The 52 pilots sacked is equivalent to the number of crew required for 5 aircraft, working on 5 crew per aircraft, (which is pretty much the industry norm for long haul/regional ops.)
Expect another "purging" before long, to show the troops that THIS management is "committed". The real reason however, is to reconcile the cost and number of leased aircraft, and the realization that management's actions have caused a downturn in traffic which will take many months to recover. A gamble that MIGHT pay off in times of pilot over-supply, when the vacancies left by those terminated are quickly filled, however in today's climate, Turnbull, Tyler & Co have not taken into account the numbers that will leave voluntarily due to the "p!ssed off" factor.
For management to make their OFFER, of the new conditions, at such an early stage in this dispute indicates that they are reaching desperation point!
Tell 'em to stick it up their jumper - sideways - gents. There may be a few more desperation moves, and threats coming the pilots' way, but it's obvious that this management is headed for the scrap heap post haste.
Keep the blowtorch applied by staying focused on the conditions you NEED to obtain, to make your's and your families' lives tolerable.
[ 09 July 2001: Message edited by: Kaptin M ]