Originally Posted by
Rightseat Ballast
Seriously? [edit: delete insults] Thank you.
Did you ever think that maybe the parties involved in this SLI might actually have valid concerns and questions, and may exercise their legal right to question the witnesses presented by the other unions so as to make sure there is no misrepresentation or omission of information? Everyone is presenting the best case they can. No one pilot group is dragging their heels, and though the pace is frustrating, everyone involved should be pleased that everything is being put on the table to serve their particular interests. This is a very complex and unprecedented integration. If there was an quick and easy solution, it would have been arrived at during negotiations. That said, if this round of hearings has wrapped up and there is still more to be heard, then I am a little upset at the arbitrator for not dictating a more rigid timetable. But that is his fault, and not the fault of a single pilot in this debate.
I appreciate your offer, but no thanks. The longer this SLI drags on, the longer Midwest pilots are out of work. The longer it takes until we get a new contract. The longer we fly 190's for garbage pay rates and the better the opportunity for F9 to really get farmed out. You really have no concept of reality in the airline industry, as evidenced by your frequent posts of uneducated ramblings. There are no "witnesses" that need to be interviewed. This SLI process has taken long enough. There has been plenty of time for FAPA to present their case. This is a purposeful attempt to keep F9 separate and undermine the scope clause that the IBT has in place.
No good can come from keeping F9 on a separate list. None what so ever. Any delusions one might have about keeping the Airbus flying away from the RAH seniority list is just that - a delusion. F9 can stay on a separate list, and any reasonable pilot with a knowledge of the history of this industry can predict that Republic will be used to slowly destroy F9. Why keep F9 pilots flying the Airbus when cheap labor is just a click away. It's called a whipsaw, and if you think RAH management isn't capable of that, lets recall how the Republic certificate started. Any new aircraft will go the Republic certificate because it's cheaper.
One can understand being an F9 pilot and not wanting to merge seniority lists with a "Regional" airline, but mark my words - with no merger, they will sign the fate of their career over to a mode of self destruction. They are the more expensive labor group, they will not win. The only positive scenario is a fair and equitable integration, strength for a strong employment contract and job protection through a scope clause. Dragging this SLI out is hurting all of the parties involved and doing nothing but make RAH management smile.
We want a fair intergration, but if F9 feels their best interest in to be a separate list, then you might as well break out the stapler, because its going to get ugly. The IBT has yet to lose a scope arbitration, and thanks to their rock solid contract language, they won't lose this one either. Whose to say what outcome will lie in store for F9.