Originally Posted by Amish Pilot

I know everyone read the NYC & ATL updates, here is the MSP news letter:

LGA Slot Swap
By now we are sure you are aware of the announced approval of the LGA slot swap with US Airways.

The announced ratio of mainline vs. regional flying is extremely disappointing to every Delta pilot, including your reps. Your reps refuse to defend or explain the Company’s actions regarding the business plan for LGA. We will say the following:

· No negotiations took place with ALPA for approval of the slot swap.
· No changes to the PWA occurred to permit the slot swap.
· The Company is in compliance of the PWA with the growth at LGA.
· The initial slot allocation at LGA was heavily weighted to regional flying.

Management informed ALPA that there would be a larger percentage of mainline flying than what actually resulted. Management was even informing the pilots through road shows and information to the chief pilots that the ratio would be greater. Mainline may still be affected as the flying of the current 70- and 76-seat aircraft should be reallocated. ALPA is waiting to see if any of this flying is allocated to mainline aircraft.

Your reps understand the value of Delta positioning itself as the largest carrier in the world’s largest market. What we don’t understand is the marketing plan. Mr. Anderson was known during his Northwest tenure to protect the airline’s hubs with a fortress-like tenacity. We do not understand a “metered” approach with the introduction of flying in our own hub. It has been explained that Delta felt it to be difficult to compete with AMR and United as they will protect their hubs. As AMR is in bankruptcy, why don’t we take the fight to them? Anyone who has played a sport knows you must score to win. Defense is important, but if you never score a great defense will only result in a tie! ALPA and the pilots of Delta did their part and continue to wait for their share of the flying.

· Management “asked” ALPA and the pilots of Delta to help with the approval.
· ALPA and the Delta pilots supported and assisted in gaining the approval.
· The Delta pilots must be repaid for their assistance.

Your reps were further amazed by management’s complete lack of awareness as to how the pilot group would receive the announcement. We agree that the expansion will be good for Delta, but there is a history of many things that have been good for the airline but was in no way a benefit to its pilots. With Section 6 right around the corner, why would management completely disregard the expectations of its pilots? All that management has accomplished is to motivate the pilot group to work alone in getting a better contract. Management must understand that the pilots will not forget what we have brought, and continue to bring, to Delta and that these actions must be rewarded!