Tuesday, February 19, 2008
NWA/Delta Merger....
Supposedly, the boards of both airlines will meet tomorrow, and approve the deal. The two pilot's unions have reportedly reached an agreement on how to merge the two groups.
Had hizzoner the guv with state legislator leaders from both parties on the news today, presenting a stoic "We're gonna see that Minnesota doesn't get screwed like a cheap whore in this deal!" and giving us brave looks.
Had hizzoner the guv with state legislator leaders from both parties on the news today, presenting a stoic "We're gonna see that Minnesota doesn't get screwed like a cheap whore in this deal!" and giving us brave looks.
Reality suggests that they, like the management of both airlines, know there isn't a damn thing they can do about it. The most they can do is demand that the new Delta make an immediate payment on bailout loans the state gave NWA a few years ago, with the proviso that the hqtrs stay in the twin cities. But hizzoner is already talking about "adjustments" in the contracts as long as the new Delta keeps a hub here. But you know what? I'm not so certain the new Delta will do that. At one time, I thought the hub was safe, but let's face it. Companies merge so they can both grow the businesses, and cut costs to make Wall Street happy. And employees are costs.
I now believe that, eventually, the new Delta will hold a press conference in about a year, and announce "We truly regret this decision, but due to recent changes in the business climate/fuel costs/employee costs, whatever whipping boy we need, we'll be closing down the MPLS hub, and eliminating most jobs. Seeya Twin Cities! It' been real!!" They'll then get back in their jet and head back to Atlanta.
And why not, when they'll have both Chicago and Detroit, both much bigger markets, to concentrate on and use for major hubs.
There's no reason for them to stay here. The headquarters will be long gone, they'll shut the reservations office on the iron range down, they don't do heavy maintenance here anymore. Hell, what's left?
I'll tell you what. Flyover land. That's what.
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Hell, what's left? I'll tell you what. Flyover land. That's what.
The regrettable reality is, that most of America is becoming that - as business flees for the promised land where they can pollute and exploit at will.
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The regrettable reality is, that most of America is becoming that - as business flees for the promised land where they can pollute and exploit at will.
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