Airline Pilot Central Forums - Any "Latest & Greatest" about Delta?

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- - Any "Latest & Greatest" about Delta? (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/delta/36912-any-latest-greatest-about-delta.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hillbilly (Post 1527209)

The shortest tenure for pre merger DAL pilots on furlough for FM 1 would have been just shy of the 2 year point. The longest tenure without an opportunity to return (TK) was just over 5 years and 3 months. Everyone out longer than that would have been because of the individual choice to bypass recall. Pilots now returning from furlough bypass have been out for 11-12 years with the exception of some pre merger NWA pilots who have been out for 7-8 years since their last furlough.

I believe the pilots who have chosen not to return were likely never going to return. They bypassed when recall came and sent in a letter prior to the 10 year point to preserve one last option to return because they had nothing to lose by doing so. While it is noteworthy to see how many chose not to return, it's also interesting to note the 30+ JBLU 320 Captains who have been there for 10+ years that are returning to Delta. I don't think either of these things will have any effect on negotiations for our next contract.

First off, I am pretty sure Buzz meant to the say the "longest" furlough was 5 years, not the shortest. You know how these writers can be without their editors and proofreaders. :D

Secondly I will attest to what Hillbilly says above and further refine it. The shortest furlough (not counting the FM II guys who got recalled with backpay) was furloughed in February 2003 and recalled in July 2004. I know because I was in this group. I calculate that to be 17 months. If you subtract the two months furlough pay the shortest furloughs were without a DAL paycheck for 15 months.

Lastly I will relate a somewhat funny story about how it is better to be lucky than good. I was offered a July 2004 recall but deferred until August thinking I would not get another July off for 10 years, besides I was drilling almost full time in the reserves.

Well the July guys all got 737-200s and I would have been in the bottom half of this group. Also in July, there was an AE for 737-800s but most of the recent recalls stayed put on the 737-200s wanting to obtain a little seniority as quick as they could thinking all the recalls will come in behind them on the 737-200.

Well guess what? Pretty much the whole August group gets 737-800s and I come in on the top of this group with over 40 FOs behind me. :D You can bet some of the 737-200 guys ere complaining, but they had the opportunity to bid the 800 and did not.

Scoop :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by buzzpat (Post 1527010)

To your point Scambo, resignations should send a signal to both DALPA and DAL that this isn't the end all, be all. We are the best, right? We treat our employees well, right? Well, when some if the best say sayonara there's something wrong. That's how it affects future negotiations. And when contracts allow for junior/furloughed guys to be taken advantage of for compensatory gains by senior guys, that also affects negotiations.

Simply, we, as an industry leading and world leading pilot group need to overcome the temptation to be greedy at the expense of our own. I'm no longer a new hire and I see things much more clearly. We eat our young and management loves it. I don't really aspire to get involved with the union but I'll be damned if I'll continue to watch our current mode of business to continue.

A lot of you like to bag on Carl. I get it. But, you know, Carl, a senior dude, gets it way more than most of you. Delta pilots, IMHO, are self-absorbed and selfish. Why would I naturally be fraternally connected to that?

Buzz, this post speaks to me. As a 4yr 11month furloughee I came back looking for that unity as well. It has been a sad trip watching all the petty fighting and lack of unity. Everyone suffered but that doesn't mean it's time to be selfish to get back what we lost. Unity is the only answer but I'm discouraged at our chances unless a guy like you steps up :) seriously, published author, proven leader and all around good guy. By the way I'm lax based you got my vote;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purple Drank (Post 1527206)

"Most?" That sounds like some fuzzy math.
Carl is one of the most popular guys here. He's built up more goodwill here than you and I ever will. Even those who don't share his opinion, value his contribution. He's trying to make this a better place to hang our hats.

I'll second that. I don't always agree with everything that Carl says, but I really appreciate a senior 747 guy that is passionate about Scope and knowledgeable about a lot of issues that affect junior guys. Plenty of senior captains are totally oblivious of similar issues. Not to mention the whole Bill Murray thing.

Scoop :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoop (Post 1527325)

Third.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purple Drank (Post 1527206)

Sorry to see this forum become a "popularity contest" instead of a good place for rumors and underboob. :(

Quote:

Originally Posted by newKnow (Post 1527279)

Did you live in DFW? What did they do for commuting pilots? How did they get home?

I did live in DFW. You had the option to mail your ID in and they would send you a furlough ID if you were a commuter or just did not want to come back to work. Jump seat was gone immediately as I recall but they let us keep our travel benefits in a S3c status so all the commuters were able to get home.

[QUOTE=formerdal;1527134]Not to be picky but your numbers are way off. I was almost exactly in the middle of the furloughed south group and came back 3 years to the month. There were guys back on the property about 6 months before me, still a long time but at not anywhere close to 5 years...[/QUOTE]

Well I have to disagree, TK went on furlough on 01NOV01 and was out through 30JAN07. That's 5 years 3 months on my calendar.

[QUOTE=DALMD88FO;1527366]

Quote:

Originally Posted by formerdal (Post 1527134)

Not to be picky but your numbers are way off. I was almost exactly in the middle of the furloughed south group and came back 3 years to the month. There were guys back on the property about 6 months before me, still a long time but at not anywhere close to 5 years...[/QUOTE]

Well I have to disagree, TK went on furlough on 01NOV01 and was out through 30JAN07. That's 5 years 3 months on my calendar.

Look at the original poster. He stated the shortest furlough was at least 5 years and then proceeded to chastise someone for not keeping up with how many were on furlough and for how long, at least that's how it came across...that is what I was responding to.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rather B Fishin (Post 1527355)

Sorry to see this forum become a "popularity contest" instead of a good place for rumors and underboob. :(

If you want rumors go to the company meetings with SD and JG...not sure if they can help on the underboob.:rolleyes:

Quote:

Originally Posted by daldude (Post 1527183)

Well if we are sharing stories-- My most memorable stories was when the chief pilot in DFW called security to escort me and another furloughee out of the DFW pilot lounge following our last flight. Needless to say I was surprised. Talk about the walk of shame, I would say that single 10 minute event is my most memorable experience at Delta.

With my first furlough, I was escorted out by the chief pilot's drop dead gorgeous secretary. Once I was out of the building, she continued to walk and talk with me all the way to my car. Being a pilot of course I'm thinking: Hmmm maybe I'm in for a good sympathy boink here. :D Then I noticed she was carrying a small plastic spatula looking thing. She needed it to scrape the parking sticker off my windshield. :(

Carl