I’m amazed the union keeps asking all these pension questions! Hello! Nobody wants one!!!

Did anyone else look at medical coverage of the other airlines in contract comparison? Our premiums and deductibles are WAY higher than everyone else.

How about 20% DC contribution, improvements to medical (lower premiums and lower deductibles) and forget the idea of a pension. The union has lost what the pilot group wants in a big way. Everyone please fill out the survey!

As someone mentioned in another thread, that extra 5% would mean more money in your pocket if it was in a 9% pay raise instead of a 4% raise and 5% more DC. I’d rather take it in a raise.

Forget the 20% DC and lets go with a new DB... See, I can play that game too!;) I do agree with your desire for improvements to medical. I would carry it further to include Medicare supplemental insurance after turning 65......dare I say retirement medical....

Yes, please everyone take the survey.

Denny

Good point.

20% DC is just a number right now where based on current rates most pilots will meet the IRS Company Contribution Max without contributing a dime of their own money.

The goal for many is to get DC to a point where that becomes a reality for every pilot.

Let’s make medical contributions and deductibles less stupid while we’re going that route, Trip.

I actually have a couple reasons it could be advantageous to have the money in DB.

First, the increase is likely going to be based on a monetary value, not a percentage. So you aren't going to see a larger increase by having the percentages all in a raise.

Secondly, contract comparison is normally done using the base hourly pay rates.

Just like previous discussions involving the profit sharing advantage going away after one contract cycle once combined into rates, the same thing would happen here. The more places we put money that are not in the base pay rates, the easier it will be to keep the advantage in upcoming contract cycles as other airlines increase their base pay.

Multiple income streams? Great! Use your excess DC to fund investments that produce them - in your own name, under your control. It could be as simple as a dividend producing index fund in a brokerage account. You don’t have to go all crazy and become a slumlord.

But for sure, find one that gets a good return for $ invested. IMO annuities do not qualify.

Pensions fall even lower on the scale of places I want “my” money (it’s not yours, but you already learned that lesson once). Whatever it is, it’s always better to have it under your control and not a promise from Delta.

My point was not to restart this conversation, since we all know where we stand. The point is the MEC keeps asking the same question which means they must not be getting the answer they want to support Bartells’ land grab. They’ll keep asking apparently until they find a way to justify it, which others on this thread have rightly pointed out will likely result in a drawn out stalemate while more “deadZoners” retire.

Don’t worry though, Jerry will be along soon to tell us all how the ponies and 5 years of full retro are achievable with zero concessions. Cause don’t you know, this MEC is a well oiled machine!?!

Oh, and yes to healthcare improvement. I’d even support some retiree healthcare provisions and that would be less likely to vanish, just so you don’t think I’m an a$$ that doesn’t care about you or other pilots approaching retirement.

Totally agree with this. More tax free (sheltered) money could be found by having the company contribute to IRS max’s into the HSA - this would offset the “high deductible” requirement of these accounts.

For those that don’t opt for the HSA, or can’t due to TriCare, provide a plussed up (similar to DPMA excess) equivalent benefit.

Also, take Per Diem to the IRS max per location and any other tax advantaged angle we can find. With less pilots itemizing due to the new tax setup, in 2018 and beyond, this becomes even more valuable.

Bingo. It’s like you’re the voice inside my head.

That’s what I said too. Interesting to see a few of the other opinions though - didn’t hit submit yet.

You had me at "less."


Scoop :)