Originally Posted by
E6BAV8R
Disagreements or not, thank you for saying something that contributes to an actual and honest discussion.
We all know this hiring environment isn't going to last for the longer term, but I'm not sure who to believe. Robin, and any CEO, can say whatever they want, but in reality it doesn't really matter. If the merger got approved next month, he can redact all of that and do whatever he wants and there is no harm no foul. In my opinion, it's just hard to believe. If what Robin says is true, than it will be great for Spirit and JB both, but if (or when, or how bad) the economy tanks, they could easily just take Spirit's new planes and all their orders and replace JB's older fleets and get brand new airplanes and weather the storm doing the exact same thing they've been doing, and blame base closers on the economy.
For Spirit pilots, I think it'll really come down to the JCBA. Yes, Spirit pilots want to make more money (as everyone does), but what will the quality of life cost; with regards to base closures? I personally would much rather live in base than make another $20/hr than having to commute the rest of my career. And if JB does actually start doing base closers after the merger, unless the money is obscene, you will certainly see a mass exodus from Spirit pilots.
I think that’s fair. I’d happily be a B6 CA living in base if someone could
waive a magic wand and guarantee that outcome in 2-3 years. But no one can do that, and with that in mind I suspect quite a few crew members have started making others plans either just in case or eject now thinking.
This decision point needs to be reached quickly, and then whoever wins out needs to signal loud and clear what their intentions are base wise or a mass exodus is inevitable. It might be anyway.