Dear Fellow Pilot,

It’s a curious thing that the truth is narrowly defined, because it’s the truth. Falsehoods can take any shape . . . and often do. This is one of the reasons that good governance is primarily the result of rational, centered judgment.

We just signed a tentative agreement with Delta Air Lines that is the richest in pilot history, unmatched anywhere in the country or the world, and which gives the Delta pilots substantial raises in pay over the next three years. This is a fact.

Since that signing there has been a leveling of emotional statements propagated by some who seek to blur the facts that ought to guide us. Our own social media is proof. The first vitriolic comment leads to the next falsehood, which leads to the next vitriol.

So here is what is occurring. There is a small, but vocal, group among us who have been lying in wait for anything to occur. They already made their claims before we started negotiating . . . claims that were in no way connected to reason or the result of what is Contract 2015. Additionally, there are pilots on social media who have decided they are against the TA, even before all the facts are known--and these pilots are often choosing to use a social sledgehammer against anyone daring to ask an honest question, or voice any support for the TA whatsoever. Please understand that I'm not discussing honest debate, pro or con, but those who would stifle professional discussion. That does the Delta pilots a disservice, and we must all be alert for "information" that is not fact-based.

The truth needs definition, consideration and time. And the Delta pilots need the opportunity to consider this agreement without being inundated with simple, yet continuous falsehoods or attack.

Here is what I ask of you: I ask that you attend a road show (current roadshow schedule). We will be hosting them all over the system. At the road shows you will have a chance to address every one of your concerns and have them answered, unemotionally, rationally, truthfully--sort of the way we do our jobs.

Here is what I pledge: No sell job. We will print the facts. If we have an opinion, we will say as much. It will be as much a distinction as technique is from procedure.

Here is another fact: I’ve seen good agreements go down due to bad lies on social media. I won’t let our social media be a conduit for those lies. Our outlet exists to do the same as a roadshow or talking with one of our P2P volunteers. To get your questions answered…plain and simple. Additionally, we've started a question bank; send yours to [email protected] and we will post the answer on the MEC Communications FaceBook page as soon as possible. Many answers are already posted.

In less than thirty days you will render your judgment. Make it an informed judgment…based on fact and weighing all aspects of the agreement. Then cast your vote. To learn more about our current opportunity, click here to view my latest video presentation and visit our website at dal.alpa.org.

I hope to see you, in person, soon.

Fraternally,

Captain Mike Donatelli
Delta MEC Chairman