It has been said that there is no truth, only perception. While I might not completely agree with the statement, I believe that it might be useful to adopt the concept while analyzing the following:


There are two essential ingredients that differentiate between a threat and a deterrent. Absent these ingredients, the adversary perceives nothing more than a threat. If the adversary perceives these two elements, the threat becomes a deterrent.

The first essential element is the ability to carry out the threat. When the world hosted two super powers, each kept the other at bay with the ability to inflict severe damage, cripple if not destroy, the other. Remember, though, it is the perception that is more important than the truth. What was important was that the USSR believe that the USA had the power to destroy, whether that power actually existed or not.

In order for DALPA pilots to wield the influence at the negotiating table that they deserve, DAL management must perceive that they have the ability to carry out a strike. I believe that we could all agree that a strike would spell the demise of Delta and it's feeders, but the ability to strike is not so clear. Delta management might be under the impression that a strike would not be allowed under the law. They might be under the impression that a judge might bar a strike or a Presidential Review Board may be convened. I believe that such a view is grossly misguided, but it's hard to tell what's in their minds.

The second essential element is the willingness of the party who wields the power to actually USE that power. Not only did the USSR have to believe we COULD wipe them off the face of the earth, they had to believe that we WOULD wipe them off the face of the earth if it came right down to it. Delta management has to perceive that not only CAN DALPA strike, but they absolutely WILL strike. I believe that DALPA pilots have sent a very strong signal that they will strike if pushed to the brink.


So, the question is, how smart is Delta management? Will they perceive the reality of a strike, both the ability and willingness of the pilots, and negotiate in good faith to prevent such a confrontation? The monkey is really on their backs. The pilots have been backed into a corner, and it's up to management to provide a way out. If they fail, and leave the pilots no other option, the blame for the consequences rests squarely on the shoulders of the management that has recorded such a stellar track record up to this point.



I'm hopeful that management will see the light, but I'm not optimistic. I know that the smart DALPA pilots already have a Plan "B" cooking. Whatever happens, best wishes to you all - - you make the industry proud.





- The truth only hurts if it should -