Merc,
While I'm not a lawyer, it seems that Mr. Clark is merely spouting the company line. By all reasons, it would be expected as he is a member of the management team.
However, in the 2006 annual report, they company reported that the merger may not happen. They also state that it's up to the pilots if the merger should occur. Obviously this is in complete contradiction to what they are spouting to the pilots. Please take the time to review that, and don't take my word for it. (Page 21 of the .pdf if you want to read it)
Also, Mr Clark's worries about a Polar -400 going down are quite unfounded. How about finding expansion aircraft for Polar? Surely the marketing gurus in Purchase can find work for it in the world. According to their analysis, the -400 market is picking up, while the -200 market is declining. They want to replace the -200s with the -8s for more business. They also indicate that the -8 will be even more profitable thatn the -400. Imagine how prosperous both Atlas and Polar could be if both airlines grow!! More work for everybody...that's great business if you're a pilot.
The seasonal demands, again, could be solved via a well written scope clause should the lists remain separate. Obviously, there would be far more legalese, but it should encompass the following:
1) Define the peak season, and allow ACMI lift
2) Designate Atlas as the sole provider for ACMI lift for PO; or first right of refusal
3) Designate PO as the first right of refusal to provide additonal lift for 5Y with non-DHL designated aircraft.
4) Inability for AAWH to move aircraft between AAWH entities to circumvent CBA's.
5) Should an aircraft be moved, crew will not be furloughed.
This would allow both companies to benefit.
Hopefully, everyone agrees that should a merger not occur, the MEC's should work closely together to increase job security for ALL crewmembers. As we have all witnessed in the PAX world, a CBA isn't even useful as toilet paper if there are no jobs to go with it.
It's all academic. At the end of the day, protect my job and show me the money.