If we were to get 700's they still wouldn't be growth airplanes. The 200's are still going away and I'd venture a guess that the fleet would still be smaller even with the addition of 700's. As for the new hire problem, just guarantee an interview with the highest paying major and you'd be surprised how many overlook the crappy pay. Especially with the way things will moving in the coming years. I'm not sold on pinnacle going away anytime soon. We are el cheapo numero uno.

Do we have something in our contract that eagle and RAH don't when it comes to bonuses? I remember seeing similar talk from the eagle guys and yet a bonus is being offered.

Well we know how you voted.... Let me know how that "guarantee interview" works out for y'all. Meanwhile mainline farms out larger RJs trying to get other respectable carriers to match your $hit rates. Bravo!

Sure you aren't MEM based?

Typing on the phone while taxiing to gate... As a passenger. My bad :)

Yeah that's what Pinnacle needs. More of last generations jets that continue to operate at a loss.

Biggest problem with our industry - lack of a real union.

A real union would have:

1) not even put the crap contract out for a vote
2) not sold it as a job saver
3) shut the company down and slotted the furlough pilots in at seniority and longevity across the other union carriers, thus mitigating the losses.

A union should be shared gain and sacrifice. ALPA isn't a real union.

Nm. You aren't worth it.

Umm...they never said they were, hence the second "A" for "association."

Which is the fallacy of the whole thing. I think I would rather go with a direct relationship with management than have ALPA steal 1.95% of my check - which THEY made smaller by agreeing to negotiate this crap contract.

There is a reason Skywest is successful. ALPA isn't handicapping them.

Some good points here. If a IBEW electrcian gets laid off the union finds them other work at the same pay. Why can't ALPA do that? Why does a senior captain with several type ratings and thousands of hours of airline experience have to start at the bottom of the pile on year one F.O. pay if they switch carriers? Its the most unfair messed up system.