Originally Posted by
Check Essential
Labor is prior to and independent of capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration.
--Abraham Lincoln
Originally Posted by
forgot to bid
The one thing Delta has always had a reputation for was that people mattered. I may be bias, but as a pilot and even pre employment here I always thought that was pilot driven. So whatever has happened in the past and whatever course some may have plotted to change that, so be it, we don't have to give in.
Good post ftb. I agree.
Many have noted the death of the "Delta family" and indeed, that cultural mindset has been systematically erased from the property starting with Ron Allen and "Leadership 7.5" right through Mullin, Grinstein and bankruptcy. But I'd like to think it can still be revived. I know it still lives in the hearts and minds of much of the workforce. The beatings from our past corporate overlords were relentless, but guys still push wheelchairs and fetch strollers.
Bringing that spirit back will require some visionary leadership and a commitment to treat people as assets rather than costs. I think labor (meaning primarily DALPA) has given management every opportunity since we emerged from bankruptcy to restore some of that old sense of loyalty and commitment to the company that used to exist. Constructive engagement has been a bold experimental olive branch. We'll find out next year whether it will bear fruit.
At first glance, some may read Lincoln's words as a thinly veiled call for socialism and an attack on capitalism.
I don't see it that way. I think he's talking about simple dignity and respect.
The Delta pilots have made an enormous contribution to the survival and now the new prosperity of this company. I hope management has the wisdom to acknowledge that as they craft their approach to Contract 2012. We have earned it and we deserve it.