Originally Posted by
Jesse
I appreciate this view point I heard a while back: Why is it that ALPA doesn't believe DL management isn't as good as LUV management? Does LUV just have smarter execs who went to better schools and know how to run a company to achieve greater efficiencies and profit margins that allow them to pay their pilots what they're worth? Or is the truth really that DL execs are actually the truly sharper suits in that they've figured the system out on how to get ALPA to manage DL's pilots' expectations?
The difference between at LUV is simple. They know their pilots are the employee group that has the best view of the operation. They know that they are integral to their success, and treat them as such.
They got lucky on a long term fuel hedge, and that allowed them many years of enhanced profit and growth.
The only difference between our managers and theirs is the value they place on their employee groups, pilots in particular, and go out of their way to make you value them as your employer and pay accordingly. Both can be bottom line driven, but them crazy Texans also know that you need to spend money in the correct places to make money.
As for DALPA, the correct spirit is there in many of the reps. They just need to be supported by their pilots. Sitting behind a keyboard is great, but it generally does not provide the level of support that is needed. Showing up and holding people accountable is.