Originally Posted by bassslayer

Personally, what I find most surprising is that anyone is really surprised by all this. There are A LOT of pilots at the "New AA" that have way overestimated Parkers desire for labor harmony and/or fear of arbitration. IF this goes to arbitration, the company will almost certainly come out on top. They"ll feel no pain until the 2016 parity, and thats only if Delta strikes a deal by then. If not, they already have a good idea of what the costs will be. They did a year ago when they put out the MOU.

Thay being said, I believe they would prefer a deal out of arbitration. Just don't over estimate what Parker is willing to pay for it. From an operational and financial standpoint, this management team knows how to run a great airline with miserable employees. They did it at US Air and they'll will continue to do so at the new AA, if need be. Anderson had it right when he said we will never catch Delta because this management will not invest in their people. I disagree that we will never catch Delta, but I agree with the rest of the statement. He's never had to before. Perhaps he'll change is whole management strategy just in time for the holidays. It'll be a Christmas miracle. Until some kid with a gimp leg shows up at my door with a Christmas goose and a love note from Parker, Im not holding my breath.