Mr./Ms. Brand X:

After reading your posts I think we can understand why you're upset. After all, you're with ABX. Unlike some of those here I'm not going to browbeat your frustration but merely try and help you understand why venting (albeit, may be helpful for you to cope with the situation) at the pilot group simply does nothing to help your situation.

My background is several different airlines and only left some to improve my situation. Mergers, acquisitions, furloughs, bankruptcies took care of the rest and I only bring this up so that you know that I'm not just talking out of my posterior end. Most people know who I am and quite frankly, everything I have ever posted here OR on the 1224 'site, I would not hesitate to say again. In other words, as you have asked for the Union to have "balls," well, I do. In a respectable manner, of course.

Something tells me that 1224 will come up with some sort of agreement for preferential hiring as they have in the past. And if the company is smart -- which they are -- they will listen and possibly agree to it. People in their younger ages are leaving. Period. And if they don't they should. So it seems quite clear if they want to retain crews this is the way to go. Now . . . . one has to wonder where the cost/benefit analysis of hiring a young guy who leaves vs. having a guy stick around for a long time. Those numbers will never be released and as long as the company's profitability is there and their resume drawer is "chocked full" they won't care.

To point blame at the pilot group is simply a vent of frustration when not backed up by facts and we all know it's a management deal. I get that. Again, I have seen pilots suffer from mere actions of another pilot group. TWA during the American fiasco. Length of Service for returning crewmembers ONLY if they were on the property already. But I digress, as I don't care; nor should you as YOU DON'T HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER IT. NONE -- as you have no control over this.

If I'm you I would accept the fact that the airframes are gone, hopefully you rat-holed some cash if expecting furlough, and turn your energy into finding that next job. Again, 1224 is going to try and help (my opinion) and it's not their fault, or ANY pilot's fault that this has happened.

Referencing your comment regarding not bidding the equipment does nothing for anyone. Again, I saw this in a previous airline where DC-9's were being parked and replaced with RJ's. So should I have been mad at Trans States for flying the very same route I flew last week in a DC-9? No, as I knew it was a management decision. Not the guys in the cockpit flying St. Louis to Jacksonville, FL.

Thick skin, loving this profession, defending your CBA, and standing up for the flight crews will get you to retirement. Thinking that management cares about us, our families, or our well being will only give you heartbreak.

Good luck with your future.

Fr8dog