Originally Posted by
Wasatch Phantom
Bar,
Great post...as per usual.
Leine,
I understand your point. But here's my problem. I think (key word: "think") DALPA's scope giveaway is designed to meet the "spirit" (but not the "word") of the contractual scope terms. So DALPA took the magnanimous position of saying okay...
Where has the reverse happened? When has Delta honored the "spirit" of the contract as opposed to the written word? Did they do that with the Frontier/Republic scope issue? How about with the interpretation of the number of permitted 70+ seat RJ's?
Seriously.
My impression, based on many years at Delta, is management will hide behind contractual language when it's in their interest, and say "Gee fellas...this is what the contract means to us..." when it's convenient.
This was a (wasted) opportunity to hold managements feet to the fire and, from my perspective, it was squandered (again).
What's the point of having a contract if it's not going to be followed, and what's the point of paying dues to an organization to negotiate and uphold a contract if they are going to (continually) turn the other cheek?
Wasatch,
I appreciate your skepticism. I felt the same way at first glance. I have spoken face-to-face with reps from 3 different bases and I have confidence that they are aware of what is at stake. As reps they have info that I'm not privy to, and have made their best decision (to grant temp relief) on our behalf. To be honest that's all I have to go on, but for me that's enough. I respect each of these men personally and have no reason to believe I'm being sandbagged.
To top it off, if we don't find some sort of scope amendment by the fall that suits our purpose, things snap back to the way they were. I'm aware that some think that we're giving them a "free" summer, but I really don't think management is willing to foul the swimming pool over something this (relatively) small. Time will tell, but I trust that our reps are taking a calculated risk to allow us to win-win.
I share your concern, but am optimistic that we're looking at a potential improvement going forward.