For better of for worse, this was the emails on hiring and the TA Roadshow slides. I'm going to paraphrase the FLT Ops Comms though:
FLT Ops Comm 6/2/2012 (27 days before vote)
When asked about whether the 717s will come with AirTran pilots SD made it clear that the 717s will be flown by current and/or new hire Delta pilots, period.
FLT Ops Comm 6/8/2012 (21 days before voting)
Answered the question about how mainline growth will impact pilot staffing and whether it will jumpstart pilot hiring. Mentions that there is no secret there will be a wave of retirements soon. So the hiring department is reading to start hiring on short notice. But hiring is based on the Network block hour plan which is contingent on the economy plus whether we vote in a TA that will add 717s and what the RMA's effects would be to accelerate retirements. If Delta continues it's business plan, adds 717s, and barring an unanticipated event or economic downturn we could begin the hiring process by the fourth quarter.
TA Roadshow Slides
What happens to manning (assumes static fleet)?
Bid period smoothing and ALV adjustments decrease future manning by
about 300 pilots by summer 2013
Early retirement program is targeting 250+ early retirements
– Attrition from this program will be primarily from the most senior positions
Changes to staffing formula immediately increases manning by 72 pilots
Other contract changes are very small and offset each other
– ALV+15 (decreases manning)
– Increase in vacation daily value (increases manning)
– Reserve is now full at his own guarantee (increases manning)
Staffing formula limits reserve block hour average to 60
– For every hour a pilot is above 60, another pilot has to be below 60
Bottom line is neutral staffing impact with no fleet growth
– Additional aircraft and block hour growth will drive need for hiring