What is the feasibility of Big Sky Pilots replacing Mesaba flying if we go on strike?
The Big Sky Pilot contract says that they do not have to fly struck work (Concessionary Side Letter part 6 iv). Before we would go on strike, our MEC would define what will be considered to be “struck work.” Although Big Sky is not ALPA, they are still union and understand the effects of doing struck work. Since they are not bound by their contract to fly, it seems unlikely that they would pursue that avenue if we should go on strike. The current Airlink Agreement between Mesaba and Northwest says that only Mesaba can fly a turboprop into and out of DTW and MSP. Until this agreement becomes void, which would occur after we cease service for 21 days, or is renegotiated, Big Sky is not allowed to fly a turboprop into those cities. There are certifications and preparations that need to take place before an airline can start flying into a city. This takes time. Another side note about taking over our flying would be the fact that Big Sky would have to have extra pilots to take on this new
