Another reason that wouldn't happen, is if someone gets "bypassed" for the flow-through, they don't go to the next eligible Mesaba person. They simply put the bypassed people on the NWA seniority list, and fill the spots with people off the street. This is the main reason the Unions are disputing the bypassing of flow-ups.

Thanks for making all of the good points. Every now and then, I like to at least try to see things from the company point of view.

However, it's clear that there is no legitimate reason for the company to bypass anyone, especially those who have bid positions prior to any flow through arrangements having been made.

Please don't slaughter me but I pose this:

Why wait for things to shake out? Apply to NWA on your own and make the jump on your own. Why sit out when you can get in the game by yourself?

Like I said, I don't know much about these flow thru agreements. Maybe there is something I'm missing. If it were up to me, I'd take my own career by the horns and move to NWA on my own, NOW, not when someone else determines my fate.

Am I off base?

Yep. Flow up also includes flow down if NWA furloughs pilots.

When a Mesaba pilot flows to NWA, the name associated with his seniority number at the time he leaves Mesaba will say “Flow” and will not be given to the next most senior pilot. These “flow” position holders on the seniority list will move up with attrition. If NWA furloughs pilots, NWA pilots may use their NWA seniority to flow to Mesaba into these vacant “flow” positions on the Mesaba Seniority List, and not into any other position on the Seniority List. This system insures that no Mesaba pilot will occupy a position lower on the Seniority List than when the Flow Through process was implemented.

Plenty of guys are applying to NWA directly. However, NWA has a very strong incentive to NOT hire Mesaba pilots, as that just means more training and hiring costs for them.

Definitely understand your point, but from what I've heard (from XJ captains who have applied) is that NWA isn't even looking at Mesaba resumes. The only people who are getting on with NWA out of Mesaba right now are those who were actually hired before the bancruptcy and then furloughed. As far as I've heard, applying with mainline on your own isn't really an option for anyone currently employed by Mesaba.

The operative term in the LOA is "will flow up".

In accordance with the LOA, beginning in January 2008, 3 Mesaba pilots per month will flow up to Northwest (assuming Northwest is hiring) and after September 30, 2008, 9 Mesaba pilots per month.