How do you learn from NWA-Republic merger?
 

One nagging question in the MPR newsroom involves the lessons learned from the 86 Republic/NWA merger.

There appeared to be friction between pilots and merging seniority lists during that time period (the operative word is "appeared"). Some told us of different sets of pay scale instructions floating around the new merged company.

So what did that experience teach pilots when it comes to these mergers?

Mike Caputo
MPR News
[email protected]

"Experience teach pilots" - ROTFLMAO!!!


You've got a lot to learn about this...



Kevin

Mike-
There is still friction to this day from that merger.
And "friction" is putting it mildly.

You asked a great question. But I think the reason this thread has received so few responses is that explaining pilot contract and seniority issues to an "outsider" is incredibly difficult. The complexities are daunting and if you don't understand some basic jargon and shorthand terminology it can be even more time consuming to try and fill you in.

If you're really interested in learning all the minutia of pilot seniority integration fights and joint contract negotiations, I would suggest a phone conversation or better yet a face to face discussion over a few beers. Its just too much to type in a forum post.

Thanks...
 

Thanks Chuck...

I'm interested in doing that. You have my number (651) 290-1081. There is really a desire to try and communicate what happened 20+ years ago and what could be drawn from that.

I'm sure it's complicated... and yet for a state and region (the Twin Cities) that has so much at stake... it's worth getting into

Mike,

I don't know who Check Essential flies for, but I fly for NWA and am an original Northwest guy - commonly referred to as a Red Book pilot. I'd be glad to discuss this with you on this forum and give you the facts, and if you're interested, my personal opinion of what happened 20 years ago as well.

Carl

Mike-
Carl is the man you want to talk to if you want specifics on NWA/Republic.
Be sure to interview a "Green Book" guy as well though. (just not at the same time) :eek:

Actually Check, it would be fine to interview us at the same time. I have a lot of "Green Book" friends whose company I really enjoy. We'll never agree on the outcome of the seniority list, but that's OK. They're still great folks.

Carl

Best of all worlds... from a reporter's POV
 

Carl:

In all honesty, I think that our reporters -- and the listening public -- would learn a helluva lot if a Red Book pilot and Green Book pilot were interviewed together. We would have the strength of different views... we would have the historical perspective to inform this latest story... and we would have a kind of nuance.

What I mean by that last comment is that often issues are discussed in the press in "white hat, black hat" terms.

Or the media, in its zeal for "conflict", creates an us-vs.-them storyline. I don't subscribe to this approach (and thankfully, I work in a place that doesn't either). I think people are smart enough to understand the nuance... that you can have a differing point of view and still be civil... that you can have plenty of common ground while having a different stake in the game.

So... all that being said.... would you be willing to try a sitdown with us? Let me know... my email is [email protected] and my phone number is 651-290-1081.

If you call or email ... I'll need a sign. Maybe (in Murray-Spackler fashion) you can start by saying "....IT"S IN THE HOLE..." I don't know.

Mike Caputo

Throw a Blue Book in there as well, I am sure they will have an even different point of view. They got to watch the two sides differ...

Even better...
 

I would also put it out to the broader group... would pilots who are red, green or blue be willing to give us a lesson on the pitfalls and opportunities (if there are any) in merging. Let me know at the email or phone number above.

I know the feeling about the media... I'm sensitive to it. We're going to try to do this right - at least that's an effort from Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media.