Yep. Should this pass, It's going to be a crappy feeling when guys realize the impact these concessions are going to have on them.

The good news is that DALPA will have the chance to make even more concessions "next time" just to get our work rules back to where we're at right now--and likely with far less tailwind leverage.

 

Given the crapstorm at AA and the economy staying in the doldrums (read anything about Europe lately?) I think that you and most no voters will actually secretly be glad when this thing passes (I predict 62-38). This TA is not perfect by a long stretch, but I think it is the "least bad" answer to vote in favor of ratification.

Think of it this way. Ten years ago you drove a BMW (C2K, even though lots of pilots THEN were claiming "woe is me" when the C2K TA was ratified). Then it was taken away and you were given an 83 Chevette (post-BK agreements). Then you managed to get back to driving a 97 Corolla that is fairly serviceable, but getting older (our current contract). The whole time you keep muttering to yourself (I just KNOW I'm getting a brand new 2013 BMW, I just KNOW it!).

Then, someone else (our NC) negotiated on your behalf for a new car and you got...a used 2006 Passat, in fine shape. It is a good car and a good deal, but it is not a 2013 BMW. And guess what? There IS NO new BMW out there. Do you "deserve" it? Yes you do! But that doesn't change the fact that there is none to be had, and saying "no" from now until doomsday ain't gonna change that fact. So do you take the 2006 Passat and be modestly happy with it, hoping to continue to improve your and the company's bottom line so that you can get a 2015 BMW in 3 years, or do you say "NOOOOOO" and keep driving the Corolla? I prefer the Passat...the known but imperfect, real value, right now, today, versus the fantasy of holding out and getting a fictitious BMW that did indeed exist 10 years ago and may exist in the 2-3 years from now future but does not and will not exist in the immediate future.

Your views may vary!

 

Of course they have to spend almost 2 billion to buy replacement aircraft and lease the 717's.

 

Yeah the NO voters conveniently like to ignore this and lots of other facts. They remind me of Democrats. Why let facts get in the way. They want the 717, the WB 773 and 787 orders, but view the company's possible profits to fund such orders as blasphemy. And never mind what’s going on around them. Their thought is “We deserve more, no matter what.” BTW: Jack is now officially off my Xmas card list for that dimwit comment. No really.

 

I'm sure this is your attempt at being funny. Bottom line, the company will buy and/or lease aircraft to maximize its profits. Buying one set of air frames in no way guarantees buying another. That said, if the 717s can be picked up at fire sale prices then they will probably purchase. Delta pilots should in no way think we are partners in buying aircraft. We are giving up work rules and taking a meager pay raise to watch the company do most of what they were going to do anyway.

 

The company is saving a huge amount of long term money by getting the 717 vice operating the 50 seaters.

 

I saw the car salesman driving a 2013 BMW last week. He was bragging to his salesman friends at the other dealerships.

 

So by your logic the company should stop spending money on aircraft/modernizing their fleet so they can give us all raises?

 

Yes, that is pretty much their philosophy.

 

Since we are talking buying cars. So you walk in the dealership and say, that sticker price is a good deal. No you never take the first offer. If you buy the car and you and your salesman are buds at the end you got ripped off. Seems like DALPA likes being there buddy.