Good post.
FWIW, for better or for worse:
Delta's PWA (starting January 2011), we did negotiate CRJ900 pay:
EMB195 12 YR A = 131.63, EMB190/CRJ900 12 YR A = 111.98
EMB195 12 YR B = 89.90. EMB190/CRJ900 12 YR B = 76.48
SKW CRJ900 12 YR A / B = $86 / $44
OH CRJ700 12 YR A / B = $83 / $43
ASA CRJ700 12 YR A / B = $87 / $45
JB E190 12 YR A / B = $143, $97
RAH E190 12 YR A / B = $96 / $37
Airtran 717/737 12 YR A / B = $153 / $79
AE CRJ700 12 YR A / B = $91 / $41
For comparison, and mind you this is chapter 11 pay rates, for 2011 pay for the MD88/MD90 12 YR A is 161/165, B is 110/112.
My question is, why are regional pilots not worth more pay? I think you are.
But it probably isn't happening until the planes are at mainline and money isn't being spent to finance an entire seperate company and its guaranteed profit.
It is better for everyone that UCAL wins this section 1 battle.