exeng
I'll throw my 2 cents worth in.
I think the first concern on both sides is for a fair shake. With that being said I also think one needs to compare apples with apples i.e. if two viable, profitable carriers of comparable size merge, DOH probably is fair.
However, if one carrier is an apple and the other's an orange (so to speak) there needs to be some other considerations.
If a carrier is about to go out of business, it's pilot group obviously carries less (or no) career expectation beyond that point, other than starting all over knocking on doors somewhere new.
In my opinion, this needs to be accepted by all parties and they should agree to agree on the outcome of merger negotiations BEFORE there is any talk of where folks will be on a seniority list.
An example would be, my wife/husband needs a new car, my daughter needs braces and my eldest son is just starting College. My carriers' in a tailspin and I've got to pay for this stuff. That's HUGE pressure! Now, the next morning I'm driving to work and I discover I'll be joining one of the big three. My "problems" are over. I'm not even turning grey any more.
Where is it fair to "put" this merged pilot?
I'd suggest one would receive a different answer once the uncertainty dissappears. Initially they'd like ANY job. With the future secure they'd want my job.
I don't blame the "oranges" group. If the boot was on the other foot I'd have a different opinion for sure.
In my case,AA has 11500 pilots with GREAT prospects. TWA has around 2500 pilots with ZERO prospects.
Now, there's light at the end of TWA's tunnel. I hope the greed factor is kept to a minimum.
Cheers,dd.
(OK helmet on, fire away)