Originally Posted by slowplay

Here is what Smisek actually wrote:

I’m sure by now you know that Delta and its pilots’ union recently announced a tentative agreement which, among other things, provides significant pay increases, along with efficiencies for the carrier and scope changes permitting expanded use of larger regional jets. The new Delta TA raises the market pay for commercial airline pilots, and effectively sets a new competitive standard for pilot pay. We will be responsive to the impact of the new Delta TA in our negotiations and will need to adjust our current contract proposal to be competitive with the Delta TA. Our proposal will include significant pay rate increases that are competitive with the new Delta TA, as well as scope and work rules that are competitive with the new Delta TA and permit us to remain competitive in the airline business.

Where do you see gloating? I see a guy who admits he has to revise his position to put more money (about $700 million per year) on the table (The new Delta TA...sets a new competitive standard for pilot pay). UCAL would have to hire about 400 pilots if they were to operate their network with our TA workrules (CAL is way more efficient than us). He's saying that for pay and work rules similar to ours he wants scope similar to ours.

Oh, and he doesn't mention APA scope, or their agreement with USAirways to outsource 308 81 seat jets and 352 up to 70 seat jets.