Call it retro or a signing bonus, it's a number larger than zero. And the mere mention of it is a novelty to some. I'm a North guy. But I'm told that Delta has always received retro pay in non-concessionary contracts that have gone past the amendable date. 100% true or not, there is an entirely different view of retro between PNW and pre-merger DL pilots. It's a shame that fact was not recognized during any of the surveys and polling.

During a cockpit conversation about one year ago, I laughed at the notion of retro "being a thing," while one of my coworkers seemed bewildered that there was the remotest possibility of zero retro pay. We instantly realized a large cultural difference exists in that regard. Which could really influence the manner in which poll/survey questions are answered. Bottom line, my colleague was willing to accept a lower percentage pay increase because he was confident in capturing the time value of money, even if it was in one big check later on. On the other hand, I required a higher percentage pay increase, knowing that protracted negotiations would delay the start date of said raise, with no ability to recoup the pay-time loss. That said, we both had similar wishes for a total pay increase over the length of a future agreement.

It's a different mindset that must be accounted for when asking questions about pay increases and negotiation timeframes. For some retro is a past reality, for others it's the stuff of fantasy. The resolution of our current negotiations will likely reset the retro expectations of many Delta pilots. Let's hope it's me and my fellow PNW colleagues fainting when we see the retro check deposit advice!