UGBSM,

The part you are missing is unity.

First, there is competition for Delta flying beacuse we permit it. If we did not permit it, we would not have to defend ourselves from other unions and other pilot groups who do try to secure our work away from us.

Second, our bargaining leverage is based on unity. The more of the Company's productive capacity you control, the more power you have and the more you can achieve in negotiations (and ultimately in self help). If you and I make a demand, the CPO would tell us "no" and that would be the end of the request. If ALPA speaking on behalf of all 12,000 Delta pilots has an issue, the request will be addressed. You can draw a line between those two examples and illustrate the power of unity.

Again, the question you should be asking is "what can I gain from unity?" As we have discussed, scope improvements are a leading indicator for better contractual results and scope concessions lead to pay concessions. Just think back through the history you have experienced and you can see easily how this has played out. We merge with NWA, unify our pilots and our contract improves. We have scope concessions to grow DCI in 2001 & these scope concessions are followed by pay concessions. There is a lot that happens in between, but the relationship has remained a constant.

I expect Slowplay to come along and remind us that my example is a gross oversimplification and he is right. Delta will reach across the brand into other operations (ie our Joint Ventures) and ALPA has been remarkably adept at negotiating some of the best scope going to protect us. What I particularly like about the JV language is that it is inclusive; meaning, that if the Company dreams up some new operation we automatically have our share of that new flying. In other words, they drew the circle large and defined Delta's role as broadly as they could.