Originally Posted by alfaromeo View Post
I heard with my own ears from Chairman Moak's mouth:
- "We need DCI. DCI fills an important role in the Delta network"
- "Our costs are too high to perform DCI flying and it is not just pilot costs, there are other costs, like underwing ...." (which tells me he has not studied the cost data recently)
- "Compass has costs that are 30% below the other DCI carriers. This is good because the other DCI carriers have to compete on costs and this holds their costs down."
- "Large RJ's bring in more revenue to Delta Air Lines. More revenue makes it possible to negotiate better contracts."
Sir, be clear. Are you calling me a liar? Also, would you not agree that when Delta subleases an RJ, pays for the fuel and does all the ground handling that the biggest remaining variable cost is crew wages?
You are correct that Chairman Moak also talks about minimum standards for DCI carriers, but that is an easy position to take when you know that structurally, it is impossible to enforce amongst non union and Teamsters pilots. The ALPA pilots have to compete because they have no scope to protect them.
Our MEC has been in almost constant scope negotiations. We have a new TA regarding codeshare, are you saying that is not a scope negotiation?
I want my bargaining agent to represent my interests in recapturing Delta flying and growing my seniority list. As a union, it stuns me that this is even a contentious issue. This should not only be my goal, it should be yours and Chairman Moak's goal as a matter of basic principle.
You, try to label those interested in scope as "single issue" folks, while forgetting that without a job the rest of the contract does not matter.Agreed, on 80% of the issues our MEC has done a fantastic job and deserve credit for their work. First, put on your big boy pants and deal with the job you (or Moak) signed up for.
Second, how dare you criticize ALPA's membership when they have been passing resolutions asking for the MEC to fulfill its most basic responsibility to study the effect of MEC policies which directly effect the wages and working conditions of ALPA members. Yet, our MEC passes a resolution to NOT study scope restoration or Compass integration.
Many, like me, have volunteered. Our phone is not ringing because of attitudes like yours that marginalize anyone with an opinion who dares to speak up and asks for the "Captain" to reconsider getting new numbers as our industry dynamically changes.
Good for you that you are so senior that you never need fear a flow down off Delta property. You are blind if you can not understand why a junior Delta pilot would be concerned when his Reps stand up and confirm that the flow down is poorly worded, ambiguous and thus non functional, but that is a good thing because it prevents furloughs. That's just silly. The Company will furlough when the numbers support that action and they will interpret these vague terms in a manner that most suits them.
As we have learned, repeatedly, our crappy vague scope language results in scope concessions. Whether it be allowing ASA and Comair an exemption, or allowing more 76 seat jets by our Chairman's settlement, or letting management get by with a verbal promise that they really did not modify Republic's E175's beyond scope limits. If this effected YOUR flying, YOUR pay, or you were down here on the bottom of the list watching your career stagnate while RJ Captains earned more than you, YOU would be just as much of an activist as many on this board are. If YOU were at risk of flowing off the Delta property, YOU would understand.
Again, congratulations on being senior enough not to care. With luck, we will be in your shoes one day. It is hoped we will not forget what it feels like to be at the bottom.
I don't think you are a bad guy, but I sure get tired at the crud you throw in the direction of the junior pilots.