Here's an honest question from a Continental Pilot. It sounds like the " 8 Ball" is a United tradition. I like that (Traditions rock~)
But the question is this-
How and who brought it over to the CAL Side?

To me... if it's a "New Hire United" Tradition, it should not have been started/brought over to the CAL Side. United Furloughees being offered "New Hire" Positions don't really fall into the "Traditional" New Hire category.
Do/did the tradition continue when United was recalling their own pilots back in the day?
How did it get to the first class>? Did the UAL MEC Chair or someone from UAL ALPA come over and (with) the CAL ALPA Reps start the tradition?

Hopefully in years to come, the NewHire/Furloughees will have a special bond within this company. I know that I welcome them whenever I see them and am glad to have them here.

I can't comment on the individuals who made their 8 Ball decision.. that's up to them to defend their position and without knowing all the facts, I would be doing a disservice to comment on them.

This merger is/has been a mess from Day 1. Sad thing is, as much as I blame the company and poor management.. I also blame the Union and National.
Hopefully, once we have a JCBA & SLI (in 2013-2014?!) we can move forward and get a Union that represent us as a whole. With real leadership and people who are looking out for our interests and not their own or Nationals.

Just my opinion.
Motch