Originally Posted by Carl Spackler

How insulting. I've been extremely specific about this, while you've been extremely dismissive and insulting about my specificity. I expect the exact same from you going forward. Nonetheless, for the umpteenth time:

Our leverage was, is, and always we be a strike. Any other form of perceived leverage is mere perception from the inexperienced. Thus, the question of an airline labor union using any real leverage is managing the NMB. Now you and many other rocking chair graduates have been told that the NMB is an insurmountable barrier by ALPA, so that's your mindset going in. It's actually false. Spirit is an example of how to get released for self-help, American is an example of how not to. Now as to the specifics of how to use the leverage we had or C2012:

First, set our contract opener to lead (by a lot) in every section. Not just pay, but every section.

Second, allow a sufficient time to pass for all parties to see an impasse is at hand.

Third, handle NMB involved mediation as follows: Clearly show how SWA, UPS, FDX, and our foreign JV competitors lead the industry in many metrics. Further show that Delta is enormously successful financially, operationally, and has exceedingly bright prospects (as stated by Delta management). Further, show that we will accept leading the airline industry in every section (even if only by a small margin). Finally, show that Delta would still be wildly successful and profitable if given what we are demanding in our final position.

If management still refused, the NMB would absolutely release us for self-help. Why? Because we would have done things the right way per the NMB. As stated earlier, now is where our real and only leverage comes in...and it is in the 30 day cooling off period where most things get done. In the interim, Delta management would be suffering on many fronts. Suffering on their reputation with Wall Street and all stakeholders.

That's what was available to us. Instead, we chose to never get close to using any leverage whatsoever.

Carl