Has Compass been developed by NWA to gain concessions at NWA? Kind of a Freedom Airlines (A) at NWA?

I have heard that it was and was curious if it was true?

I wouldn't rule it out yet. It was definitely a full two business weeks before I got a FedEx envelope and an e-mail with the offer.

I'm not sure I follow you. There's nothing left to take from the NWA pilot group, and the E-175 is NOT any type of replacement for the DC-9. If you're implying a whipsaw, I'd disagree with the people who told you that. Though many NWA pilots will say that Compass was rammed down their throats during bankrupcy negotiations, Compass was created by NWA for NWA pilots originally. Compass was to be staffed by NWA pilots, but with recalls and attrition - this never occured (with the exception of 3 or 4 pilots who chose to stay at the top of Compass's list). NWA's sole hope now is that some staffing needs will be met by Compass over the next few years. Can't we all just get along? :p

Thanks bud. It is good to be here, despite the growing pains. It's especially nice to see old friends and some familiar faces.

Here's my take on the contract thing: it's because there's already a provision for it in the ALPA contract. There's no reason for pilots to sign individual contracts when the legalities are covered in the newly formed contract. They made sure to let us know that it would still be enforced irregardless. I think they were mostly concerned with the wording of when it becomes effective (i.e. date of hire, date of training, etc...) as there are people who have been on property for 1 or 2 months that have not signed one when there was no ALPA contract ratified.

Now the rumor mill version (least likely): Possible re-wording of the flow-up and training contract terms so they can snag us all right away to NWA. UNLIKELY! HAHA.:D

Spoken like a man who has never worked for NWA management.

1. There is something more to take from the NWA pilot group...their job! How secure would you feel about your new job at NWA if you were one of the 300 they are planning to hire?
2. The E-175 is absolutely a replacement for the DC-9. Why else would -9s be disappearing about the same time Compass was starting up? They even admitted it in the last NWA newsletter.
3. NWA is THE king of whipsaw...watch out.
4. Compass was created to fly people from point A to point B, and to feed the mainline. With Compass, they can do it cheaper than they could with mainline pilots. Management didn't graciously offer to start an airline to create jobs for furloughed pilots.

I know a lot of pilots out there are excited about a new opportunity, but let's call a spade a spade.

Wow Dude, wake up! 40 DC-9's are parking next year, as well as some Airbus's. Compass is the Whip in Whipsaw. It's one of the main reasons I bailed. That contract was carried by the widebody guys and guys ready to retire.(not really affected by compass) Don't fool yourself, you are the DC-9!
It's ok to be working at compass, just be aware of where you stand, YOU are
the new B-SCALE.

Can you explain what the current training contract states?

Yeah. You might think you aren't replacing the 9, but see what kinda attitude you get when jumpseating on one of the 9's.

I know plenty of 9 drivers at NWA. All of them really don't have any ill will towards the Compass pilots. They have said that they are sorry that the whole situation evolved as it did, but they aren't going to take out their anger towards managment at another pilot group- especially when it was their own pilot group that created (and continues to negotiate for- at least in the short term) Compass.

It may still very well become a whipsaw group, but Compass is most certainly not an alter-ego airline ala GoJets or Freedom.

That's good, and good point. Yeah I've also heard a lot of the NWA guys gripe about their own group since they approved their pay cuts that they are sitting on now...if you give an inch you give a mile in some people's minds I guess. But I hope your right, I'd hate to see another pilot group feud. This industry needs unity to get everyone back to the level of respect, pay, and benefits that is deserved.