jetlink

I really don't get that you are so surprise about all of this. After all we are all just a resource; a number on the computer list. Mergers are not for you and me or customers, they are for investors, to cash in on it, and walk away with maximum return on investment. People involved in merger (Uber management) are interested in cutting costs and maximizing returns for uber bonuses, they are not like S. Jobs or D. Nenleman, or other CEOs that want to make a "dent in the universe" by providing an "insanely great product" leaving legacy behind.
Perhaps the difference between L-CAL and L-UAL is that most of the employees in L-UAL though that they were part of something special, some elite force that is different then the rest of the industry that has been changing around them for the last 36 years. I have noticed that many (not all) L-UAL pilots believed that they have been a "chosen one, a special species of aviators" and then the reality sinked in. I know that I'm just resource and my @$$ will be redeployed or terminated as soon as the numbers don't add up. Since we are in unionized forced, and my performance and ability has nothing to do with my employment, and no matter how good aviator I can be I can not protect my employment when furloughs start, I just accept this. I have not joined a special elite force of UA that is "the best" or "God's gift to aviation", I made my decision on market share, performance, and seniority numbers for nowadays and short outlook in the future (all based on todays predications), so take emotion out of it, and you'll feel much better one day.

mrmak2

This describes AA as well. There's nothing wrong with valuing yourself and what you do, but there is a point where it becomes counter-productive to your cause.

ERJ Jay

This is a ****ing match between the AFA and the company.
The company wanted more AFA FAs to transition to the CAL side and work under the IAM contract.
AFA said "No - if you don't want to negotiate a new contract on our terms, you'll just have to furlough."
Company response, "fine with us."
Now the front line employees will pay for the two sides both being shortsighted.
Hopefully cooler heads prevail and something can be done before people's paychecks stop.

Dave Fitzgerald

This is exactly what would have happened to L-UAL pilots...

Airhoss

Jetlink,

I am not in the least bit surprised, this is exactly what I would expect a scum sucking D.B. like Jeffy to pull, just exactly like he was going to do to LUAL pilots if we didn't sign off on the JCBA. I don't know where you conjured all this up from however. We are speaking of F/A furloughs here and yet somehow you try and turn this into a LUAL pilot bash fest. Maybe you should put down the crack pipe take a day to sober up and reorganize your thoughts.

jetlink

I'm not twisting this to pilot vs pilot, just making a point that we all the same to those on top; numbers and resources nothing else. No 8 ball ceremonies, no speeches, or in board videos, letters, or emails will make us any different then the employee in competitive airline. As soon as employees will realize that we all numbers as a resources to the chosen ones on top, and try to play the game right, the soon your life will improve, as many will no longer be surprise by work force management games like these. Don't get upset my friend.

intrepidcv11

Yep. I thought they got some sort of interm agreement a few years back that lifted the hour cap for LUAL. I know there are UAL FA's who are flying a lot more then 80 hours right now.

CousinEddie

Is it unreasonable for Smisek to be demanding more productivity out of the L-UAL AFA in a joint contract? Look at the rest of the industry. There aren't many places anymore that allow you to work part time and receive full time benefits, including those that go beyond medical and dental. It would be nice if we existed in a vacuum, but...

nopac6

Dude, you should proof-read you stuff before hitting submit. It's PAINFUL to read. And I'm not even talking about the "content."

Really

Did you proof-read?