Originally Posted by
NuGuy
Hi Carl,
But with AAI and SWA, the decisions the arbitrators will have to make are significantly simpler. No guessing on which "heavy" is more desireable. No guessing over the "better bases" issue.
20 year AAI Career expectation: 737 captain
20 year SWA Career expectation: 737 captain
Sure, there is a pay rate differential, but that can change contract to contract. Seniority, however, is forever.
But there is some similarity with the DAL/NWA situation. While SWA has a better pay rate, AAI has some fairly decent workrules and fairly good QoL protection and GREAT health insurance (far better than our "Plan N" for the same money) and a very nice defined contribution plan.
Heck, their schedule bidding closes on the 16th at 10am, and they had their results today by 3pm.
Nu
UPS pilot career expectation: 747 Captain.
Southern Air pilot career expectation: 747 Captain.
While they both will end up on the same equipment I find it very unbelievable that they have the same career expectations.
How stable is my company? When will I be able to retire and with how much? How many days off will I receive throughout my career? What are my work rules like? How will I be treated by management? I believe all these points are developing my career expectations.
I am in no way knocking the AT guys, they are a fine group that have always treated me great and I will welcome them at SWA. But, I would venture a guess that if they had a chance to swap our contract with theirs they would do it in a heartbeat. Of course their contract has strong points, as does everyone's. They bring a lot to the table on many fronts and they are a great fit in the SWA system which is why the acquisition is taking place.
The discussion is fruitless. We will end up in arbitration and someone else will decide the fate of both pilot groups. In the end everyone will share some portion of the pain. Welcome aboard guys and gals, you'll like it here.