First off - Anyone who was gloating at the CRJ side losing flying is a POS! It is never good to see guys lose flying, let alone guys you are going to merge with.

Second - Please explain what "strategy" they have used before? If it is a "We need to be cost competitive" quote and thinking that the pilots are dragging down this company, well, I don't know what else to say. This is a cycle management uses all the time and lets say we do take paycuts, next round of contracts they'll be asking for more, then the next round more, and more and more - the downward cycle continues. Management never comes at guys saying "Sure, I can see you guys need a raise - let's do it!". They have successfully implemented a "We are all family" propaganda. Management thinks every working drone should be making $35,000 a year regardless of which position they hold.

For me, saying I want a small raise will NOT destroy this company, regardless of how many lectures I get from anyone in management or in the pilot group. We can get a decent contract and help the company maintain profitability - it CAN be done. It is not a 'one or the other' type thing. Don't ever use pay or work rules as a carrot to open new bases or obtain new flying. Don't EVER believe that this contract/merger will sink this company. It won't.

And lastly, don't fall for the ERJ/CRJ fight. This is a mirage. Management uses this "strategy" to cause unrest and confusion in our work group. All of the CRJ guys I've met and talked to, ALL of them are nice people. We can band together and get a decent contract. Don't buy into the BS - The worst thing for management is a unified, focused pilot group!