Originally Posted by
Doug Madsen
Why not? We didn't want their money, so they've gotta do something with it.
Here's the thing, Anderson could restore pilots to what they lost without gutting work rules further....and still be making tons of money and winning investment grade status for DAL.
If he goes through with refurbishing 50 seaters it's a power play and not a wise business move. It brings into question his leadership.
He could have agreed to a fair contract and had all the troops rowing together with backpacks on bringing a JD Power award next year. Instead he's letting personal pride and desire for a lopsided agreement sour everything for a long time.
All the legacy carriers are making record profits. Anderson gets credit for his part in consolidation as that has brought pricing power. Beyond that, anybody with common sense can make money at the legacies now (with or without fuel refineries). Smisek and Parker are also minting money.
Anderson's legacy as a leader will soon become permanently tainted if he keeps going this direction. The shine is wearing off. People matter....not just saying they matter as some useless token during an earnings call. Actions show you care about your employees. Anderson could be the guy everybody loves while running a great airline. After he retires will he be known as that guy that pushed a merger then horded money instead of that special CEO everybody respected? I'm sure he doesn't care
Rant over.