Originally Posted by
sailingfun
There are lots of posts here on how a merger would work between Endeavor and Delta. Everyone seems to ignore how it would actually happen. First ALPA has zero say in adding Endeavor pilots to the mainline list. It’s a management function. If management decides to merge the airlines it will be done via ALPA merger policy. That policy does allow for a pre nuptial agreement however the only way that would happen is if Delta management gave DALPA veto authority over the merger if a pre nup could not be negotiated. The chances of EB granting that to DALPA given the current relationship are between 0 and 0%. SW management granted that to their pilots in the SWA/Frontier attempted merger.
If management decides to merge the airlines a negotiated settlement would be attempted and of course fail. DALPA would want a staple and Endeavor would have zero reasons to accept that. It would then go to binding arbitration. The arbitrator is required to use ALPA merger policy. If you think that would result in a staple you will find yourself sadly mistaken. Here are the factors the arbitrator is required to use. “The new policy states that the factors that must be considered in constructing a fair and equitable integrated seniority list, in no particular order and with no particular weight, now include but are not limited to career expectations, longevity, and status and category.”
As far as Allegheny Mohawk it has zero relevance to a ALPA/ALPA merger.
First of all, you're retired, so maybe you could consider paring back your lectures to this pilot group.
Second of all, you used a lot of words to say "ALPA merger policy considers career expectations, longevity, and status and category". The CRJ900 is not currently flown at Delta and would come in below even the 717. The career expectations of a 30 year CRJ900 A wouldn't even come close to a Delta 717 A. The career expectations of a CR9 B wouldn't come close to a new hire Delta 350B. No arbitrated list in recent history has gone straight DOH, so it's unlikely they could use their 30 year RJ lifer status to trump the other two.
You never know what an arbitrator will rule, but it is very likely that a staple with fences is the most fair integration under ALPA policy, and McCaskill-Bond may not even apply since we are not like carriers.
Finally, even Delta management would likely rather walk away than see some 30 year RJ guy end up as a Delta 330A and cause a downward cascade of training events. Simply ain't gonna happen. They'll pull the plug on 9E a la Comair before they'll let that happen.