Carl, The Delta 1113 contract was amendable last spring. The merger contract extended the amendable date to fall more in line with the NWA amendable date. That was one of several reasons I voted no on the joint contract.

I would love a restoration contract. It would be incredible for me. The issue is I don't see any way to push through a contract that would increase Delta's cost 2 billion dollars a year while working under the RLA. If we hold that out as the minimum we will still be working under this contract 5 years after the amendable date. What I want is a intelligent strategy that will put the most money in my pocket and best quality of life over time. Going for full restoration I don't believe has even a tiny chance of doing that. I and many others believe a smarter concept it to try and get a industry leading contract done at or near the amendable date. Something that would put us at the top of the passenger airlines. The contract should have a 3 to 3.5 year length. That would put us negotiating the next contract in 2016 or 17 instead of still working under the current agreement in that time frame. It also sets the bar for other airlines to top keeping relative costs inline.
At my seniority the relative costs mean little. If I were a junior pilot I would hate to see our cost way out of line with the industry. Every single time a airline has accomplished that it has led to career stagnation and in most case furloughs. Ask the SWA pilots how much growth they have had since they moved from the lower half to top of the industry pay scales.
There is one last point. DALPA represents all pilots at Delta. The last survey both phone and computer asked for what most would consider acceptable in a new contract for pay. The number was surprisingly low. Well below what I will vote to accept. DALPA however has to take direction from the entire pilot group. Not a vocal minority.