Originally Posted by
Hillbilly
The shortest tenure for pre merger DAL pilots on furlough for FM 1 would have been just shy of the 2 year point. The longest tenure without an opportunity to return (TK) was just over 5 years and 3 months. Everyone out longer than that would have been because of the individual choice to bypass recall. Pilots now returning from furlough bypass have been out for 11-12 years with the exception of some pre merger NWA pilots who have been out for 7-8 years since their last furlough.
I believe the pilots who have chosen not to return were likely never going to return. They bypassed when recall came and sent in a letter prior to the 10 year point to preserve one last option to return because they had nothing to lose by doing so. While it is noteworthy to see how many chose not to return, it's also interesting to note the 30+ JBLU 320 Captains who have been there for 10+ years that are returning to Delta. I don't think either of these things will have any effect on negotiations for our next contract.
First off, I am pretty sure Buzz meant to the say the "longest" furlough was 5 years, not the shortest. You know how these writers can be without their editors and proofreaders.
Secondly I will attest to what Hillbilly says above and further refine it. The shortest furlough (not counting the FM II guys who got recalled with backpay) was furloughed in February 2003 and recalled in July 2004. I know because I was in this group. I calculate that to be 17 months. If you subtract the two months furlough pay the shortest furloughs were without a DAL paycheck for 15 months.
Lastly I will relate a somewhat funny story about how it is better to be lucky than good. I was offered a July 2004 recall but deferred until August thinking I would not get another July off for 10 years, besides I was drilling almost full time in the reserves.
Well the July guys all got 737-200s and I would have been in the bottom half of this group. Also in July, there was an AE for 737-800s but most of the recent recalls stayed put on the 737-200s wanting to obtain a little seniority as quick as they could thinking all the recalls will come in behind them on the 737-200.
Well guess what? Pretty much the whole August group gets 737-800s and I come in on the top of this group with over 40 FOs behind me.
You can bet some of the 737-200 guys ere complaining, but they had the opportunity to bid the 800 and did not.
Scoop
