Hey essential,

I wouldn't be so cocky just yet! Have you read the 2200 pages of testimony? Dal pilots whole premise for super seniority (seniority that date of hire would not hold) was that you were a superior group bringing much more to the table. Bloch stated that this was a merger of equals. He has also told both groups that they are not getting what they want. We have offered 32 proposals to Dal's one. The reason they are offering a dynamic list is to give the arbitrators more room to work with. Dal has been warned to move off of their position by the arbitraitors and they have not. Dal unwillingness to move off of their position has made them look bad and if you had any reprentives at the hearings you would have been notified of how nervous and uncomfortable your team looked.

I know we are viewed as the dumpster divers and according to you guys we are bring very little to the party, a strinking airline with an aging fleet and useless NRT hub. Yes, this was your brainthrust's exact arguement. However, that argument was refuted and even in the USA today this week had a big article on how Delta is now the number one carrier in Asia and all the planned expansion that will ensue.

So, no, I don't think you've won. In fact, your argument was laced with an air of supremacy and while you say we bring nothing to the party you are against fences and you have no problem enjoying are forthcoming attrition. But what do I know? I'm just a dumpsterdiver!