The non compete has been referenced in the PEA for years. Guys are just so ****ed off now they're actually reading what they sign. That and it was right next to the new pay rates, so everyone saw it. They haven't been enforcing it, assuming "affiliate" actually means what people are inferring.

According to both the definitions elsewhere in the PEA, the SEC definition and the definition as per the State of Florida (mentioned in the non compete clause) using the term "affiliate" with a contracted regional doesn't mean what people are inferring. Change the term to "regional partner," and suddenly do we even have an argument? Now, wholly owned regionals obviously count since "parent" is mentioned. And "affiliate" would have control over the regional. Outside of some issues spelled out in the contracts between regionals and majors, they have little to no control over their regional partners that aren't wholly owned. For example, Delta can't tell Skywest how to run their United operation or vice versa.

That's my opinion of it at least. If you're concerned about it, spend the money for a hour of legal council with a contract lawyer and get an official answer.