Here we go again. For the upteenth time our MEC is pursuing one-list negotiations with the APA.
There are very few advantages for the company on this issue and a multitude of disadvantages. Those who are harping about the cost disadvantage of a senior pilot group at Eagle should remember trading one cost disadvantage for a worse one isn't good business.
Advantage for company: Recruiting tool for Eagle. Big whup. While this gives them an attractive recruiting tool, it also allows them to keep Eagle pay and benefits low, perhaps even sub-Mesa. How many Eagle pilots would go on strike for 60% FO pay if they knew they'd be flowing in 5+ years?
Disadvantages for company: Locks them into a single pilot group; no whipsawing to keep costs "competitive".
Creates a strong, united pilot group for pay negotiations. If we are all one union, how long before we'd all be one contract? Remember the history of the B-scale.
Eagle pilots would have zero incentive to fly larger aircraft. If the company wanted the E190, we'd want it on the AA side in order to create more jobs there. If all the other airlines are outsourcing 100-seat or less flying, this puts AA at severe cost disadvantage. Those who harp about Eagle's senior pilot cost disadvantage now should remember this fact.
Once the pilots merge into one list, all the employee groups will push hard for the same. All the cost disadvantages of one single big airline will follow them.
While I'd like to see one-list, I fail to see how the company would go for it without asking for large concessions from the APA to offset the cost disadvantage. Concessions which I fail to see the APA being willing to pay.
By keeping this fantasy alive and chasing the big, shiny jet, I think we end up hurting ourselves by being distracted and failing to focus our attention on preparing for 2013. Coupled with the recent attempted sacrifice of the 500+ FTs, I think we are headed for a disastrous 2013 negotiation cycle because our pilot group will be both divided and distracted by unrealistic dreams of a merger.