Hotmamapilot,

While I generally try to stay out of these types of discussions I did bring it up, so here is my best politically correct explanation of "pilot demograhics."

In the mid 80's we had reserve pilots in my squadron and at the last minute I would have my schedule changed to "fill" in on a flight. As a junior officer I was used to be being messed with but this became a regular occurrence so I asked why. It seems they had a strike at CAL and we had CAL strike breakers, strikers, and some that were seemingly in between. For some reason they didn't want to fly with each other and I as well as other JO's were called in to pinch hit. As you can imagine in played havoc on the poor schedulers, adding another factor to their job.

In some ways I didn't understand it totally but I knew when I got out of the military I did not want to be anywhere near that type of work environment. As retirements have occured at CAL it is my understanding that the work environment/demographics has/have "improved."

I apologize for the "wordy" explanation I just don't want to use derogatory names. SWA has all of the above described persons on property (with lists also) but until we have someone cross a picket line I will stay out of the fray.