That was probably the most difficult integration imaginable, and of course we see the results. My personal opinion? The USAir MEC was unreasonable with their strict DOH position. That said, I truly believe they got the raw end of the arbitration decision. Something between Nic and strict DOH that would have resulted in 17-year furloughees going to the left seat and displacing current AWA captains might have been more reasonable.

But they have only themselves to blame. That is why we at DAL are so opposed to arbitration. Pawning the tough decisions to an arbitrator is an abrogation of the leadership duties you are appointed to fulfill, and you can never know just how he or she will rule.