OK but regardless of the economy, its DAL's cuts that will cause the possible furlough which is indirect.

I voted for ALPA and I must say that with all the uncertainty I would truly prefer it if not only were we unionized here at SKW but that we were all (ASA & SKW) one big (around 4550 pilots) strong unified pilot group. I’m in no fear of being furloughed and a downgrade wouldn’t be that much of a pay loss (EMB CA $49 to RJ FO $40, senior FO line, no commute, no commuting cost & I now have my ATP and almost 1000 PIC). I do understand why SKW trust Jerry and Friends; they have 37 years of reasons. Even with the economy in the crapper and our flying reduced to unbelievable levels, SKW has not furloughed and is trying everything in their power not too. Regardless we are just a change at the helm away from going the other direction.

One more side note, if DAL cuts ASA anymore they will have to renegotiate the entire contract or they will lose out on SKW’s final payment of $125M that is due in October 09. Something’s got to give, the way that I see it three things can happen; SKW Inc will strengthen our future with DAL with a new contract, DAL will just pay the loss of block or they will forfeit the money. Either way you cut it, things at Inc can and will get much worse for both sides (SKW & ASA) before they get better.

Good luck all.