[QUOTE=SteelHorseFlyer;

The last 9 years of hiring during AirTran's almost tripling in size means that 2/3 of the pilots hired were hired with extensive PIC experience, spotless records, and can-do attitudes that WILL blend well with the Southwest culture. [/QUOTE]



Yes, quite....but what to do with that other 1/3?

Payrates and workrules SHOULD have some bearing, but the that is by no means the end all be all..

Payrates and workrules change, seniority is forever. Payrates and workrules are very ephemeral, and not much of a basis for career expectations.

From the first Post in this thread:

"Simply stated, the rates of pay, rules and working conditions in the Chautauqua Pilots' collective bargaining agreement, are far superior to those found in the Shuttle America Pilots' collective bargaining agreement. As a result of the acquisition Shuttle America Pilots will be the beneficiaries of the superior rates of pay, rules and working conditions found in the Chautauqua Pilots collective bargaining agreement."

"A date of hire seniority integration, while it might not significantly dilute the seniority of the Chautauqua Pilots, would, to some extent, constitute a WINDFALL BENEFIT for the Shuttle America Pilots."

So at least one arbitrator thought differently.

l'm no lawyer, but it seems pretty clear.

Both of your biases will be proved ultimately wrong. Relative seniority will have significant bearing, but workrules/contract (career expectations) will also come into play to a lesser extent.

Enjoy your merged sandbox.

Boy I missed that one. If AT has SWA culture it is only because the pilot group has done a professional job, not beacause anything AT did.
AT supposedly the best management in the industry.
SWA has the best leadership in the industry.
You manage things, and lead people.
Trust me AT as a company has a lot to learn from SWA.
I personally would welcome some more leadership in the industry.

Please read the book "The True Believer"
I believe you believe what you are saying, but wow, you are way out in left field in the rain with fans pelting you with peanut shells.
In other words "I respectfully disagree "

Preach it from the mountain tops.
This is a proper perspective!

"SWA Culture" is no big deal if it can't survive this. SWA has a group of 1700 guys who want nothing more than to do a good job, contribute to the greater good, and be rewarded for hard work.

Yes a few will gripe on both sides but really we all just want to (as they say at KATL) "Keep it moving"

If SWA culture can't survive a few whiners on both sides then it was no big deal to begin with.

Honestly I believe SWA's culture could survive a lot more than a merger with Airtran. In fact you might be surprised at the enthusiam boost SWA might get from freashly motivated group of pilots.

Re-posted ... FWIW.