Furloughed Mesaba pilots still retain their original seniority at Mesaba while employed at 9E or 9L. This will be used for future seniority integration. Read your union updates, it's all listed there.

"Who moves and how they move will be subject to negotiation with ALPA, and ALPA also will determine how these pilots will be integrated into Pinnacle’s seniority list. Management does not do that."
Here's from our FAQ. Note it doesn't say integrating at year one/new hire. It specifically states that this is a union matter. Even the company knows this.

Anyone else here who has questions either email/phone your rep or wait for the ACTUAL meetings between the Union/Company to commence and then find out the true facts.

 

The company hasn't told anyone what they want yet. It's all speculation until the end of the month.

 

I agree with what you are saying. It is really just semantics. Pinnacle Corp. is calling it an asset transfer. The XJ contract just says that they must offer jobs to the pilots when the planes are transfered. A merger would require an equitable list merger. I don't think this is new news. Whether it can be legally pulled off or not is the next question.

 

Seniority for XJ furloughs will not change on the MESABA list. On the pinnacle list they are at the bottom as if they are new hires. Only difference is they get credit for time worked at XJ for pay and benefits. They will be junior to every current 9E pilot in every way. In the event of an SLI their seniority number at XJ would be used for integration.

 

Yes, but read section 1 of the contract, subsection D Transfer of Company Aircraft and subsection E Merger Protections. This is what AirSupport was getting at. They do not have to do anything but offer you a job at Pinnacle in an "Asset Transfer." Those are the words management has been using, aren't they?

 

Who moves and how they move will be subject to negotiation with ALPA, and ALPA also will determine how these pilots will be integrated into Pinnacle’s seniority list. Management does not do that.

JayRay, what part of the above statement, don't you understand???? As I said before call/email you rep. The speculation on here is not reality.

 

Okay, I understand your statement. However, reread the contract and you will see our contract offers us no protection in the case of an asset transfer. Also, reread the statements from management and read between the lines. They are not going to just say, yeah, you all do it however you want. One list, two lists, whatever you all, the pilot group, want is fine with us. We will pay all the retraining fees, so you guys/gals just figure out how you want to do it. No way. Of course this is all speculation, the truth won't come out until it is all over and done with. Isn't that why we come on here, to speculate?

 

This situation is covered under the contract. You can call it an asset transfer or anything else, it is still covered under Section 1.E.1. It is not a merger, but the second line triggers it. The company was sold to another airline and it affect the seniority rights of Mesaba Pilots. Under that section, it provides that seniority lists must be merged in a fair and equitable manner.

I think everyone is confused and people are talking about multiple things. The Mesaba furloughs being hired retain their longevity but for schedule bidding purposes, they will be new hires. They will however keep their Mesaba seniority number so when ever things get hashed out, they could be more senior at Pinnacle after the SLI occurs.

Second, anyone who things a 15 years captain coming with the 900s to Pinnacle and will be forced to be the most junior pilot is ridiculous. That is where the fair and equitable language gets triggered.

 

Outstanding post. You clarified the rampant confusion shown by some here. You have accurately summarized the situation we are all in right now. People are confusing furloughed Mesaba guys being given preferential hiring at Colgan and at Pinnacle with the main issue of merger of the entire Mesaba and Pinnacle pilot seniority list that is bound to happen in the future.

The seniority integration of XJ and 9E pilots will happen for sure, in my opinion. What Pinnacle and Mesaba pilots needs to ensure is that Pinnacle adopts Mesaba work rules/benefits and payrate going forward and cherry pick good ones from each airline. I suspect Colgan will operate as Mesaba and for awhile Pinnacle Corporation will have 2 separate operating certificates, one for combined Pinnacle/Mesaba and another for Colgan that changes its name to Mesaba with furloughed Mesaba guys there.

Additionally, I am all for giving Flowthru rights to ALL Pinnacle pilots. Since Pinnacle owns Mesaba now and as Mesaba currently has the flowthru agreement, it is only fair and equitable that all Pinnacle pilots should be given the flowthru rights like Mesaba pilots.

 

There is a dollar sign attached to everything in that contract, including the flow thru. 9E pilots did not have to pay that price, and therefore should not be included in it. Would it be a nice gesture? Of course, but is it fair and equitable, absolutely not. Not trying to be a jerk, but that is the reality of the situation.