Fly for Hire's post is correct. I only agree and add to his point(s) the following:
As of today ALPA is the EXCLUSIVE Bargaining Agent with Delta Air Lines Management. The chain of command is this:
Delta
/\
ALPA
/\
Delta Pilots
If ALPA is removed from the picture, the exclusive relationship will no longer exist. With the DPA, it is possible that ALPA could make an representational end run around the DPA. Consider this alternative flow chart.
Delta
/\
DPA, ALPA, Teamsters
/\
Comair, ASA, Republic, Delta, Mesaba, Compass, etc ...
What folks forget about "unity" is that real unity is structural, not emotional. Our unity comes from being one bargaining agent who represents the entire productive capacity of the Company.