The bottom line is: We all need to do something. Our careers have been stagnated by 9/11, Age 65, Outsourcing, SWA type productivity and most importantly a Union that proactively engages with a management team that is able to "sell" them a pig with lipstick on. Our Delta management team is exactly the team I would want to run my own company, if I owned one. But this is were it gets sticky: I am a devoted laborer (albeit, a concerned one:D) for this ruthless, cut-throat and diligent management team, and I dont like the "fast-forward" prognosis of our careers. What can I do to change this? I am in the minority (38%) and if I raise a stink or complain, I am automatically a trouble-maker, deadbeat, complainer or Black Helicopter conspiracy theorist. I have noted, that if you dont fall into place with the "majority" crowd, you are shunned. I wish the best for all of us.:)

TEN

They are estimated the training and conversion list out by April 12, 2013. Seems like a long time from away? I thought they said they were going to begin training folks in April?

What I am doing is shining a light on what I perceive to be a very complacent and non-confrontational pilot group, which has been, over time, egregiously and continuously fleeced by a company that takes advantage of our good nature. And it's my perception that we're represented by a "union" that uses our integrity (or naivete) against us for its own gain. And we have no one to blame for this but ourselves.

I know my posts tend to be over the top, and I do apologize if I go too far or engage in personal attacks. Having said that, it is my goal to rock the boat and press the debate.

I've said it many times. I like working here, and I like 98% of the guys I fly with. I want us to stay informed so we can hold the company and ALPA accountable. There's more to the picture than the company's/ALPA's talking points. I urge us to:

1) never get complacent about our relatively favorable position in the industry at this moment;
2) always remember the company is not our friend, and is not looking out for us;
3) never assume ALPA has our best interests anywhere near the top of its priorities; and most importantly
4) never stop fighting (and we will need to fight) to improve our career viability, pay, benefits, and QOL.

How are we being "fleeced"? I look at the last five years and see continuous pay raises, increases to our retirement, betterment of the pilots QOL via the scheduling section and overall better PWA.

I look at other airlines that do not have "working relationship" with their management and see none of the above [ie: American, USAirways and United/Continental].

Purple,

I don't disagree that we need to keep the company and ALPA accountable. However if you think you or any of us are accomplishing anything on this message board you are mistaken.

This board has become a very polarized place among a few people. It seems that if you have anything other than an anti ALPA or DAL viewpoint you are attacked. Ok attacked may be a bit strong.

I have been here for 14 years and I am still jr. I do not like the career stagnation anymore then anyone else. We gave up way to much in the last decade, most of it forced by 9/11, bad economy and bankruptcy. I think DALPA has done a decent job in getting us gains in our contract in the last 5 years. I would like more just as much as anyone else and I will press my reps to work to improve our contract at every oppertunity.

I was hoping that DPA would turn out to be a viable alternative that we could get behind, but that ship has sailed. TC and his folks have lost most of the goodwill they have had from the 5000 guys that sent in cards. Until something more credible comes along we are married to DALPA. So if you really want to shine a light and make things better run for office, pass a resolution, or become a volunteer. Admittedly I have done none of those things, but it would be a step in the right direction if we all became more involved.

Even with all the negatives we have faced I think people forget just how good a job this still is.

FWIW, the audio version of the FlightOps Update 3/23, has the 717 beginning service in November, the 739 in December...

Cheers
George

Bro,

Haven't you learned what the word "anticipate" means when it comes to hiring and/or training? :D

Is that in anyway related to the phrase "contingent upon"?

So September becomes October which is now November... I'm telling the rumor around the school house is February. If that's true then I too would inch my way back in announcements to February since that won't be as noticed as saying we are going to have a 6 month delay.

I'm a sucker. Damn qualifiers.

I may be bidding a line from here on out on the 88. Reserve sucks. Even when you don't get used it still sucks. I guess I just don't like 4-days and am always in fear of getting one.

I mean no matter how many times I throw out the "not tonight" pillow, scheduling still gives me 4 days. I think I'm going to have to staple that pillow to the mattress or something.

Purple, posting attacks on an anonymous web board directed at our fellow pilots, who step forward and volunteer to make this a better place to work, isn't much of a contribution. You're coming across as the type of guy who likes to sit on the sidelines and toss stones at the guys actually on the field, when you're not willing to suit up and get in the game yourself. ALPA's not perfect, no organization is, but the vitriol that is spewed on this web board by some is not productive, particularly when the guys launching the attacks aren't willing to do the work themselves. Rant over.