Originally Posted by
sailingfun
Dalpa puts out a lot more then a document on the contract. On every contract I have been involved with they put out a contract highlights package shortly after signing. Then they put out actual contract language prior to voting. About the same time they put out a extensive often section by section explanation of the contract. Then they put on a series of road shows at the major bases and geographic centers where pilots live. There are also concurrent MEC meetings ongoing where normally the negotiating team will show up for a question and answer. The road shows are also made available as a webcast.
They, and most other MEC's do this, and while appearing to make a rational pro/con case are generally highly biased towards voting in favor of the TA. By the time it makes it that far the NC and MEC are too wedded to and proud of the product they produced to do anything other than strongly endorse it. Just a fact of life.
P.S. The MEC had better not bring me any contract for a vote unless they can stand up confidently and sell the contract as the best deal for Delta pilots and their families.
There is not an ALPA volunteer out there that is not doing anything other than what they believe is in the best interest of the pilot group. The issue has always been when that view of what's best does not align with what the unwashed pilot masses believe is in their best interest, and well meaning, "better informed" volunteers saving them from themselves.
There are situations where putting a bad contract to a vote can be a useful political tool to show pilot resolve. In that case it should simply be put before the pilot group with the understanding its not endorsed by the MEC. That has not happened at Delta yet.
I don't believe in the history of either DAL or NWA a TA that went out for a MEMRAT has ever been voted down. The MEC(s) carefully poll and know and plan a TA they put out for vote will pass.
As to neutral recommendations, that happened at the last NWA ch11 TA, and it was then mercilessly sold by the MEC. Still bad blood over that.