Originally Posted by Ben Salley

Of course not. The SLI train has already left the station, and in my opinion, both kids have said "******" in front of Mom; Dad's on his way home. And we collectively will have to deal with Daddy Eischen's decision.

What I will say is that I currently sit at 58%. The CAL proposal places me at 51%, the UAL at 81%; I know the numbers don't coincide with the briefs, but folks can make numbers do what they want. I don't want 51% or 81%, I want to be where I am right now come September. That seems to be the consensus of the IAH Pilots. I also believe that I should't Captain a wide-body before I could have independently hold it, as a result of this merger; therefore UAL wide-body fences make sense to me.
The arbitrators made about 6 grand/day/each while we spent a month arguing about which airline sucked the worst; acknowledging that we BOTH sucked.
I won't be making any statement to disparage either merger committee or their proposals. I understand that the two groups need to fight for their respective Pilots.
Growing up in Newark, I fully understand the need to fight for your turf or beliefs; I did that every week until I enlisted in the Navy at 17. What I don't think most guys understand is that it's ok to deliver a bloody nose to one of your buddies on the block to make sure you defend your own. It is not ok to bloody his nose, kick him in the crotch then spit on him. At some point, you're gonna need your block-buddy on your side; at some point the CAL and UAL Pilots are gonna need the same.
Fight Hard. Fight Fair. And we'll be stronger for the next fight, that will certainly arise.
I hope that's moderate enough.

-Ben

Originally Posted by syd111

Great question.

Originally Posted by Ben Salley

I hope that's moderate enough.

-Ben

Originally Posted by LeeMat

Ben, you could have chosen to print the above last month and saved yourself many phone calls and emails explaining what you actually wrote for your council. In either case I agree with what you wrote above.
Just one last question, the RELATIVE seniority that you envision above, does include or excludes the furloughees?

Lee

Originally Posted by Staller

Maybe - a little late. Damage has already been done. Why weren't you a little forceful in the early stages?

Originally Posted by Staller

Maybe - a little late. Damage has already been done. Why weren't you a little forceful in the early stages?

Originally Posted by Ben Salley

Last month's blastmail has a lot of history behind it. I had the opportunity to speak to many UAL Pilots and explain my motivations for writing it. All in all, it made me a better Rep. I would have penned something as controversial 3 years ago if I knew it would open up honest and candid dialogue.

As to your question, I think time on property should count for something. ALPA merger policy tends to agree.

-Ben

Originally Posted by Ben Salley

I've ALWAYS been forceful. Once again Staller. Call your Rep

Originally Posted by Ben Salley

Syd:

Any Captain I fly with (except 2) will relay that I am very respectful and supportive of that position. You are a 777 Captain and I have the same respect for you.
I need you to help me understand something. At your seniority, this eli doesn't really provide much for you to enjoy. You're a 777 Captain today, and you'll be a 777 Captain this time next year; unless you choose to upgrade or transfer to other equipment.
In short, there's not much for you to look at come sli delivery. But your post seem to contain more venom than most of us who will have great turbulence in the next two months.
I don't quite understand why this is? Can you elaborate? It's an honest question.

-Ben

Originally Posted by Staller

Why do I need to call a rep - I have their opinions and they are not far from mine. You seem to think all the UAL MEC members are in you corner - think again!

You wonder why a senior UAL Captain that will gain/little from SLI stands up to support those on the bottom of the UAL list? Simple and something the cal guys seem not to understand - loyalty!