle. The APA would likely be the surviving bargaining representative for pilots and the current U seniority issue would be cleaned up (for better or worse).

Personally, I'd like to hear both his plan for the combined entity and his offers to labor in detail. It will be easy to compare it to the smoking barrel pointed at my head by the two guys currently here. Ummm.........just call me a "comparison shopper".

I agree that Parker is looking out for Parker and I am under no illusions (a good AMR employee has been repeatedly schooled over the last decade NEVER to trust ANYBODY ). I'm with you actually in that my first choice is a strong, stand-alone and growing AA. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem the plan (at least the growing part). AMR is already on record stating that through 2018 all aircraft are for replacement. The expansion will be by stregthening code-shares and expanding American Eagle with small mainline-sized airliners to take over a substantial portion of current AA flying. The A319's could easily be shifted elsewhere from AA in the next year or so and the options post 2018, could easily disappear like a fart in the wind or be mostly sent elsewhere (which is the same thing).

I've got some bad news for you Tom. IMO, you'd better get ready to BE a "Parker Man" (provided you are an AA pilot, of course ). Even Horton admits he's open to a merge post BK and U is the likely player. Since it's likely an inevitability, I'd like to see something better written out for AA pilots while they have some leverage. Parker knows he'll never get AA without the employees on-board and at least negotiating with him now MIGHT provide something better then being FORCED into what current AMR management wants. When the term sheets all hit AA labor (across the board), what leverage with anyone will we have except with Parker ?

That's the problem. IMO, by going for the jugular and rising to a new historic level of intransigence in bargaining (or lack therof), AMR is begging for AA labor to abandon anything to do with them and run anywhere, even if it may not be a good move for them. Again, emotion is in play (too much play) and when emotion is too strong, be it a corporate negotiating issue or a bank robbery gone bad, it destabilizes the situation and unplanned, unwanted results (by all parties) all too frequently occur. Now, if AMR DOES want to steer AA labor to Parker (herding), then they are playing it perfectly. If they don't, then...........well, what does the last decade of corporate planning, decision-making and proactive action show you about their prowess ?

I mean, for all intents and purposes these are the same group of people trying to re-round the wheel they've so successfully pounded square for so long.