If the current US Airways job for all employees were not their best opportunity, they would not be currently employed at the company.
I believe it is best to have a job, make your current income, have medical/dental benefits, and travel privileges than to be on unemployment looking for work. It's in the best interests of all labor groups to cut the best contract change agreement that they can obtain, then if necessary move on with pay and benefits while seeking other employment -- versus going cold turkey and leaving your family unprotected.
In my opinion, that's called responsibility.
In regard to potential asset sales, my comments above were somewhat speculative, although it's almost certain PSA and maybe Allegheny/Piedmont will be sold. There could be some assets sold to Virgin USA and I understand there has been some discussion, but my point is that it's against the law for Richard Branson to hold more than 49% of the company.
As far as a corporate transaction, once the transformation plan is implemented, with or without labor support and US Airways stabilizes its finances, then a corporate combination will proceed. Consolidation is inevitable and there are a number of interested parties involved in the discussions, e.g. ATSB, DOJ, DOT, commercial lenders, RSA, US Airways, and another airline. Because of the uncertainty surrounding the industry-wide restructuring, the final business combination is still being determined, but it will occur.
The only real question for labor is who will fly and support US Airways' assets in the future? Current US Airways employees or furloughees from other carriers?
Here's the point. The ATSB loan guarantee requires US Airways to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash balance of $1 billion until June 30. This will either be done with labor cooperation or asset sales. Then the company has specific EBITDAR requirements to meet, which will also be done with or without labor support. Once the company is stabilized, then the corporate combination will proceed and dependent upon labor accords, may occur with or without certain labor groups.
When considering management actions, I believe it's important to note David Bronner holds 51% voting power and is a very large United Airlines bankruptcy creditor, according to court records. He's a business man and he will not let labor get in his way of protecting his investment.
Contract changes are coming one way or another, either through consensual accords or through an "involuntary" Chapter 7 liquidation. The ATSB and RSA hold all of the cards, period.
Respectfully,
USA320Pilot