It has long been my contention that flow through agreements are not a replacement for unity in our profession. Everywhere they have been tried, they have failed and harmed pilots.

The outsourcing of our jobs is so entrenched that getting rid of it will take a while and right now, there is not the political will to even try. We are "sold" flow downs in lieu of real job security.

Here's an alternative that was sent to me, which would replace flow down with Temporary Duty Assignments within an airline's network system that would preserve major airline employment. Curious what line pilots think of this concept:

Furlough Protections
Suggested Solution: Temporary Duty Assignment in Lieu of Furlough
• Each pilot group will create a TDY categories and clauses within their own PWA.
• The originating PWA establishes rates of pay, medical coverage, retirement benefits,
duration of assignment, etc.
• The destination PWA establishes the pilot's duties, work rules, bidding rights, etc.
• A TDY pilot is considered not to be furloughed and remains an active employee at
his/her original carrier. At the destination carrier, the TDY pilot is a subcontractor,
thereby avoiding numerous employment issues including double jeopardy.
• To ensure maximum employment opportunities, TDY duties could conceivably include
non-flying positions such as ground-school instructor, administrative functions, etc.
• Reimbursement for any costs incurred would be a matter between managements.
• If a reduction in force occurs, the junior pilot has the option of accepting furlough or
bidding the TDY category.
• During periods of furlough, all carriers in the same system are required to draw first
from the TDY queue.