Originally Posted by
OscartheGrouch
JSLED,
I figured I would get someones blood pressure up with my post. Again you can mock my analysis by making light of the facts I presented or you can come up with something to refute it. Fact is that SWA's business model has been around a long time and they must adjust to the latest threats as they have adjusted to those in the past (i. e. Shuttle by United, Ted, etc.). Just stating the obvious because Gman has his doubts about whether SWA is now a viable threat to Jblu's existence.
In answer to your claim I will state a fact that will probably enrage you some more. Defined benefit programs are on their way out. Yours is gone and it was not even possible to save them for those who had already retired or were just about to. That is who I feel bad for and wish something else could be done. You however, can blame whomever you wish for your misfortune but be sure to include that person you see every morning in the mirror. SWA has funded my retirement quite nicely (including stock options that paid off quite well) so don't you worry about anyone here. As a former ramp agent for SWA I will be sure to mention to my friends who are still working on the ramp, operations, and even VP positions how poorly their retirement has been funded. The least of which has a million+ from that cheapskate Herb Kelleher.
Next fact is that UAL failed to answer the threats of SWA and others by adjusting their business model for the changing airline industry. Management and labor are both responsible for leaving UAL vulnerable to a catastrophe such as 9-11. Years of leaving your pension underfunded to grow the airline and allowing pay increases that could only be payed for by raising airfares and gouging the flying public finally caught up with you on 9-11. The 2000 contract left UAL in the emergency room and 9-11 put them in a coma. Oh and don't worry about our substandard payscale (even the 80's and 90's payscale wasn't so bad) because I am managing to feed my family. Another fact is that out of all the former UAL pilots I know, none are accepting recall. Look in the mirror more often and choose to accept some of the blame as to the reason why.
As I stated before no airline should have received any money after 9-11 in any form (grant, loan, etc.) including SWA.
I also didn't mean to interupt your luv fest with Mulcher but your bitterness and inability to accept reality were a bit too much.
Never said it was "my claim", just said I had heard the argument. I think the argument that SWA pilots hurt the industry is as silly as your bankruptcy argument, and I said so in my post. You have it quoted up there. Did you read it? I do not blame anyone, including SWA pilots for UAL's or the idustry's woes. Why are you blaming airline bankruptcies for SWA's "current challanges"? Perhaps you should look in the mirror.