Look, I agree with NightIP here...

If you (the ones already at Atlas, and others trying to get to Atlas, and those waiting for class or class dates) have not realized implication(s) when they announced the SAI acquisition and the very real threat of the amalgamation of our two (crappy) CBAs, you really need to do some homework here.

This is not some scare tactic...it is not posturing for the negotiations...this is actually their negotiating position. This is real, folks...not being a drama queen here. This is real.

Now, where does that leave me, you, and the others...

Me -- long-timer that has invested a lot of myself here (due to many reasons, and 9/11 complicated it, and all of a sudden, I'm too old to go anywhere)...don't feel sorry for me, I'll be fine!! And so will the others in my age and seniority group.

You -- younger guys that are already here -- guys are bailing out at a faster rate than they were just a month ago. Guys that had told me (even those in their late 40s) they wanted to stay and make this work, are now applying to all the majors. Does that say anything? (Hint -- it should say volumes, and some of them are damn close to or are already Captains here)

You -- waiting for a class or class date -- glad you made the cut, and congratulations. Look, you'll have some adjusting to do if you're coming from the Regionals -- this is unlike anything you know. Fine, so you can do that...but just after you get checked out, you'll have to live with the uncertainty of our negotiations, merger, seniority, etc etc...and of course, life at Atlas is never boring -- constantly watching over your shoulder to ensure the company is not trying to pull a fast one, etc. Welcome aboard, and I'll absolutely do what I can to help you and we'll have a good time on layovers!!

You -- those trying to figure out whether to take the plunge and come to Atlas or not. Atlas has a good future, but only if management decides it is. They are hell-bent on union-busting, 80s-style (and Lorenzo) tactics, with thugs for an outside law firm they have hired...they are indeed experts at what they do. However, their tactics are fairly well known in the industry and our Union is up to the task.

Look guys, please don't bury your head in the sand...take what's here to heart because the proverbial **it is about to hit the fan. If you're not cut out for it, or can't support the union and the pilot group's efforts, or you just don't want the uncertainty, you really need to reconsider if Atlas is right for you.

Yeah, it gets old reading a thread on hiring and all they talk about is this crap...but this is going to be a huge part of your life if you come to Atlas. We are all adults and can handle a few old guys like me ranting about their lot in life. I'm not bitter about this...if anything, I'm trying to get you to understand what you're info if you come here.

Good luck.