Originally Posted by REF 5

I think a lot of times pilots think pilots can make better pairings or the pairings that fit their situation. As I said before, pairings are a representation of the network. Rigs, duty day limitations, etc may help on the margins but in the end they reflect the network. I wouldn’t mind at all that SWAPA build the pairings but in the end, the outcomes may not be that different based on the current CBA. Averages have to put in place so all pilots, not just a certain base benefit from all the flying. AUS,BNA shouldn’t subsidize DEN or any other base with a 10% or 15% difference in pay(TFP). That’s not how a union works. Work rules should be the driver of that. Most other carriers that allow their union to build their pairings are network carriers. Which does not lend itself to productivity. That’s the nature of the network. A high p2p operation like SWA doesn’t lend itself to be the best of commutable trips on the other end. In my opinion, as the network evolves, so should our work rules to reflect that collectively for everyone.

As far as the chiefs speaking with the prophets. Please. They still don’t know anything. They know the next pizza party. Everything they are told is almost identical to what BJ says in public. Let me guess, we’re hiring, we may have a new fleet type in a few years, we’re building lounges, the initiatives are paying off, etc. They don’t know anything about commuting, the quality of pairings, when will bases get bigger or smaller(other than what’s on the schedule already). They talk to the prophets and it makes them feel important. How many NDA’s do they sign on a regular basis? Crew planning doesn’t consult with them on anything. They don’t have to. They shouldn’t. Their management. SWAPA has warts and pimples just like any other bargaining agent. But do really trust the chiefs over SWAPA? The ones that told you we call in sick too much or when they downsize a base(DEN) and give you a blank stare? Management keeps things to themselves because to be honest, they have to. When they must a piece of paper comes across the table. SWAPA doesn’t know much more but they definitely know more than the chiefs because our CBA requires it.