Originally Posted by
Scoop
So in the recent past we couldn't get a big raise because we were already leading the industry - I repeat that leading the industry.
Now that we are lagging the industry we still have no leverage because we would like rates just a little bit higher than what less profitable airlines already achieved. Not exactly the same standard that DALPA was touting for years.
Our leverage is in a MEC that can walk in and say "this is the Delta premium that fits right in the zone of "reasonableness" (whatever that means), meets the needs of the Delta pilots, AND we're willing as a body to stand behind it, and tell the pilots we support it".
Selling lasting labor peace = high price.
Absent that, you get into: "...well, everyone else has gotten theirs done, so we need more, but we'll keep fighting over who is "strong" and "weak", and even if you give us what we're asking, which is outside the zone, but it sure would be nice, and if you really, really dig deep, and try to get us that number... we still will fight among ourselves, and fight over pro-con papers, and some of us are already lining up to say it wasn't enough."
Not offering any clarity = low price.
That's where leverage is, IMO: a MEC that can speak for the pilots, and make decisions.