Also, the pilot groups have been very helpful to the merger - no obstacles since summer 2008 and putting up with lots of changes. I'd just point to USAir/America West and say "we could of done that but no - we believe in the new Delta. How 'bout some cash to show your appreciation?"

I agree, I would like to see the DC bumped up a lot. I would like to see most pilots hit the max every year. It is something that needs to be looked at.

I think that it is safe to say that 99% of the pilots here have high expectations for C2012.

Sailing and ACL,

I am in agreement with your thinking.

However, my impression is that there are several demographic groups that have their own priorities.

For example the most junior pilots are [understandably] most concerned about scope. As a "deadzoner" I'm in a group that is most concerned about "maximizing" retirement. There are other groups whose highest priority is pay rates. And so on...

After the beating we collectively took in bankruptcy, the idea of a cost neutral contract is not something I want to even consider.

I think based on the conversations that I have had with many of our fellow pilots, that most have desires and at the end of the day are pragmatic enough to realize there are many things that need improving. The need for us to at a min stop the slide of scope is imperative to keep any gains we get. If we keep selling our bottom and top end jobs, it makes it very hard to demand and then receive decent gains. IMHO I do not see nor know anyone advocating selling to top to save the bottom.
If we can 1) get a 76+ seat plus seat jet at mainline, I truly believe that many will for once agree that the company will not be coming after the 100 seat market. Problem is that per the company that 100 seat jets is seven to eight years away. 2) Get the company to agree not to renew DCI contracts and when these contracts come due that flying is moved to mainline. If either of these happens, I honestly feel that many will see it as a step in the correct direction. Can it be all taken back in one swoop? Maybe, but we need to see where the support of the group lies so we can know where and what to work for.
As for retirement and restoration. Both are non-negotiable. We need them and will get them. The retirement needs to be improved, and the pay need to be retored to the maximum extent possible. How we do this depends on the group and how much they are willing to support any single item.

We need a team in place that sees this. We need people that will communicate this. New ideas and perspectives can be good. Fact is no one can promise you anything. It all depends on the will of the group. If the will is there, it gives the MEC great latitude to peruse the goals of this group.

Didn't the MEC pass a resolution amending the bylaws so that the MEC Chairman has the sole vote on any issue. NO, hmmm could have fooled me.

This group, and I say it in the nicest way, has no balls. I hope our Northern brothers avoided the castrations.

Where we fail miserably is that we think we have to give something for everything we get. I throw the BS flag here. With that said, it will be very interesting to see section 6 openers. Certain things should be tagged as "non-negotiable" items, meaning WE WILL GET THIS. On the short list of these items are: Pay needs to have parity with SWA 737 rates adjusted by equipment, retirement bumped way up, a SCOPE clause that will work.

DCI is not our biggest problem. You boys and girls in ATL don't see the lack of presence out west. Try to fly on the "Worlds Premier Global Airline" between the two biggest cities in CA. Why is Alaska doing our flying out west? How the hell does that happen? Yea sure, we'll probably buy them, but most of those guys are senior to even me (13yrs).

ACL, I hope you go for a leadership position. How about negotiating committee chair? Your leadership and insight is needed. Find smart people (I'm not included by default) to surround yourself with and kick some ass. Delta is by far the best place to fly airplanes, no question about it. Great people, strong company, smart managers (FINALLY). I just want my part of those damned synergies!

Amen brother. Its embarrassing. I thought LA was supposed to be "one of the goal posts." So far, its just a sleepy little FBO as far as DAL is concerned.

Another matrix?

I agree, from a small sample size but. I had an LAX layover last trip and we took a few minutes to go downstairs and see where everything was. I was suprised at how small the crew room was........nice but real small. It does say a lot

A follow on question if I could. We noticed there was no "bag room" (at least we didn't see one), do you guys take your brain bags home after a trip? It may be another sign of the commuter culture, be most of us leave our bags at base when we go home.

Ferd

There is a bag room in LAX, but it is hidden behind a locked door.

It used to be staight across the hallway from the pilot lounge entrance, behind a coded, locked door. As far as the lounge being small...I've never seen it overcrowded....a few recliners, a few computers, bulletin board, etc. It's not that big of a pilot domicile.