Originally Posted by
satchip
Carl, honest question. Why is it so important to you to have an "industry leading contract"?
Here's why:
1. We are the world's largest airline
2. We have the most diversly experienced pilot group
3. fDAL pilots were responsible for blocking USAir's attempt at buying DAL
4. All pilots were responsible for making the DAL/NWA merger smooth as silk
Given the above, nothing other than an industry leading contract is appropriate.
Originally Posted by
satchip
Why is SWA +1% such a litmus test to you? What does it matter what anyone else makes?
If your premise is to achieve an industry leading contract (and that is my premise), you have to have a measuring stick. Southwest has the highest pay for 737 pilots. We would work up from there for larger equipment based on that equipment's productivity. 1% is a minimum, but that is based upon ensuring that our new contract doesn't get too far ahead of the industry. A few points above the industry still allows an effective management team to compete. Too far above the industry may hamper effective competition.
Carl