Originally Posted by
TimSmith
At least RightSeatBallast sees the light here. Some people claimed all the RAH pilots were just licking their collective chops at flying the Airbus and relegating those "Frontier" pilots back to regional jets. You sir, along with Airdale and others, are truly myopic in thinking Frontier would not fight tooth and nail to keep their current positions and current pay. I expect nothing less of them. They already left "regional" careers, gave up their seniority and moved on to a better career goal in Frontier. Just because RAH bought them some people EXPECT them to go backwards in career expectations? Seriously? And one of the requirements of obtaining an ATP certificate is exercising good judgement?
I would like to make an equally preposterous suggestion. Maybe the Frontier guys will take a date of hire integration. Just give them the date of hire at the regional they left to fly at Frontier. If we are going to use regional seniority at one company, why not use it at all? Midwest pilots too for that matter. Some of those pilots at both places were hired at their previous employer 20 years ago. Let's give them 20 years seniority.
No good? Then try not to act suprised and indignant about Frontier pilots fighting for their jobs. I would have expected nothing less. If the SLI shafts the Frontier guys, some of those at RAH will be praying for a Midwest pilot for the next month's pairing. For historical reference, think the United strike and pilots who walked vs. pilots who crossed flying together in the late 80's. The FAA threatened to get involved because of the cockpit hostility shown between pilots. Cockpits are small places. Better to be friendly. Safer too.
First of all, I never said that Frontier shouldn't fight for their current positions and pay. But delaying, dragging out and otherwise refusing to intergrate is going to save their pay and positions? Please. You're so smart, tell us, what do you think RAH management would do with a seperate F9 pilot list? They'd slowly dismantle what is Frontier, just like they did Midwest. Bedford and Heller WANT separate lists! They WANT leverage. They FEAR a strong pilot group on ONE seniority list. Go back and look at history - Bedford started Republic and WANTED it to be a separate company, separate seniority list. Can you say TSA/Go-jet!? He was going to use the E170 to whipsaw the hell out of the RAH pilot group. You think that won't happen with F9!?? LOL! Please!
If the Frontier pilots do not integrate, MARK MY WORDS, they are DOOMING THEIR CAREERS. Bedford will destroy their precious airline with cheap labor! I've said it in the past, I will say it again. Put EVERY Frontier and Midwest pilot ahead of me on the seniority list and I wouldn't complain or shed a tear. But I want them on our seniority list because it is what Bedford does NOT want.
As far as protecting their equipment, well I sure hope they aren't attached to their "equipment", because when they remain a separate seniority list, I'll be flying E190's and whatever other aircraft Republic wants in F9 colors while the F9 pilots are whipsawed into submission. And unfortunately, there won't be a damn thing I or anyone else will be able to do about it. This is the chance for F9 to prevent this. They can put 5yr+ fences on the Airbus. There are ways to integrate seniority without giving up your pay and position.
This is why I am getting out of this industry. I want no desire to be a part of a such a ridiculous industry where your co-workers are you own worst enemy. It's absurd. This industry is doomed, I just wish I realized it before dumping so much money into the training.
