Just got my MEC Touch & Go regarding NPRM. My summary is that they're saying we shouldn't worry about what changes are made that may not be as favorable to pilots as current FAA rules are since our contract provides protection. e.g.:
Section 12 E. 1. of our contract specifies when we require augmented operations. Any operation over 8 hours requires one additional pilot and any operation over 12 hours requires an additional crew. The FAA can alter requirements for augmentation but if less restrictive than our contract, it does not affect our contractual requirements.
Also stated in the Touch & Go edition:
As another example, Sections 12 G. 2-3. of our contract mandate the minimum rest requirements for layovers. In some cases, the FAA’s NRPM will provide even more stringent provisions for rest than that those in our contract. In those cases, the provisions of the new rules will prevail.
In short, anyone trying to evaluate the impact of the FAA NPRM on Delta pilots must remember that our contractual protections will not disappear just because the FAA rules change. It is clear that these critics either lack contractual knowledge or have another agenda.
When I've asked the question why aren't MD-88 pilots who are qualified to fly MD-90s getting the higher pay like rest of Delta pilots, or increased pay for the increased revenue we're generating from flying more passengers (modified aircraft) one of the answers I get is, "What are you willing to give up for that?" So I'm trying to get my mind straight with this, so with that said I ask, what are we giving up to for these new FAA rules that benefit us, or for that matter the protection of the contract that we're now enjoying? Yes, I've become cynical; at this point I can envision our being asked to "give up" something to keep the contractual protections we'll begin enjoying with these new FT/DT rules.