Originally Posted by
Santa
Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't the Midwest pilots offered to fly the 170's, when Republic arrived on to the scene (initially)? Wouldn't that have been a reason to start the negotiations (integration) before the Frontier deal was on the radar scope? Or did this all happen together - if so, wouldn't it have been a logical step for the Republic guys to try to integrate everyone that had a 'dog in the fight'?
Was it obvious that the 717's were going away, or was that a surprise on the YX side of the house? I'm asking, 'cause I'm trying to understand the WHOLE situation.
Midwest pilots were told in negotiations "take it or leave it" to a new contract for E170s and E190s. The management tried to whip-saw us against the Republic pilots contract by offering the 51-78 rate for both E170 and E190 flying. Management was trying to get a new industry low wage for the E190, lower than Republic.
When Midwest pilots filed for federal mediation and management knew they were not going to be able to use Midwest pilots to lower the E190 pay scale.
We knew the B717 were going to be retired in May-June 2008. TPG had to have a current production aircraft to grow and we were told it was the E190. Maintenance and Flight Standards/Training started to write the manuals after training at JetBlue.