Originally Posted by
Waves
Sorry FTB, but no matter how you slant this thing, it still looks to me like more flying for us and less flying for them. We go from 598 to 450 RJ’s and we go from 56%/46% mainline vs DCI domestic block hours to a minimum 61%/39%. Not sure why you think caps are negotiable after the contract is signed. Whether or not we still get the 717’s if the TA goes down in flames is anybody’s guess. I have a feeling that after a punitive measure of some sort we actually would, but I wouldn’t bet my first beer on it. If you want to risk Bill’s A seat in an attempt to squeeze the company a little harder, then you will have to deal with him when Air Umpty Squat buys the 717’s instead. 
P.S. Your side of the argument loses credibility when you base part of it on "If we turn down the TA we'll get the 717's anyway." Maybe yes, maybe no. If we take everything on face value, you are completely wrong. We will not be getting the 717's. If we were to use this assumption, then conceivably we could make all sorts of other assumptions and possibly false conclusions as well. Do you really think if the TA is tanked, that RA would just immediately say, “OK guys, you got me. I was bluffing and the 717’s are on the way anyway?” I find that thought process flawed. Just wanted to clarify that point.
On the other hand, do you really think GK of SWA would sign an agreement that may/may not go through based on the ratification of a TA by DAL pilots. That's not giving GK very much credit. While I'm sure there's a plan B for DAL it doesn't include passing on the 717s - they are way too good of a deal and I'm sure Plan B includes a different fleet plan (remember the 717s don't start arriving for a year - the first 21 or so just replace DC9s and that gives a good 18-24 months to figure out what to do with the rest of them). You can't have it both ways - DALPA doesn't decide what A/C DAL buys and we shouldn't allow the arrival or retirement of A/C to determine whether we pass a TA or not.