My point is that they know that this part of it - at least - was beyond our control. They can't actually expect us to be on time when SEA is on flow restriction that is keeping everyone within 400 miles from being on time - even their own mainline flights.

I'm pretty sure contracts will come down to money and whipsawing. I'm sure the only performance metric they really care about is staffing as that would be most out of their control.

Wish I could say that in this job market, whipsawing is a thing of the past, but when OO pilots are willing to sell their souls for a couple extra Embraers who knows...

“Couple extra”. As in 75 new aircraft.. XJT pilots in the same boat for 20 aircraft...

It could be 1000. It still doesn’t make it right.

What did I miss what’s happening?

I wouldn't make such a big deal of more new aircraft. There is no room for new aircraft unless you're getting rid of CRJ's, which is happening. Do people really think growth of a regional is a good thing in the long run? More growth means more time at said regional. But then again, SKW has so many lifers that they probably love it.

Not picking on SKW in particular but you can understand how it happens. Some people are never going to get the call due to past training failures, too many DUIs or other personnel issues, etc. others just got screwed by circumstances during the lost decade or being in a regional that died (or like Comair was killed) and having to start over a time or two and even if they COULD now now get hired at a major they never sit in the left seat again, might not even ever get off reserve again, and the pay hit they'd take the first couple years as a major FO would never be offset by the salary increase they'd get in the few years they had left. Besides, many have been in one base for the last 10-15 years and have grown deep roots there. Are they really going to want to move to a major base far away? Or commute to reserve in a crash pad rather than stay where their family is and where they have seniority up the ying-yang?

As fun as it is to throw around the term lifers, I can't ageee more with this. I really do feel for them and others in the lost decade. I hope they are truly happy where they are and are able to enjoy their well earned retirement.

Hot off the press...new COO announced.