Originally Posted by
TristarJS30
If anyone can get their hands on the April 2004 issue of Airways magazine, I suggest doing so. The 4 or 5 page article on Comair is interesting... seems like your right there P1ayn, it's been set up for years. Just some quotes:
"(In 2001) The company that was once renowned for cordial employee relations..."
In reference to the higher labor costs and reduced flying immediately following 9-11:
"Comair is attempting to do this (compensate) by increasing the average aircraft utilization, by holding off on non-essential purchases, and renegotiating the prices it pays for practically everything."
(Guess that idea went out the window....)
"Pilots and flight attendant unions have been asked to re-negotiate their contracts to include pay cuts and other concessions."
(Remember, this is 2004, Pilots contract was not up until 2006, FA's until 2007)
"Delta has made it clear that cost cuts will be rewarded with growth."
"Based on its existing (higher) overhead, Comair has tendered a propsal to Delta under a competitive bidding system-open to both Connection carriers and outsiders-to operate new services with as many as 80 more RJs."
(I believe this is where Mesa steps in so Delta could use the "industry average" argument...)
A lot more stuff in the article, but certainly foreshadowing of bad times ahead.
Interesting and frustrating stuff isn't it? Unfortunately, Delta has been layng the ground work for quite some time on the future of comair, allowing for economic fluctuations. The primary concern is Delta and it's operation for profitablity. Comair's existance and history means nothing to them, and frankly if I was DL CEO, it wouldn't concern me as well. What does concern is the bottom line and operationally there are alot of players on the DCI team. None to date that have taken the abuse and reductions at the levels Comair has taken. So I do hope I am wrong and somehow we are spared, I just don't see it happening, based on historical patterns and what is happening with the new DCI members. Meanwhile, I go to work with a bad taste in my mouth. It is upsetting to have this bad taste and ill feelings toward the company because as many that have flown with me, I tend to have a good time with my crews and get the job done. However we are all human and one can only stand the management or lack thereof for a given time. Our new guy has some work and regardless if Comair goes down, all I ask is for straight open honest commuication as opposed to the illerate comments we have been receiving the last few years. Im done... need to pack and head up north!!
BTW, Happy Turkey day to all. In worst of times as these, appreciate those who are closest to you. (CRJ step away from the hotties!) LOL!