Originally Posted by
TristarJS30
Exactly! History is just repeating itself again... just ask anyone who used to work at Comair. It's nearly identical to what went on over there. I know that times are scary and people have families to care for, and feel like they couldn't feed themselves without Pinnacle, but the denial by so many here at Pinnacle is amazing. The first step is ADMITTING the problem.
A shutdown will not happen today, or tomorrow, or a year from now. This terrible TA will pass, sadly, but it will not stop Daddy D from eventually closing the doors. With the announcement today that Delta will now OWN Pinnacle as a wholly owned subsidiary, there are no longer any contracts that require certain levels of flying or aircraft numbers. If ALPA can find some judge that does hold up the "bridge" agreement, it's not going to keep the doors to this place open. Delta will gladly pay the fine or penalty or whatever the judge deems as it will be cheaper than keeping this place running forever just to keep a bunch of people employed.
Having lived through Comair, and now Pinnacle, my suggestion is this: Don't read the message boards anymore if you're having a hard time dealing with the stress of reality and pessimism. Don't worry so much, things will work out for the better (they often do). We have quite some time before we all get furloughed; Delta and Pinnacle will hold off as many furloughs as possible until 2014 to pay out less "benefits." Maybe go ahead and cancel HBO and switch to the store brand to save some cash. Dust off your resume and your interview suit. Call up all your contacts and try to get hired elsewhere rather than ride the ship to the ground in denial that things that have happened to several other carriers over the years won't happen here.
And last but not least, being an airline pilot is not the be-all-end-all. You CAN do other things. You CAN live without airplanes, either temporarily to put food on the table or for the rest of your life. Just remember, we have the following attributes as pilots:
We can multitask, follow complicated written procedures, and work in a team environment. We have demonstrated a level of high responsibility for other people and heavy machinery, ability to work under pressure, and remain professional when dealing with the public. You have represented your employer in a positive manner when the customer's perception of your employer is poor, demonstrated the ability to function at a high level of autonomy in a complex environment, yet the still know to ask for help when needed. And we all have the ability to solve problems.
I stole the above paragraph from another former Comair pilot a few years ago, so credit goes to him. We should all use these abilities to find new employment while we are still collecting a paycheck, rather than worry about a dying employer and eventually be forced into finding new employment.
//Rant over. I'm taking my soapbox and going home now. Take this for what it's worth, which is just about as much as you paid for it.
You are right it is history repeating itself. But it is still Mesaba's history repeating itself. This is the same crap that has happened for 18 years. (no I am not in denial) I hope this place is in buisness in a year from now, but won't be surprised if it isn't.
We have always ebbed and flowed between 50ish and 120ish airplanes. Every 5 years we go up and back down. We are never the cheapest, nor are we the most expensive. This time won't be any different.
Will this TA pass? Yes
Will Pinnacle get shut down by Delta? No
Will we get sold off again? Most likely. (Then you might make a case for shut down)
Will people get furloughed? Yes
For all the "delta is going to throw out your contract"; Are you talking about the TA or ASA agreements for airplanes?
Delta management negotiated this TA. They shoved our management aside and finished it. If you don't believe me look who's name is signed at the bottom. It isn't John Spanjers, it's Richard Anderson.
From an ASA/aircraft count standpoint, Who knows? There is a reason I don't make any assumptions based on fleet count. I can't even count how many times Delta/NWA has changed their aircraft agreements in the last 6 years. But here is a small sample:
35 Avros 49 saabs 15 200's
49 saabs
49 saabs 2 200's
49 saabs 36 900's and 2 200's
49 saabs 36 900's and 16 200's
49 saabs 41 900's and 18 200's
20 saabs 51 900's and 16 200's
0 saabs 41 900's and 16 200's
And that was before we merged with Pinnacle. So excuse me for not giving a crap about perceived numbers of aircraft on our property, because it is never has stayed consistent for more than 6 months. Based on aircraft count I have been consistently between 900 captain and furloughed.
The ownership part is a technicality, they have always had their way with us, and we always do whatever they tell us. So please, someone explain what has really changed?
This is the third time this has happened. A lot of the people saying that this is the end of Pinnacle are the same ones that said Delta will never own a regional again, but here we are.
As far as the entire rest of your post, I couldn't agree more. I am sorry anyone had to go through this twice.
Good luck.