Originally Posted by acl65pilot (Post 1485869)

Reading the C44 Communications you should see that the MEC has not even decided if they will negotiate. That is what this meeting is for. Read what the C44 reps published in their hotline and communiqué the last few weeks. If it does not result in a clear benefit for the Delta Pilots they will not ratify the TA.


Here are excerpts:

Sept 8th:
Item 1. Mid-Contract Negotiations, Setting the record straight: We often get the questions from Council 44 pilots, “Why pursue an LOA?” Or, “Shouldn’t we just say ‘No?’” You have communicated to us that you want to achieve contract improvements in several areas, and whenever possible. You have also passed resolutions directing us to do this. Let’s face it, there’s no shortage to the list of improvements that you provide us. Any negotiation that changes our contract will result in an LOA, that’s how it works. But let’s be clear: We will not ratify an LOA unless it is an improvement for the Delta pilots, in keeping with their direction to us and in their best interests!

We will engage in negotiations when mandated, such as a new joint venture, new aircraft pay, or up to 270 days prior to our amendable date. Additionally, we will engage in discretionary negotiations when opportunities arise that may lead to improvements in the pay, working conditions, retirement or job security of the Delta pilots, such as is occurring with Asia/Pacific scope. We have not yet but may engage in negotiations with Delta due to changes in the new flight time and duty time regulations (FAR 117), but will only if it is in the best interests of the Delta pilots to do so.

We will not negotiate to simply “help the company.” We will not negotiate to simply “provide relief.” We will negotiate when we see the opportunity to improve our contract. We are committed to achieving contract improvements for the Delta pilots at every opportunity, and will continue to communicate to you when we see these opportunities coming. We understand your input that any negotiations must result in gains for our pilots.

Communiqué:
Fellow Council 44 Pilots,

Today Delta Air Lines stock was re-listed on the S&P 500. As Delta is one of only two airlines on this index (DAL and LUV); this is a significant milestone for our company and serves as recognition of the sacrifices, hard work and dedication of the Delta pilots, and indeed all Delta employees, who rebuilt our airline in the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

Through bankruptcy, a hostile take-over attempt, two wars, the largest financial collapse since the Great Depression and a merger, we have been instrumental in rebuilding our brand, our airline, and our industry. Today we can pause and take great pride in what we’ve achieved together through many difficult decisions in a very difficult environment.

Delta Air Lines in now the industry-leading airline, outperforming the U.S. airline industry in nearly every metric. Delta has been profitable for three years and is now able to pay dividends, buy back stock, purchase new jets, invest in the company, and invest in new terminal construction at JFK and LGA, all while remaining on track to reduce its debt to $7 billion by 2016; a significant improvement over the $17 billion in debt in 2009. The mainline is growing with scheduled deliveries of 88 B717s, 100 B737-900s, 30 A321s and 10 A330-300s starting this fall through 2017. New hire pilots will join our ranks in November, and right now we have an advance entitlement open with more upward movement and an expected trajectory of continued advancement opportunities. Our Delta Air Lines is now a healthy and growing company capable of supporting a healthy pilot contract.

We should all be proud of the investment that we made and the returns that it brought, but we must be mindful of the fact that the Delta pilots have yet to recover from their sacrifices. As your representatives we will work tirelessly to deliver a contract that reflects this fact. The pilots who were instrumental in making today possible deserve nothing less.

Fraternally,

Hermon, Dave, Armando and David

Is this clear enough for you?

Originally Posted by Rogue24 (Post 1486221)

I took the whole context of the communication as from now forward and not just FTDT FWIW.

Two weeks ago it was that people just wanted to hear that their Reps agreed we needed to better, now its deeds, and when the deeds do something it will be that it wasn't quick enough, or still missed what we "really" wanted.

Originally Posted by DeadHead (Post 1486372)

C2015 contract openers.......

Management: Do you know the difference between rape and a bad hangover?
DALPA: No
Management: Want to go to a party later?

Originally Posted by johnso29 (Post 1486454)

Thousands more jobs to be cut at Air France


The restructuring will affect the group’s French operations, which employ more than 69,000 people.

Alongside the planned job cuts are proposals to phase out its costly fleet of Boeing 747s by 2016 and a review of its provincial bases in southern and western France, the Financial Times reported.

The fresh cost-cutting measures due to be announced today come as low growth in Europe and high fuel prices have left the airline with more to do on top of its Transform 2015 savings scheme which was outlined in 2011 with a plan to cut 5,100 jobs.

Frédéric Gagey, chief executive of the French unit, will detail the case for voluntary redundancies and route closures in the short-haul, medium-haul and cargo businesses.

Air France announced plans in June to cut 2,600 jobs through voluntary departures, joining western European rivals that are also slashing thousands of positions as competition from low-cost carriers intensifies.

Originally Posted by Bucking Bar (Post 1486067)

Full disclosure - I voted against C2012 and debated the benefit of the 717. Now with a little historical perspective; the forethought to create new Joint Venture protections and provisions tied to the 717 appear to be helping us. I've changed my mind from con to pro.

Interested to learn your thoughts ... please share your reasoning with us. Why do believe Contract 2012 scope was not an improvement over it's predecessor?

Originally Posted by slowplay (Post 1486156)

How?

There were CPA contracts for those 50 seaters. There were ownership costs and obligations for those 50 seaters. What magic were you going to work to get rid of those?:rolleyes:

Management had a plan B that didn't involve B717's. It had about 50 fewer mainline jets in it, as they couldn't economically get out of a bunch of CRJ-200 commitments AND manage their capacity for the airline. All this was explained during the ratification process. What you wrote above isn't based on fact, it's your belief.

Originally Posted by slowplay (Post 1486164)

You keep making things up if it makes you feel better.

Originally Posted by slowplay (Post 1486164)

You might want to reread the TA presentation and Q&A's to get some facts as to when stuff was going away.

Originally Posted by Carl Spackler (Post 1486447)

Actually, the points in this communique that appear to sound like DALPA won't roll over this time are weaker than the communiques leading up to the TA. We all remember them: "We will not sacrifice quality for expediency"...etc.

The problem is that DALPA simply defines things to suit the results of the negotiations. A cost neutral contract and breathing new life into the failed RJ experiment is simply defined as having kept the promise of not sacrificing quality for expediency. The reason we're so concerned about our union rolling over on the NRT slots is because trust in you is just not there.

The words in your communique are filled with holes and escape hatches that will allow you to cave in on the NRT slots and still claim the LOA is an improvement for Delta pilots. I'm 99.9% certain our union is setting us up for less NRT flying while management is allowed to continue outsourcing our jobs by operating the Pacific Joint Venture. I would be thrilled if you guys prove me wrong.

Carl