AA73-
Nice post. Good substance, no unnecessary jabs.
I don't agree with this statement, however:
"However, in all fairness to APA, they were fed up at that point by the unrealistic demands - and boycotted meetings - by TWALPA, which finally led to the crafting of Supp CC between APA and AA."
Having read reports from the TWA negotiators they very much attempted to negotiate in good faith. And their "unrealistic demands" were simply an attempt to avoid a staple job on the TWA pilots. They put forth A proposal developed by a 3rd party called the Tanen proposal that suggested a methodology referencing relative position/ seniority among fleet types. You make sound as if they were trying for a windfall or pursuing (gasp) DOH. I would say that it was the APA side that truly did not negotiate in good faith. I would submit Ed Whites infamous statement as further proof "we Fu--ed you because we could". Is this the good faith you speak of?
Course here we are a decade later. About the only thing I can say looking back on the last decade is that "fair" is truly in the eye of the beholder. The APA hardliner who says that he was screwed by my sweetheart deal I got in the integration will probably not see eye to eye with me and my view influenced by my 10 years on furlough.
So I would assert on this message board facts are important, but arguments of fair are pointless. Fair depends where you sit.
I recently accepted recall because my flying gig disintegrated and started furloughing. So far being back at AA has been a good experience. Interesting thing about people, they are way more welcoming in person than on anonymous message boards. Many of the folks I fly with probably can't relate to what I or many of the recallees have gone through over the last decade, but truly they don't need to. I am happy to be back, and therefore my responsibility is check to any baggage I have at the door. With that in mind I have been able to enjoy the flying and experience for what it is: A pretty good job.
My hope is that we can re-craft it back to what it used to be: A great career.
Maybe I'll see you on the road. I'll bet we could solve all AA's problems over a couple beers!