jet Blue and Alaska?
#31
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Read the scope clause. It prevents a AS/B6 merger without a JCBA. And that JCBA will require a loosening of the scope clause to allow Horizon or Skywest to continue to operate for the combined carrier. They can have that loosened for a cost, but it's an established fact that they will absolutely need the pilots' "say" over whether and on what terms any proposed merger goes through. Period. We paid for that scope clause and we're not letting it go without a lot more money flowing our way across the table.
#32
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From: Driving a Bus for Recreational Pleasure.
Exactly. Scope is great for in-house protections. Mergers and acquisitions are another animal.
#33
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I guess United, American, and Delta could never merge/acquire jet Blue. Does B6 scope specifically state seats or weight? (I ask because I’ve not seen the full language). Now ask yourself how United was able to merge with Continental. CO had a 50 seat scope clause. UA was flying 70 seaters. Like I said, scope isn’t worth the paper it’s written on because there’s always a way. Now, I’m talking mergers/acquisitions. Keeping them off property as a stand-alone is a different game. AS needs an east coast presence and B6 needs the west coast. It’s a good fit that should easily go through the DOJ.
#34
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Can't reduce B6 flying pending a JCBA. It's in there.
#36
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From: Driving a Bus for Recreational Pleasure.
A merger with a much larger carrier must result in a JCBA or the merger doesn't happen. The JCBA could just mirror the current CBA of the larger carrier and by sheer weight of numbers it would be voted in. But none of the Guadalupe style, operate separately, take it or leave it, screw job AirTran got. The B6 scope section specifies no part 121 affiliates at all unless operated by B6 pilots, and no block purchase agreements of any sort, so no seat or weight limits. They aren't allowed, period. A JCBA could toss those provisions but it would need a pilot vote to do it.
#37
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From: 737 FO
I agree. But capping scope at current AS levels would be reasonable, wouldn't really hurt JB pilots, and wouldn't directly cost the company(s) anything. Terminating existing feed contracts would cost big bucks. The value of the merger to management would likely outweigh the loss of some future outsourcing. Especially since now is not a great time to outsource, there really is a pilot shortage at the regionals.
Fringe benefit: AS gets some scope!
Fringe benefit: AS gets some scope!
Every other airline is trying to take back scope but you are trying to advocate giving it up.
#38
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From: 737 FO
Hmmmm, if management doesn’t follow a contract what happens? It’s grieved or even a lawsuit is filed. You think a judge or arbitrator is going to rule in favor of the scope clause and prevent a multi-billion dollar merger from happening? Good luck. Yes, a JCBA will happen because it’s ALPA. If the carrier isn’t ALPA? Good luck. All black and white contract language is great until management thinks it’s grey!
United and Continental sold the Continental scope for a price. It wasn't unilaterally given. It was foolish, but the company couldn't just take it.
#39
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From: 737 FO
Scope isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. It sounds nice and makes you all cozy inside, but in the end it will not stop management from a merger/buyout. If it’s in the BOD’s best interest it will get done. Might be a headache, but the union and management will find a way to get it done.
#40
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From: Engines Turn or People Swim
Two things here, when you have full scope protection, any give hurts the pilots. Second, AS doesn't have scope protection at all so there is no current level of protection to accept.
Every other airline is trying to take back scope but you are trying to advocate giving it up.
Every other airline is trying to take back scope but you are trying to advocate giving it up.
Pretending it can't happen isn't going to prevent it from happening.
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