Originally Posted by
GQpilot
I can't say I'm all too excited about this merger since it's going to be paid for in part by US employees. We (west) will get an hourly pay raise, but lose most of the good things in our contract to pay for American pilot's retirement. That being said I understand that in the long run I will benefit because it will create a stronger airline.
From an American pilot perspective, you'd have to be a fool not to support this merger. Parker for all of his faults is leaps and bounds above current AA management. The combined carrier will be far stronger than either standing alone. If it goes to arbitration, the American pilots because of their better contract and widebodies will take the upper spots in the seniority integration.
So Tomahawk are you a fool or am I missing some hidden reason or agenda on your part?
G
GQ -- Normally I'm on the same page as you, but I have to respectfully disagree with you here. I don't agree that Parker is leaps and bounds above current AA management. They are very similar. The only difference -- AA management is being very honest about the cuts they are trying to make. Doug is trying to sneak the same cuts in with a smile and a little bit of lube. But make no mistake, his cuts will be every bit as severe (and probably longer lasting as what we give up, we will never get back).
I agree with you that this will make a stronger carrier, but really will that benefit us? We (both East and West pilots) are flying at a solvent, economically viable carrier. And yet we are being forced into concessions -- like you said, to fund the AA pilots' retirement. Doesn't sound right to me... Let them fund their own retirement... I'm afraid we are taking five steps backwards and we'll never recover.
But, then again, what do I know -- I support the NIC, AOL, and I voted for Eric (so obviously I'm too idealistic, and don't see the "big picture"
)