What's going on here?

UPDATE 1-United pilots seek delay in immunity for alliance | Markets | Markets News | Reuters

The article seems pretty clear, what did you have a question about?

I read a lot of hyperbole with little detail. Perhaps you can expand on what was so clear.

"To keep your Allies close, and your Enemies closer" comes to mind.....

A labor union is petitioning congress to nix the ATI due to potential loss of jobs, this is the quote I thought summed-up the argument:

In light of the announced United/Air Lingus deal and AMR/BA deal the concern is hardly exaggerated.

"Pilots at United Airlines on Tuesday called on the U.S. government to delay the granting of antitrust immunity that would allow Continental Airlines Inc (CAL.N) and their carrier to cooperate in marketing routes and pricing, saying it could result in the loss of U.S. jobs."

It seems the UAUA ALPA is specifically concerned about Continental Airlines joining the party.

The proposed ATI names UAL and CAL however language in the ATI would allow "code share" rules with foreign airlines that could easily whipsaw BOTH labor groups against a foreign operator. That is the issue.

Let me get this straight......The "enhanced" code share was outlined last year with UAL (along with other carriers) pending gov approval. Foreign operators were introduced to the equation when open skies was brought about last year as well....all of this is now an issue??

There appears to be more than just the concern mentioned above.

SoCal I agree with you. There seems more to this than meets the eye. I think UAUA's concern hits a little closer to home. I'm thinking that UAUA is concerned that CAL pilots might be getting some future flying coming there way when this deal matures.

What came to light was a small part of the bankruptcy contract allowing STAR to pick up UAL flying, then open skies approval with Europe and finally someone at WHQ putting pieces together using loophole allowing Air Lingus to get involved.

Then ALPA UA figured out this is sort of allowed (would absolutely be allowed if it was LH) now what do you do?

Only options are political, courts, or negotations.

Scary thing is ,if it goes thru its a way for airlines to transfer intl routes over to lower cost partners (not CAL think of LOT, much lower cost than CAL or UAL) It wont stop at UA other airlines will have to follow to be competitive