[EDUC8-or]

It's not good to hear them offering voluntary leaves, but this isn't the first time they've been offered at PSA. Right after I got hired they were offered for about 6 months. Quite a few people took them and enjoyed their time off.

As far as the doom and gloom goes, if you get all caught up in it this industry will eat you up. You can either worry about it night and day or just roll with the punches. When you wake up tomorrow you will either have a job or be on the street. I for one can't get all worked up about it because it can take over your life and make you miserable.

I have my theories, but they are just those. I know for a fact mainline isn't taking our people at the rate that was originally anticipated. There were 60+ pilots slated to go there and as of right now they've taken 3-4 with only 2-4 going next month. Also, fuel prices have skyrocketed and there is a good chance we will be reducing capacity. Add to that the potential for a merger and upper management probably wants things to look good on paper. We got really thin with staffing levels when the Airways-America West merger happened, and some of that is for self preservation. The better the books look the better chances are we could be around if a merger does happen.

I'll let Ethan speak about contract negotiations, but be prepared to hear all kinds of rumors in relation to that.