Originally Posted by
sailingfun
There was none. Some see black helicopters everywhere. One of the interesting things I have observed over the years is that the biggest blowhards are usually the first to violate the contract or screw over a fellow pilot as long as it benefits them.
I will also point out that I posted more then once on here that the company should have hired last winter as they announced they would when the contract was signed. They never planned more then 150 pilots however those bodies would have smoothed out the 717 training flow and perhaps saved money overall. The powers to be however felt a first quarter profit was more important for Delta's finances. They may be right based on improving ratings and interest rates. I have no real idea. Regardless they are running the best airline I have seen at Delta in 25 years so all is not lost.
I think a lot of the angst is probably due to all the sick call verification/accusation talk on here lately. I'm doubtful that every pilot who calls in sick is a target, just as every pilot who calls in sick is being entirely honest. I have no idea what the final lack of crew cancellation count will be, but I'm sure the lack of coverage will carry over into the next few days and into New Years.
I'm curious to see what the company says about it in a few days, and I really hope that communication doesn't come across as accusatory towards the pilot group in any way. Management, as good as they are right now, needs to be a little more fluid in their approach with the pilot group going into next contract.
Basically bank sick time, holiday pay, ability to green slip in advance on big holidays (or whenever scheduling will clearly run dry on reserves).....just a few ideas. If management plans on running an overally lean pilot staffing level then they will need to find other ways to get adequate coverage on certain holidays and/or summertime flying. Basically money talks, and sweetening the pot on busy days and de-incentivizing sick leave abuse are a better solution than not hiring while ignoring the problem.
Just a few of my own thoughts.