UA/US Merger

[ImABarbieStud]

Will the United and US Airways merger happen? Pilots, FA's, and other front line employess I talk to seem to think it will not take place. But friends in sales and other management positions think it will. What is your opinion?

[skywench]

Hopefully, the antics of this past summer have put the nail in the coffin for this deal. The DOJ does not have a very favorable view of UAL right now, and they are the ones making the call. FYI, Senate has made a statement *against* the deal.

[suthernbelle]

http://www.crewstart.com/ubb/images/icons/confused.gif Has anyone heard anymore about the proposed American and Northwest Airlines merger? There was a small piece on "CNN" earlier this summer, but I have not heard anything since. What do you think?

[Welcome_Aboard]

Suthernbelle,
I’m betting the proposed merger announcement about AA and NW was a ploy. I don’t believe it’s going to happen. You’re in Memphis so I’m assuming you’re with NW? We could have been co-workers.

But trying to merge the seniority lists of AA & NW pilots and F/As would be like a battle scene in the movie ‘Braveheart’... but no Mel Gibson in sight to save the day.

We would have had a great name though:
American Northwest Air Lines...ANAL
It would have been kind of catchy, doncha think? http://www.crewstart.com/ubb/images/icons/grin.gif

[Girt-bar_Gal]

Wow...how nice to hear some intelligent opinions on the merger-that-will-never-be. Welcome Aboard, you are right on the money. The AA/NWA was a ploy to demonstrate to the DOJ exactly what would happen should the UAL/USA merger take place. The "domino effect" of mergers that historically occurs, as each airline tries to keep up with the others, would in all probability leave the U.S. with only one or two giant carriers. This would mean higher ticket prices, limited route structures, less competition, etc. In short, it would negate everything deregulation was supposed to achieve. Now mind you, I'm not a fan of dereg, but Congress and the DOJ sure as hell are. They won't do anything to jeapordize that.

Just my lil' ol' two cents...take care.

[This message has been edited by Girt-bar Gal (edited September 25, 2000).]

[rjs121654]

I tend to also think that the NW/AA thing won't go through, either. I certainly hope not...AA res division is not unionized, and I would not want to work for an airline without union representation. I've been in this industry too long to know that, even though it sometimes seems like the union sells us down the river at contract time, I'd still hate to be without it. I've been with NW for 21 years, 15 of which have been in TPA...I certainly don't want AA taking over NW, closing down our office, and moving me to DFW (GW Bush country...NOT!)

[Welcome_Aboard]

On the topic of the UA/US Merger, here is an excerpt from an article on the AirWise News page:

“Patricia Friend, AFA International President, said that if the UAL, the parent company of United Airlines, proceeded with the merger without the union's support, it would experience "chaos". The union would take any legally-permitted action, "including making a nuisance of ourselves". Strikes were not likely, but picketing is scheduled today at Chicago's O'Hare airport.”

To read the complete article: Click here. (http://news.airwise.com/stories/2000/09/970058168.html)



[This message has been edited by Welcome Aboard (edited September 29, 2000).]

[GalleyWench]

A loophole in the AFA flight attendants contract at UAL has been found that could prevent the USAir/United merger without AFA approval. It dates back to UAL trying to buy Air Wisconsin years ago. Suddenly the company wants to give us unscheduled raises and better hotels......hmmm......