Originally Posted by
320FOB
What metrics are being used to determine what is comparable? I don't know so I'm just asking. Why is the DC-9 considered only comparable to the CRJ-900? The DC-9-50's carry more pax than Delta's 737-700's. The 737-700 pays more though, especially in the JPWA where it matches the -800. So is it a pay thing? Seats? MGTOW? Range?
Pay and productivity mainly. There is a also a bit of historical precedent thrown onto the mix.
The DC-9s are a special case. There is widespread consensus (among Delta pilots anyway) that those aircraft are obsolete and destined for the boneyard in the very near future. The NWA pilots of course disagree and maintain that many of the DC-9s are still serviceable plus they are paid for and therefore they will be flown for many years to come. This is a very important issue because the fate of the most junior pilots on the list hangs in the balance. If the economy slows dramatically and the DC-9s are parked, there is likely to be furloughs. Junior Delta pilots don't want to be the victims of NWA fleet reductions.
The arbitrators will have to make that call.