Originally Posted by
Wasatch Phantom
WELL SAID!
I'll be blunt: I don't think being an ALPA member should have any weight whatsoever on who gets hired. I also feel that flying for a regional carrier currently affiliated with Delta should have no bearing either.
I find the the attitude of entitlement among some regional pilots because "I'm ALPA" or because "I fly Delta passengers" offensive.
To paraphrase Scambo: I want Delta to hire the best candidates - period. And I want them to compete on an equal footing, without the equivalent of an ALPA national negotiated airline affirmative action program.
I'll bluntly disagree with you. Our national union should of had a national seniority list from its' inception. The flows and SSP are the closest we will ever get to it. Pilots are some of the most selfish people I've ever encountered. Thankfully our union works towards helping our collective career advancement. It's not enough IMHO but it's a start. Remember when it's all said and done, if I wait the five plus years for my chance of an SSP (been here 14 years), I will still have a panel interview and tests. Don't expect me to apologize for my union looking out for my best interests.
Entitlement vs reality. NWA/DELTA forced us into ch11 twice now. Stopping "payments", inept management etc. Our only business model is to fly for Delta exclusively. We fly Delta passengers, that isn't entitlement that is reality. We furnish an equivalent product, with inferior planes, management, logistical support. Just compare the Deltanet setup vs our company website alone. To the average passenger they have no clue that they are on a subcontracted plane. We have sweat equity in this company, don't like that I want a return on my investment, tough luck.