Originally Posted by
UnusualAttitude
In 2015 Delta pilots overwhelming rejected TA 1.0 which had passed the MEC and had the very vocal support of then DALPA MEC Chairman Mike Donatelli. The Delta MEC and Negotiating Committee spent a great deal of money and went as far as putting pilots of Flight Pay Loss to combat rumors online. At roadshows and in other presentations the MEC Chairman literally yelled threats to the pilot group if the TA was not ratified. Of course, none of these threats became reality.
One thing worth pointing out is that the DALPA insiders were truly shocked when the TA failed by such a large margin and were legitimately confused. Unfortunately, they had not been listening beyond their own echo chambers. DALPA did not make this mistake in 2023 and now Delta pilots enjoy a contract that passed with over 70% supporting.
The threats you will likely hear at road shows and in video presentation and literature from our misdirected and tone deaf MEC and Negotiating Chairman include:
-"The time value of money is too much to turn down even this meager raise which lags industry standard. We get it isn't what you wanted but turning it down will cost you too much."
This threat is absolutely without merit. Sure, the time value of money is a real thing but focusing negotiations on what our pilots actually value will make this threat a moot one.
-"This will stall negotiations for years."
Delta ratified 2015 TA 2.0 14 months after rejecting TA 1.0. I beg you to ask your Delta friends if they regret fighting for what they deserved. Is the timeline guaranteed to be the same? No. Is Section 1 worth fighting for, is your future worth fighting for? Is the future for every FedEx pilot now and tomorrow worth fighting for? YES!
-"Look at these charts. The proof is in the numbers."
An astute pilot has already found errors and misleading data used to calculate some of the comparison charts. Keep in mind that this MEC/NC left the UPS Scope language off of the comparison website, likely intentionally, until it was made clear that they would be called on it in a very public way. The UPS Scope language was not included until several weeks ago. This data WILL BE SPUN to favor the desire of PM and his team.
Excellent history lesson you won't hear from our leadership. Now teach about Southwest Airlines v2.0 during the same time period. Their second TA was much better in terms of pay, retirement, and other contract issues
...also United Airlines v2.0 after they rejected Tumi TA 1.0 last summer....admittedly, that process is still in the works today.
Better deals are absolutely possible. The time frame is often based on how quickly the previous NC, and certain MEC leaders step aside.
Re-Group. Re-Survey. Re-Focus. Clearly communicate the current offer is insufficient, but jump back in the game quickly to show you are still willing to negotiate.
Let's keep that 99% Strike Vote Authorization in our back pocket.
Remember what we were told over and over.....the company looks past the Negotiating Team, and looks at the membership. Well, its time for the membership to look straight back.