While I agree that Franke is probably smart and knows what he's doing, I question if he comprehends how quickly the market for pilots is changing. He probably all too fondly remembers the days of pilots needing 3000 hours of TPIC to get looked at by the regional. The pay to play and the thousands of pilots willing to accept any flying job no matter the compensation.

Of course, they can just drag out negotiations until it's immediately apparent that they can't fill classes, and then cave in. For them to offer raises a day before they have to, they are leaving money on the table. And for now, they are still easily filling classes.