Airdale..
Regional exactly is what Republic is. What really defines a regional? To most it would be a company that subcontracts from a Major. The Major determines where you fly, when, how, the marketing.
My understanding is that Republic has no significant ground service, no marketing dept, no training center, no call centers....no real infrastructure besides planes and pilots.
Has this served Republic well, yes. But don't confuse what the airline is. It's a regional. The contract is that of a Regional.
The pilot group has been the tool of Bedford. While your airline has grown and become "powerful," your management has taken advantage of you make no mistake. So pound your chest all you wish, the Republic pilots have little to show besides pictures of the shiny jets and a no junior man clause.
Sure this is capitalism, great. But make no mistake this is a bad precident. Be it Republic or be it Mesa or any other regional buying a carrier with a higher paid workforce. Higher paid jobs are going away in exchange for lower paid ones.
You guys are really in the drivers seat. Bedford can't accomplish what he wants without your help, hopefully you realize this..Are you guys smart enough to take advantage? Time will tell....
And if you think some F9 pilot is thanking his lucky stars that Republic came along to at best offer him his old job for less or at worst fire him or push him into an Embraer 170 for your wages, i think you're mistaken.