Overall pretty good night. Free beer, well included in our union dues - thanks fellas . 94th Aero Squadron in San Diego.

Highlights:
* Once hiring starts it will probably just continue - the 300 number announced is mainly due to budgeting constraints to account for the costs of the hiring. Who knows, time will tell. About half recalls, then flows, and then at least 50 off the street in the first 300. After this batch mainly off the street but it will depend on the frequency and size of classes.
* The big threat to the US airline industry, and DAL, is clearly the state run middle east airlines that are funded by the govt. Strong pitch for ALPA PAC and the Call to Actions. Regarding the call to actions, you can resubmit after a certain time but should probably change the verbiage somewhat to update it.
* Big mainline growth in total numbers over the next few years. The 757 is definitely the flex fleet and the numbers/dates of retirements will most certainly change with the environment just as the DC-9 retirement was continually updated.
* If anyone tells you definitively where the new aircraft will be deployed they are speculating. Even if they have good info - it is continually changing. We may plan to put an AC in a certain market but by the time it enters service it may go somewhere else.
* The recent LOA was discussed as a good thing. The world has changed since it was negotiated. This whole topic was almost an afterthought, no one seemed too concerned one way or another about it.
* The upcoming contract will probably the first time ever? (or in recent memory) that we have had back to back positive contracts - lets hope so!

Overall - nothing earth shattering. About 30-40 people attended including the MEC Chairman, local reps and a bunch of other DALPA guys.

I recommend that you all try to attend a PUB.

Scoop