Just forwarded this:



Today, the Delta MEC Negotiating Committee provided Delta management with our Contract 2012 opener. The wants, needs, and expectations of the pilot group have been incorporated in the opener, which you should receive shortly. The opener is conceptual in nature, but let’s be clear: the Delta pilots are asking for POSITIVE CONTRACT IMPROVMENTS. Our goal is for the Delta pilots to Lead the Industry with our new contract from day one.

As many of you are aware, Council 54 has provided you with several position papers over the last 15 months. We believe strongly that these positions on scope, pay, and compensation as a whole are relevant and obtainable today. Your three officers are in full agreement with the MEC’s strategy and the contract opener. We have that comfort because we are confident in the team we have put in place, and as your elected reps, we will judge any TA on its merits before we cast our ratification vote. We know what the Delta pilots have telegraphed clearly to us as to what they would like to see.

The Delta MEC believes that the Delta pilots should Lead the Industry on day one of this contract, not just a particular section but the contract as a whole. Past history shows that the Delta MEC has already been in negotiations through the improvements derived from the SOT and TOT committees. Today, the Delta pilots open to improve the entire pilot contract.