Guys, great news! take a look at the DALPA email from this afternoon!

ALPA: The Pilots Union
*
May 6, 2011
*
This is Capt. Buzz Hazzard, chairman of the Delta MEC Communications Committee on Friday, May 6, 2011 with five items.
*
Item one. With our contract amendable date approaching in 2012, your MEC wants the membership to have no doubt concerning our intentions. We believe that scope is a huge (if not the biggest) concern, not just for the DC-9 FO but for the 7ER Captain as well. We intend to pursue Section 1 aggressively, and this is one area where we have ZERO room for negotiation. Along with scope, we intend to pursue significant work rule improvements along with hourly rates as good or better than those of pilots performing similar work at other airlines. We are no longer in bankruptcy, and it is our turn to gain back what we sacrificed in those emergency conditions. Although we have a good working relationship with Delta management, you can trust that your MEC will take an aggressive stance when we exchange openers. It is our job to represent YOU, the line pilot, and we will absolutely NOT "manage your expectations" as may have been done in the past.

Item two. The devastation of the recent tornados in the Southeast has affected many in the Delta family.* The Delta Pilots Furlough/Emergency Relief Fund can provide financial relief to Delta pilots who have directly suffered the effects of these recent storms. Additionally, unlike the ALPA Emergency Relief Fund that limits disbursement only to individuals who suffer from a widespread disaster, the Delta Pilots Furlough/Emergency Relief Fund can often provide relief to those Delta pilots who suffer from a personal catastrophe as well. Qualified pilots may be approved for grants or low/no-interest loans.* Please call 800-USA-ALPA if you wish to apply for assistance from the Delta Pilots Furlough/Emergency Relief Fund.
*
Item three.* After more than three years, a final agreement on an FAA reauthorization bill is within sight.* Let your voice be heard on Capitol Hill.* ALPA has launched three Calls-to-Action, each one focused on specific legislative proposals of interest to ALPA pilots.* The proposed language in the House version of the FAA reauthorization bill (H.R. 658) could derail Flight Time Duty Time rulemaking and other safety directives, lower standards for transportation of lithium batteries, and allow less restrictive regulation of Unmanned Aerial Systems in the National Airspace System.* Refer to Capitol Hill Brief 11-05 for more information.
*
As a follow-up to your e-mails, please call your Senators' and House member's office, ask to speak to*the staff person that follows transportation issues for the office, and explain you are calling as a constituent and professional airline pilot to specifically*address the FAA reauthorization bill.* Outline ALPA's position*for One Level of Safety on the three issues.* The Capitol Hill switchboard number is: 202-224-3121.*
*
Item four. The testing of the new Reserve’s Required formula continues into its third month this month.* All categories are now part of the test.* The test will continue system wide through August 2011.
*
Item five. If you are attempting to drop a rotation via PCS remember that the Pilot-to-Pilot Swap Board is also available for use. Trips can be posted as either a swap, a pick-up (drop) or both. By posting your trips on the Pilot-to-Pilot Swap Board, you increase your chances for a successful swap or drop because the Pilot-to-Pilot Swap Board has different rules and restrictions.

ALPA: The Pilots Union

NOTE: Just kidding about Item one, but wouldn't that be awesome?
FlyZ