The letter from the CP did not indicate that new hire pilots would be placed in the Q200. Those extra slots in the November class are Q400 to make up for the upgrades from Q400 FO to Q200 CA. Q200 FOs are being bypassed for upgrade as the company attempts to avoid hiring anyone into the Q200.

Current Q200 FOs will probably end up in both the Q400 and CRJ when the aircraft goes away. I expect a letter similar to the SEA Q200 base closure. It allowed FOs to permanent bid for the Q400 in SEA without taking the pay cut, however the one year seat lock still applied. After that is completed, the reduction section of the CBA will most likely come into effect, and FOs will be forced off the Q200 in inverse seniority. Which aircraft the Q200 FOs go to will be based on their reduction bid and what their seniority can hold.