Originally Posted by
captainv
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.
Thanks for the wrap on the subject...
Certainly interesting and exciting times for all parties involved.
There is the potential for a win/win scenario for all, including the Atlas pilot group in their quest for a new contract, strength in numbers...
This could also put Atlas on the map as a destination carreer opportunity