Originally Posted by
buzzpat
A better offer. One that more closely approximates what Delta pilots want and what the company can afford. Nothing more, nothing less. It's called "negotiation." Based on what I've read so far, real negotiation hasn't happened yet. The company said you can have this and ALPA said ok, fine.
You guys could have paid me a lot less to be so agreeable. I want reps, not cuckolds.
No flame, just an honest answer.
Specifically what don't you like about the agreement (500 words or less please
)?
I respect your opinion and frustration. I would love more than anybody to see more money. However, I can't ignore the other side though - the cost of waiting it out. Admittedly, no one knows if there is more money on the table or how long it would take to come to a new TA should this one fail.
What I do know is the lowest category (DC-9/717 FO) will be making $133/hr by the date you say you're willing to wait for. Everyone else is up from there, including your seat at $148/hr. It's not sexy and it's not something to high-five about, but the reality is that it puts our right seat guys within spitting distance of most other legacy's Captains. I'm not ignoring SWA, FedEx or UPS, but you also can't ignore the downward pressure that AA bankruptcy, USAir, UCAL, etc exert on our rates.
I'm not happy with the payrates, but I'm not so proud to ignore real money either. Not saying I've made up my mind to vote yet, but I will not be voting NO just because I feel like I deserve more. The decision will be between the money that's currently on the table vs. the opportunity cost of waiting for what could happen down the road.
I got carried away a bit. Seriously, specific examples if you've got time for a friendly debate?