One of the best management tactics to get something in negotiations, is to get the other side thinking you’re giving them something you already intend to, and use it to make gains elsewhere.

We’ve had meetings in the past few weeks in regards to the Delta TA and how we will be affected either way. Discussions usually revolved around a Yes result, but occasionally the topic of what will happen if a No vote prevails. Most of us believe the large jet giveaway will remain and only a few changes will be made elsewhere. That said, we have discussed what would happen if the Delta pilots hold firm on their 255 large jet cap.

In either scenario, DCI as a whole, will be shrinking. As I have stated before, we will not be able to staff our current fleet levels for the impending attrition and the new ATP hiring minimums. I don’t know how else to put it that the new hiring minimums are going to hit us hard. Without raising our pilot compensation levels substantially, we will not be able to attract enough pilots in the coming years to replace our attrition. Delta could pay us more, but that won’t happen either.

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that a majority of you have not grasped on to this situation, even from the No voters. It’s your choice, but at least give it a good fight.