My honest opinion? Piedmont is done in 2 years, maybe sooner. The writing is on the wall, and has been for a while. Management is dragging this contract out for the sole purpose of us never getting a new contact before the doors close. What a great deal for them! 12 years on a concessionary contract. Mainline is willing to offer AA pilots a lucrative contract, mainline can afford new Airbus's, PSA renews their leases, Skywest picks up Airways flying, senior instructors at Piedmont leaving, etc. We are the only ones who are losing aircraft, and have NO plans for replacement. If management gave us everything we are asking for in our contract, it wouldn't add up to 5% of what mainline is offering AA. There is money to be spent, just not on Piedmont, and there never will be.
Upgrade? For a new hire, forget about it. It'll be indefinite. Why aren't we upgrading captains? There aren't that many captains leaving, and we are shrinking. We are hiring FO's because the revolving door has started up again. Sorry everyone for the doom and gloom, but these are the facts. Those that are invested here, stay until the last day if it suits you. Those that are new, do what you will, but my recommendation is run to the next best thing if your personal life allows for it. Good luck to all.