Originally Posted by
Brokenwind
However, it does not answer the question whether Atlas COULD (not saying WOULD) legally flush the SA pilots?
The argument comes up as it is no secret that some of the workforce (a small percentage) at SA could not pass the scrutiny of a thorough background check (not bashing anybody) and that this could be a liability for Atlas...
I understand the 1224 relationship, the need for pilots, retention, etc. However, what could the union do to prevent such a move, if indeed that was a likely scenario?
Once again, just playing the devils advocate... (and I'm curious)
Atlas management could probably attempt any maneuver you can think of. However, the Atlas ExCo has made it clear that we will welcome the Southern pilots with open arms, and that anything else will be fought vigorously.
The Southern pilot group is zero threat to the Atlas pilot group, IMO. They have 250-ish pilots. We hired 300 last year alone, and interviewed 160 this month. Once we merge and get the Southern guys under our CBA, they'll need to hire a TON of guys, because our work rules are more restrictive than theirs. Growth/upgrades on the Atlas side will continue due to sheer growth (but I think you're jumping the gun on Amazon), and they'll have to hire just to comply with our rules.
I can't speak for everyone, but the Southern list is complimentary to ours. My seniority would pretty much be the same whether an SLI is done by DOH or relative seniority. And no matter what method is chosen, it's likely we'll be fenced from each other's fleets for a while, perhaps even three years. That's in management's best interest - say we merged and the 777 was declared new equipment. Every Atlas pilot would be freed from a seat lock and it would cause a training nightmare.
And enough with the "concerns" about their pilots. We ain't exactly perfect, either.
There's only one way we come out ahead on this deal: All in. All together.