Originally Posted by
squall line
Apples-oranges. Mesa is in contract negotiations and has been for years.
Consider this. Let's talk about recent events. CPZ got gains in their contract. Expressjet AND Envoy turned down contracts as of late. The ball was in PSA's court. Pilots are finally back in the drivers seat when it comes to negotiations. PSA didn't turn down the offer. I think that's the biggest problem/issue everybody has. Does this sound about right or am I off base?
Pretty much correct.
Unfortunately a wholly owned carrier is in a very different position from a stand alone regional carrier when it comes to negotiating. Comparing XJT, CPZ, and RAH votes to a PSA vote is well, to steal your term, apples to oranges.
Eagle's situation definitely more closely mirrors PSA's but they are also significantly larger, giving them more leverage with a no vote.
Everyone wanted PSA to vote no because "they can't shut you down, no one can staff your flying."
PSA had 49 acft at the time of our vote. We were told by "the industry" that there's no way AAG could shut us down anytime soon due to the pilot shortage. AAG is transferring 47 acft from Eagle to PSA in a little over a years time.
They absolutely could've shut us down, and would have.
The guys that voted yes mostly for our LOA were guys that have been around for years and had seen what Parker is, and how he operates. They decided he wasn't bluffing. It seems they were right.