Originally Posted by MJB68

Long time lurker, first time poster. 2000 NWA hire, furloughed in '02, recalled in '07, currently out on Military Leave, now feeling more than a little betrayed by not only the guys at DAL but also the guys at NWA. I've read all the posts here, read the releases from NWA ALPA, talked to friends at both companies, and done alot of reading elsewhere on line. I think I've educated myself on all of the info that's out there, though I'll defer that there may be more info both MECs are not letting us in on. That in and of itself disturbs me. Bottom line, the Delta guys did what was smart to protect themselves. I guess one can't expect anything less than that or hope for anything more if you work there. I truly believe, however, that it was done at the expense of the NWA pilots. I know, I know "building block for the next contract" yada, yada. Logically, it was the smart thing for them to do.
Changing gears slightly, the bull-headed, curmudgeonly approach that the NWA reps have taken is not doing us any favors either. Rather than act together like professionals, they've relegated us to a bit part on the stage that's set before us. Great. So where does that leave me (because let's be honest, when it comes to paying the mortgage and feeding the kids it really ain't about how great this will be for the new merged company, or where a bunch of 747 or 777 captains can expect to be integrated, it's about how am I go to shelter my family and put food on the table). I guess it leaves me out in the cold.....again. This time due to the self-preservation instincts of the the Delta guys, and the arrogance or ineptitude of the Northwest guys. Lucky me. All I can say is if I get furloughed a second time, everyone below me will move up a notch. I'll be done with this chapter of my life and find something more stable....maybe they're looking for crab boat fisherman for next seasons' "Deadliest Catch" up in Alaska.