ChipChelios

I guess we will see how it goes. Interesting times ahead. I could see a combination of methods being used to keep the whining to a minimum.

Jamers

Let's arm wrestle for seniority. I would be number 1.

PinnacleFO

This is not going to be perfect, some people will get upset no matter how it turns out. Heck I may be upset for a split second. No matter what though, we have to remember that no matter how it turns out, it beats the alternative. The fact that PNCL Corp even wants to have one list blows my mind. I will take a few numbers drop over what they have to deal with at trans states.

RatherBGolfin

That's exactly my point. That three months of hiring for me is the difference between bidding where I do (top 10) and bidding the last line in my position. If you look at the Pinnacle list, I'm no where even close to bidding my current status in the position. I'm very close to holding the most junior captain position in this company, especially given the amount of people that are flowing. If you run date of hire, then instantly I have 300 people between myself and potentially the most junior captain position. Like I said, I'm not trying to leapfrog anyone at either Colgan or Pinnacle. I would just like to be able to hold my current bidding position (QOL) with the current "potential" of upgrade (career expectations) given the "current" conditions. DOH doesn't satisfy either of those for me and most of the people hired post-bankruptcy.

I've pretty much conceded that I'm going to get screwed in this whole deal, as most people in the middle do, but honestly I feel that's where the focus should be. Those that are at the top are still going to be at the top. They are going to get the good schedules, good equipment, best vacation time. Those that are the bottom are still going to be at the bottom. They get the scraps of schedules, equipment, and worst vacation slots. It's the people in the middle that have the most to lose. It's really a difference of should I bid to be junior captain, have a terrible schedule, commute, but take home potentially more money and acquire PIC time. Or should I remain a senior FO, have a good schedule, live in base, but sacrifice pay and PIC time to have a better QOL. I think the middle has the most to lose, not just because I'm there, but for all the factors that come with it.

RatherBGolfin

+1

I can take a few numbers drop. Hell I can handle 100. I just think that 300 is a little steep. But you are right, I'd take this over the Trans States debacle.

djrogs03

there has been talk of this by our MEC...I've heard specifically we have to get something out of this deal, and this may be it...

lolwut

Assuming I'm interpreting this right, let me say the following..... (if not, please correct me)

Attempting to use an increase in seniority as a benefit to one group or another during the combination isn't the best idea. As I said before, in negotiations, you're taking from the company. In seniority, you're taking from your fellow pilots.

Nothing would turn the combined airline more toxic than a successful seniority grab one one group. And, as the minority, I don't see how it'd pass anyways.

If you want something out of the merger, push your union reps to negotiate for it from the company. Otherwise, understand that you have been purchased by another airline and had backwards seniority movement in progress while being combined with another (larger) stagnant airline and a (smaller) fast growing airline. Maybe Mesaba pilots should consider the ability to keep their seats, positions, and jobs as a big enough benefit in the merger.

sigep_nm

Didnt take long in the process for the entitlement arguments to come out. Sorry, didnt mean to group all the "senior" people into this, you guys are just trying to "raise the bar" right?

cptmurf

Carefull lolwut...

Your airline did not purchase mine. Your holdings company did. Now assests of my airline are being transfered to be flown under your airlines certificate. There is a BIG difference here.

We are equals in this.

cptmurf

Are you referring to the "I've been here a year, I deserve to be 50% in a combined list" entitlement or "I've been here 10 years, I shouldn't have to let 400 people in front of me" entitlement.

The bar hasn't been raised in this industry since 9-11. At this point it's "Survive the downward spiral".