Originally Posted by eaglefly

M/B is NOT limited to "mainline" pilots. M/B is completely applicable when two ALPA carriers merge as part of a "covered transaction" and that could include a mainline carrier acquiring a regional. The purpose of M/B is to ensure a fair PROCESS (not necessarily a fair outcome as an arbitration usually is deemed unfair by the losing party based on no adoption of their proposal). It is based on Allegheny-Mohawk sections 3 and 13 and all that really means is negotiation (section 3) and if no agreement, arbitration (section 13).

Yes, ALPA was found liable for failure to fairly represent the TWA pilots, but ALPA is an entity whose first priority is to ensure their own financial viability. They wanted to lure AA pilots over and apparently thought their tack in the AA/TWA transaction was the way to go. Actually, since the AA/TWA transaction wasn't a merger, but instead an "acquisition with an offer of employment" by AMR, that is a primary reason why AA was able to reject certain TWA pilots as you mention. M/B was devised primarily in regards to the plight of the TWA F/A's, ALL of whom were stapled, whereas over half IIRC of the pilots were integrated with varying levels of seniority among legacy AA pilots. Many of those stapled to the bottom were already on furlough from TWA, so the pilots situation wasn't nearly as detrimental as the F/A's. In fact, there have been SLI's where similar situations have occurred such as Southwest and that small 737 outfit I forgot the name of, then AirTran and AA and Reno, etc.

The present AA/US Airways merger/SLI is not a covered transaction under M/B as neither carrier is ALPA, but in the interest of supposed fairness, the APA agreed to adopt its protocol and protections. As for ALPA truly representing the interests of regionals, IMO one need look no further then the letter penned to Envoy pilots by its President a couple of years ago which basically stated in a nutshell that they should take what they are offered and not rock the boat because, yes, you are just a stepping stone job. Personally, I think anyone who thinks things have changed in Herndon in that respect is in fantasy land.