Originally Posted by
ClipperJet
Lets look at the reality of the state of affairs that has befallen the ATN Pilots:
Jr FO: Still junior, but with an immediate, very significant pay raise.
Mid FO: Move down to a Junior FO, but with an immediate, very significant pay raise. Potential to upgrade as a SWA CA w/ very significant pay raise.
Sr FO: Move down to a mid/Jr FO, But with a pay raise equivalent to a jr ATN CA. Takes a sched/QOL hit, but does so at ATN CA pay, which would happen if upgrading at a stand alone ATN. Potential to upgrade as a SWA CA w/ significant pay raise.
Jr Capt: Move down to a Mid FO, roughly the same pay, better schedule than a jr ATN CA. Potential to upgrade as a SWA CA w/ significant pay raise.
Mid Capt: Move down to Mid-Sr FO, roughly the same pay, roughly the same schedule than as a mid ATN CA. Potential to upgrade in a few years as a SWA CA w/ significant pay raise.
Sr Capt: Keep ATN CA seat till '15 or short term move down to sr SWA FO. Roughly same sched w/ roughly the same pay, then upgrade direct to mid/jr SWA CA in a few years w/ significant pay raise.
Not Raped. Not. Even. Close.
First off Clipper, lighten up. The "raping" of AirTran pilots is an analogy, not a literal event. Second, the only "immediate" item in the pay department for AirTran pilots is a pay CUT. Yes, a pay CUT. This has been explained on other threads. The promised land pay raise for most FO's will not occur until 2015, nearly 4 years after the acquisition of AirTran. That will make this the slowest, most drawn out merger in airline history. Is this the best SWA management can accomplish? Third, your "potential upgrade to SWA Capt" only works depending on the individual's age. In a no growth scenario, most FO's over 45 will not upgrade to SWA Capt and may not even get back to their pre-Rape (just an analogy) seniority as an FO before the age 65 clock runs out. Fourth, let's not forget that with the elimination of the ATL and MKE bases, almost all AT pilots will be forced to commute (QOL takes a big hit), some for great distances (OAK/LAS/PHX) if you live on the east coast.
As far as (non BK) major airline mergers go, AirTran took the biggest loss of seniority in history. I think the rape analogy works pretty good here!
All that being said, I'm not in the WM camp. I look forward to getting over to SWA, getting my big raise, and doing the best job I can. I love to fly and it (will) show. Along the way, I will continue to point out the facts about the merger and will advocate for SWA management to wake up and get with the 21st century when it comes to running an airline. The stuff we are hearing about convoluted checklists, outdated procedures, not using the automation, treating every 737 like a -200, etc. is scary. Not being able to solve the technology challenges on code share, red eyes, international flying, etc. in a reasonable amount of time is embarrassing. The treatment of AirTran pilots in the SLI all while trumpeting your "Golden Rule" culture is shameful. SWA can learn a lot by watching how AirTran flys the 737, delivers a quality experience for the customer, leads SWA in on time performance and baggage handling, and operates a modern 21st century airline. I've said the only smart thing SWA has done recently is to buy AirTran.