Originally Posted by
slowplay
Nice misrepresentation. I never stated that Delta couldn't afford to pay. I stated mainline costs way more. You call for "unity" but never show a path to get there. If you want your counterparty to agree, you've got to solve the math problem.
I'll use your post as an example. You've chosen a series of trips from one of the most senior CPZ pilots. He's being paid 7th year pay (maybe). CPZ has 439 pilots on the seniority list operating 42 aircraft. Compare that to mainline. CPZ averages 13 days of vacation per year. Compare that to mainline. CPZ has 1 training program. Compare that to mainline. CPZ has no duty or trip rigs. Compare that to mainline. A CPZ 6 year Captain makes $76/hr. The most junior Captain payscale at Delta (12 year CRJ-900 which is where any 76 seat Captain would be) is $136. A 76 seat mainline Captain would make more than a CPZ Captain and FO combined. There's a host of other costs not mentioned (other labor groups, longevity, benefits, hotels, etc.}
That's your math problem. Solve it, then you can talk about unity.
A goal without a plan is just a wish.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
I disagree. I think it's about to Delta's "math problem." They will need the feed and the various regionals will no longer be up to the challenge.
As Tsquare put it, our challenge is to get that flying on the list. If the market rate for that kind of flying gets significantly more expensive, then it will be up to management to decide how to handle that - some routes may not support the higher costs, etc.
What we need to do, is come up with a pre-packaged solution, so when Delta does start having operational disruptions due to the cancelled flights we are ready.
It could even be some sort of transition period, with hybrid rates to bridge the gap. Hire all of their guys to the bottom of the list (so they start accruing seniority/longevity), and each year bring them over little-by-little. THAT would be a carrot (not this craziness where they work long-term for crappy rates just for the opportunity at a mere interview. As long as there is a short/medium term plan to get eventually get all that flying in house on the A-scale, then I could get behind it.
I also agree with T that this should not cost us a penny. It is in our mutual interest that the feed is flown without interruption. Arguably mgmt has more to lose by not bringing them in, as we've already lost them. It's hard to lose what you don't currently have...