Originally Posted by shoelu

From Side Letter 10:

D. Transition of Pilots from AirTran to Southwest:

1. AirTran pilots will transition to Southwest in scheduled groups, taking into consideration the operational and training needs of both Southwest and AirTran. Southwest will determine the timing, qualification and number of AirTran pilots needed for each scheduled group. ...

2. To the extent possible within seat, while facilitating staffing requirements during the transition period, the transition of pilots from AirTran to Southwest will be accomplished on a seniority bid process based upon AirTran seniority, ...

I agree wholeheartedly that they should accomplish a complete re-bid in light of changing circumstances, but to characterize this as not following the letter of the agreement ratified by all parties is disingenuous at best. The above language was inserted to enable flexibility. If the language was not satisfactory it shouldn't have been agreed to.