Originally Posted by Bucking Bar

Why would anyone need that deal? Is it in our long term strategic interest to outsource more flying to a jet with better operating economics than a MD88? Would there be more Delta pilots hired with, or without that deal? What makes D-ALPA more powerful by representing the most pilots? Does management really need that relief to by an airplane? Why do pilots have to buy airplanes through scope concessions? Seems counter intuitive to me.

I would try to educate myself of the deal. If my initial response turned out to be correct, I would poll my Reps. If any of them sounded like they were even going to consider it, I would try to convince them not to and ask for their commitment. If I was unpersuasive, I would launch a recall and try to get them out of office before they had a chance to vote on outsourcing more Delta flying. I would ask friends in other Councils to do the same.

No more outsourcing, not one more seat, not one more pound. Delta can operate these airplanes with Delta pilots. We have at least 300 guys already typed on that equipment. No more scope deals, unless it recovers Delta jobs to Delta Air Lines. We'll take flying back. No more sales.

Of course, most scope deals are done in the dark. Politicians are pretty good at hiding these acts of legerdemain until it is a fait accompli. But, Delta pilots have their sources too. Delta hires leaders. As Delta hires more pilots who are experienced in the ways of outsourcing the level of political activism will rise. Eventually they will get their hands on the tiller and ALPA will take a swerve for the right, towards a more conservative union which focuses on its representational foundation.