Originally Posted by
gloopy
15 years ago the "70 seater" was green lighted and on the way to the regionals regardless. And the Bach Jet was already at the regionals, including one DL bought. That wouldn't have gotten an SLI.
The actions of the CMR (and ASA, although because of timing to a slighter lesser extent) didn't stop an SLI, but they guaranteed it wouldn't happen. Their strategy was to take the runway, reach V1, and then and only then, figure out how to proceed. IOW, commit to an SLI with no conditions or protections, and only after it was committed to, then fight it out. That was a horrible strategy that didn't work out, and bloviating about the sanctity of "the process" rings hollow to this day.
After Lorenzo transferred Eastern's assets to his wholly owned alter ego, Continental, and Continental left ALPA, our union was determined to never let management whipsaw us again. ALPA adopted strong language designed to prevent whipsaw by forced mergers. Delta was a beneficiary of the Texas Air mess and was never that fond of mergers (or ALPA) for that matter. (there was a abortive decertification drive then too)
It is likely the Delta MEC had advanced notice that Delta intended to buy ASA and Comair (can't prove it) but we do know the Delta MEC led a push to remove that merger language at the 1998 ALPA BOD.
Concomitant with the denial of Comair and ASA's merger request, ALPA adopted this "permitted" model which divided ALPA members into preferred and non preferred groups.
Without a real merger policy, there was no way to force real, structural, unity. In effect ALPA agreed to alter ego whipsaw, as long as it existed at the permitted aircraft level.
The perception was, and is, that express jobs are not real airline pilot jobs. That for some reason regional flying, which indistinguishably mimics the flying mainline does, is simply a stepping stone to a real job ... and only real jobs should be protected.
Ultimately I am merely advocating equality "but not at the expense or demise of any mainline position or job". What are you advocating? Would it had made any difference in the merger if NWA or Western Airlines had same or less hiring practices then any regional? I doubt it. Where is the hiring practices mentioned in ALPA's merger policy? Would it not be better for ALL pilots to go through the same interview when operating equipment for that company?