What we know from the past is that capitulating to management's demands does not pay off for pilots- it does not make things better in the long run. In fact, cooperation from labor has produced only more aggressive tactics from management. Management will never "play fair" and they quickly overlook given concessions, returning countless times for another bite of the apple. However, even in the worst of bad times, oil companies have stood firm on their price- and what has management done? They have paid the asking price. I am grateful that a union has finally taken a stand, I know how hard it was to do so. Be warned- Parker is not different from Horton. Don't be sucked in to the East/ West saga smoke screen. Parker played both unions and got exactly what he wanted. This is a strategy that has worked so well that there is no doubt that he will use it again. Parker may smile and whisper in your ear while he is doing it, but make no mistake- his goals are the same as Horton's.

 

APA has been negotiating under Section 6 since July, 2006. Where's the advantage?

As you point out, they probably won't have a CBA. That opens a whole lot of doors in the merger/fragmentation department for "other" interests to exploit.

Hope it works out well for them.

 

Not likely. If Lane abrogates, AMR may impose changes in the contract it wants. Changes to language in anything involving mergers was not part of the 1113 or the term sheet. Additionally, we're still a recognized union and McCaskill-Bond is there. As far as fragmentation, that would likely be a controlled by someone other then the pilots. If pilots didn't go with airplanes, I think you'd see a mass exodus in a short period of time and thus significant loss of worth of the transferred asset during the transition. They could sell the MIA to Delta, but Delta would have to train a couple of thousand pilots within months or inherit an empty ghost town of a terminal and planes.

I think if we ever get to that point or AMR threatens such, it would start a race for the exits that might be uncontrollable. Besides, I think the most value both short and long-term is in a merger and not fragmentation and there is one guy out there (yes, a snake as well) that already has all of AA's labor lined up and once he's done looking over the books, very likely the best POR unless AMR can convince everyone they can move AA forward without the pilots on-board.

Remember, if that somehow occurs and we exit BK like that, it's no longer chapter 11, but section 6 and hopefully if the creditors shoot craps with that plan, they'll understand it will be a different game.

 

Little late but better then never. Thank You for sacking up and taking a stand! If pilots would just stick together and show more AA pilot balls we would ALL be in a better spot! The industry as whole will be better after this!

 

Some perspective -> It's not "late". The APA group has taken a more hardline position since 2006. They've gotten nothing for it. Future events at American may validate the benefit of their stance, but so far they don't have a gain they can point to and say, "Our AA pilot balls got us that!"

I hope they kick butt. I hope they get some healthy paybacks from their sacrifices and a pile of equity in the new company. They need something to show for their position.

 

Most here don't see this as a tanbark fight or believe this has anything to do with the size of our testicles. It's simply about achieving something competitively fair and equitable considering our situation and that of the competition.

So far, we don't believe we've been treated either fairly or equitably and thus the beat goes on....................

 

Very well said!

 

Wow. The "concern" from the Delta camp makes me all misty eyed. I can't help but notice how many of you guys keep asking about what the chances are of AA being broken up. I hope our continued existence isn't inconveniencing you or delaying your MIA bid. Perhaps I can fetch you a lobster bib to catch some of that drool?

 

You misunderstand. He isn't drooling over your job, he is trying to show you how to protect your own job. Emotional decisions based on a hatred of your management team ain't the way. Keep your contract, no matter how bad you think it is. Delta exited bankruptcy in April 2007 and now we are on our second post-bk contract. Keep your contract, keep your job, work to rebuild in the near future. Don't **** away your future just to give the finger to management.

 

I can't wait until AA emerges from Ch 11, merges with US, buys DL and finally gets the DPA off the ground.