I agree for the most part, but don't forget the whole USAirways debacle. Every merger brings alleged synergies to the table, but US still hasn't realized theirs in full. Remember that VP Fred "I'm Helping Make Your Commute Easier" said in the Flight Ops Propaganda that CAL/UAL didn't have to have this done to realize synergies using US as an example.

I will agree that this is mainly their pilots' fault preventing a full consummation of the marriage over there. The ball was in their court and the pretty much blew that. Hence, doing the JCBA first over here makes our position in the game a better one.

EWR....

You are absolutely correct on what has become of the USAirways debacle, no arguing there.

On the flip side, why do you think Jay was bombarded for interviews (by the various Financial Analyst/Wall Street Talking Heads/and big time investment firms) during the Court-Ship of this entire merger??? They needed/wanted to know where his Pilot Group stood in this Merger (I'm sure Wendy had the same over at UAL). Wall Street has seen first hand by way of the "Charlie Fox" at USAirways, and enesence, this 5 yr debacle has prevented the company from delivering what they had 'promised' investor first hand from the start.....Financial Benefit of the two airlines coming together. It was just within the last 2 months that even USAirways Mgt has asked for legal help/intervention by the Gov to get this mess figured so that 'they' can reap the 'synergies' that they promised from the start. http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/stories/2010/07/26/daily17.html

When looking at what has happened at USAirways for the last 5+ yrs, I would say that even though approval was given and things are in full swing, the Financial World (and even the Gov) has/will be looking at our Merger with a bit more of a critical eye on delivering what our Mgt has promised it's investors by way of 'huge' economic synergies.

Just one man's take, but your point is understood as well.

We haven't presented financial proposals yet; CAL/UAL ALPA are at an impasse over the separate B-747 BES/Payrates and the affect such a move would have on SLI.

I totally agree with you. As it wasn't too long after the commuter friendly VP came out with that drivel that USAirways went to court saying they can't fully realize the synergies. Found that ironic and perfect timing for us. Thus, I do believe we have better leverage going forward. Wall Street and the financial analysts will be watching closely and putting pressure on as necessary to get this hammered out ASAP.

What is a B-747 BES ??

BES......
Base
Equipment
Seat

Skypest,

Its amazing what a homeless pilot will do for $20 isn't it?

Edumacate us please. Why would the Whale pay rates produce an impasse?

During the SLI arbitration, it could be argued that since the whale pays more in that scenario instead of the same as the 777 (which both groups have), the career expectations are higher and Former UAL pilots could get better placement on the combined list.

So the theory goes. As to whether that is a legit argument or fear, who knows?

If the CAL merger committee chairman didn't think it was a big deal then the CAL MEC wouldn't make a big deal out of it.