Originally Posted by
GrapeNuts
I understand your frustration and I deeply sympathize for the TWA pilots- it was unconscionable what APA did to you guys! I also recognize your length of service argument as well and can appreciate you displeasure of the west list. However, two points need to be made with regards to each seniority proposal:
1. Each list is constructed with prejudice.
2. The arbitrators will decide the final product after weighing arguments and considering witness testimony.
That said, my view regarding the third list pilots begins with the belief US Airways brings one pilot group to this merger. Sure, I acknowledge we have two subgroups fighting the order of a combined seniority list, however the AAPSIC and the west pilots both tacitly agree the conflict between east and west does not involve third list pilots as evidenced by the initial proposals (which may change, I acknowledge that). Assuming the third list placement on the AAPSIC doesn't change with their resubmission, it can be inferred both groups agree the third list pilots will be placed behind the LUS (pre-2005) and AWA. Better placement of the third list pilots helps for better placement of all LUS pilots in general. As I mentioned above, the third list pilot group is symbolic of a vibrant, growing entity in contrast to AA. I mostly agree the west proposal correctly places the third list pilots where they rightfully should be- perhaps the 2007-08 hires should be placed even higher up (I don't know, and that's for the arbitrators to decide.). The west proposal, though, does not consider and should not consider the injustices brought upon the TWA crowd. It is not the responsibility nor the proper obligation of our third list pilots to shoulder that burden. In four years they will be seeing upgrades to group 2 captain positions and that was adopted into the west proposal. You can't argue career expectations for wide body flying and then turn around and ignore it for narrow body flying like the AAPSIC is (unwisely) attempting to do. That's how I see things anyway.
So it's not the responsibility of the west merger committee to be concerned about what or how former TWA pilots were/are treated, but the AAPSIC damn well better understand why former AWA guys are not in the seats that the seniority list they want use placed them. Got it.
Did you even read that before you posted? You do not bring the seats that you want to THIS merger! If we start with the Nic, LAA or east pilots will pay for that.
I understand how you feel about the third listers. I think the problem with placing them on a proposal junior to all west pilots is that the protocol agreement calls for a status quo of three lists. How do you carve out one subset of pilots and not apply your methodology to them? I don't see how the USAPA or LAA committee could do that, but it doesn't mean the panel won't.
As far as other comments about the proposals, I contend that we don't have enough information about the fairness of the proposals by looking at the raw lists. They don't show career progression as compare to your original list.