Republic has a chance to change wages (for the better) of the entire regional airline industry here. They simply needs to raise their 1st and 2nd year FO rates to something like $30 and $38, respectivley. Pilots will flock from other regional airlines. Then the other regional airlines will have the same pilot staffing problems, and try to one up Republic.
Do not let them cancel your vacation. I know that would never happen, but don't even consider it.
Don't let them hire captains out of seniority order. The company wants to make it appear like this is your and their only solution, and it would be beneficial to both groups. However, you have to realize that if you guys stand firm on this issue, the only other option Republic has is to raise pay to attract more new hires. That can come in the form of hourly rates, signing bonuses, bonuses for current pilots who recommend a pilot candidate, etc...
Republic will NOT cancel their EMB-170 flying (and loose contracts). Just like pilots will never let Republic cancel your vacation. It is just a bluff. Management, unlike pilots, makes a good portion of their money from company stock. Take a look at Republic's stock over the last 6 months (when they have been getting growth).
http://moneycentral.msn.com/investor...rm=1&CP=0&PT=5
It has gone up 50% in just 6 months. If you guys loose growth, that stock will go back down. Management is smart enough not to shoot themselves in the foot.
Tell Republic you will not accept any of their proposals, and the only reasonable and prudent thing to do is to raise pay to attract new hires (especially those at other regionals). Again, that can come in the form of hourly rates, signing bonuses, bonuses for current pilots who recommend a pilot candidate, etc...