Originally Posted by
Carl Spackler
Since DALPA has said in writing that we will NOT see the opener after it is exchanged, we members will not know anything until we see a tentative agreement. If the TA is extremely weak (as I fully expect), it will be at THAT TIME when DPA would most likely hold the vote, and win. However, a new bargaining agent won't allow us to change our opening position, thus the new bargaining agent would only be able to fight and renegotiate for the best SECOND TA, after the first one is voted down.
Carl
Carl,
ALPA does not want management negotiating in public. You and I do not want to hear what the New York Times Op Ed page says about our earnings (I am sure we are paid too much in their opinion). At the same time, Delta does not want speculative news that drives down our shareholder's equity. These negotiations are most productive with a certain decorum which allows respect without folks having to react to lynch mobs (whether it be shareholders, or pilots).
What you describe is exactly the mechanism my concerns take. Management isn't going to negotiate in good faith unless they have confidence that the pilots' bargaining agent can do the deal.
The history of labor groups that have voted down contracts is a sad one. Most pilots are vaguely aware of this fact, or have had friends who have been down that road. That's why even bad TA's usually pass. ( ... and I've voted against everything since I've been here ... so I do understand your position)
I want to help you get the best TA possible. Will you help me? I'd like us to hold this representational battle in abeyance while our unity is needed.