Astute post.
The "new Pinnacle" is the first alter ego incepted through a partnership with management and ALPA. This airline is being created to create new value in outsourcing by reducing regional pay rates and working conditions. This will put pressure on our small jet rates in our next negotiations. If anyone thinks the 717 was anything more than a "kick the 100 seat jet can down the road" fix, they are kidding themselves.
It is so ugly that our own MEC is not particularly upset about being locked out of the room with Delta management. Nobody wants to be the father of this baby.
Allow me to contrast what is happening with what the Comair pilots fought for (and lost).
Comair:
- Three way scope negotiations with Comair's MEC, Delta's MEC and Delta management
- Joint agreement on scope which bound Delta Air Lines
- Increasing pay rates by reducing outsourcing
Pinnacle:
- Exclusive negotiations between Pinnacle ALPA and Delta management
- Unilateral negotiation on scope which commits Delta Air Lines
- Decreasing pay rates which bring pressure on others in the lower tiers of our profession
The biggest differences between Comair (or RJDC) and Pinnacle:
While it is understood why there is no eagerness for the Delta MEC to participate, the redefinition of our scope is really, really, damaging to our long term interests. Potentially, we would not be able to do another Contract 2012 type deal if our permitted flying was committed elsewhere. Worse, what if other pilot groups avail themselves to this new "open door with Delta management" ? Is anything we failed to nail down open game?
I am concerned, actually fearful, of the new strategic direction we are taking here. We Delta pilots are becoming just another provider of Delta flying ... we are losing the distinguishing characteristic that has made us preeminent on the Delta property.