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)

Let's keep PS off the table until the market turns somewhere down the road. THEN we can trade it for another 10% raise.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingfun (Post 1718609)

I don't have a clue what your talking about. Not once have I advocated giving back the profit sharing. I have simply stated that a guarantee is far better then a maybe. We earned it so no need to give it back. Make it a guarantee however and I am all over it.

I will take 20% (+10% raiseDOS) over a non guaranteed PS, anyday. But first lets talk about restoration plus inflation. And my lost retirement. Once I get restored and I am made whole :D, then we can talk small numbers like 4833.

TEN

Quote:

Originally Posted by orvil (Post 1718397)

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Did Delta Force The Retirement Of Record-Holding Flight Attendant?

Paul Thompson

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Flight attendant Robert Reardon has truly witnessed the ups and downs of the airline industry. He flew for so many years that he outlasted even the most senior pilots by twenty-plus years. He holds two Guinness World records — oldest active flight attendant, and the longest career as a flight attendant, at 63 years.
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When Bob began his career on June 1, 1951, commercial air travel was nothing like it is today. His employer, Northwest Orient Airlines was flying DC-4s and Boeing 377 Stratocruisers. Passengers wore suits and fine dresses, treating air travel like the privilege it is. Flight attendants served hot meals on china, with real silverware and cocktails in real glasses.
Keep in mind that flight attendants don't just coast along after they're hired. They have to attend annual recurrent training, to prove they're still up to the task. They practice aircraft evacuations, first aid/CPR, and have to remember the galley configurations for every aircraft type. That's only some of it, but to know that Bob did it every year for so long, is incredibly impressive. Those who have flown for many years often say that flying can take a toll on the body. There are cases of pilots with skin cancer from cockpit UV radiation, and flight attendants with fertility problems and hearing loss. Not to mention the fast-paced, low rest lifestyle of quick turnarounds and short layovers. Bob was obviously at the top of the seniority list as a Purser (Head Flight Attendant) and able to choose whatever trip he wanted, serving First Class. But working your way to the top of the food chain at an airline is long, grueling work.
Reardon's last day as an employee of Delta Air Lines was Saturday, August 30th. The previous longest career record holder was Ron Akana of United Airlines. Delta says Reardon maintained a full flying schedule even at the end of his career, working flights to Tokyo several times a month.
Interestingly, some of the comments left on Bob's Facebook page make it seem like the retirement wasn't Bob's idea but Delta's, which would explain why he didn't want an insincere party hosted by the airline. On the Facebook page of one of Reardon's friends, Bruce Retrum, it says:

"Rather than a date to celebrate, it marks the end of a 62-year, 8-month career marred by a seven-month stressful and unfortunate ordeal. Robert's pending retirement was not of his choosing... Please understand that Robert needs time to sort out and reflect upon the events preceding his retirement"

Judging by the many comments left by his former coworkers, he was beloved and respected. All careers come to an end, and Bob undoubtedly loved his and did it well. It's quite a shame that it had to end under unhappy circumstances. I have requested a comment from Delta to provide their side of the story, and I'll update this piece when or if they respond.
UPDATE Delta has provided a statement, though it doesn't answer the discrepancy:

Robert "Bob" Reardon acquired legendary status at Delta and in the industry for performing a job he loved for 62 years. During that time he provided safety, service and friendship to countless customers and colleagues. We thank Bob for his years of dedicated services and wish him all the best in his retirement journey after what has been a truly remarkable aviation career.

Top image: Northwest Orient Boeing 377 Stratocruiser. Photos courtesy of Robert Reardon's Facebook page.

I met the guy. He is freakin' awesome. It was an honor. But, his goal was to die on a layover. The company did the right thing. Everybody's responsible for knowing when to make their exit. Those rooting him on the last 5 years didn't do him any favors.

Congratulations on a great career. Mind boggling living human history.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timbo (Post 1718339)

Is he the infamous inverted rotating pole smoking skin flute player I've heard about? :eek: :D

Heard about? You've got his link on your facebook...:p

Quote:

Originally Posted by satchip (Post 1718268)

I used to live there. They may look good from a distance, but underneath those granola chicks have hairy pits and smell. They're fighting against the patriarchy don't cha know.

That's why I would have to push back.

I'd go in loud with rubber gloves and a nose plug.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TenYearsGone (Post 1718615)

When you add up your MPP payout, note payout, claim payout, PBGC money and the DC plan going forward what is your honest assessment of your percentage of retirement lost. Even one of the most ardent anti ALPA posters on here admits he is actually better off with the new plan.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingfun (Post 1718639)

Im already set in my retirement (on my own doing). If the system was flawless, I would rather have my 60% FAE earnings, guaranteed.

THere will be a lot more downturns, in the future. People are punch drunk with the current state. They look at the Rate of return, now, and think they have made it. Wait until the next few downturns, reality will soon set in. A true guarantee is always better than perceived and forecasted rate of return.

TEN

Is there a place on iCrew or some place that I can see how much per diem I received each day? Thanks!

Again if tomorrow Delta offered a 14% raise to end the profit sharing we should jump all over it.

I don't know very much about contracts or negotiations, but let me get this straight:

I give up 14% profit sharing for a 14% raise. Isn't my paycheck going to remain basically unchanged?

In this environment, two thoughts come to my mind:

1) Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.

2) That is ******ing retarded.

Delta is making record profits and other stakeholders are reaping their rewards. The pilot group has taken huge concessions for the past 10 years to assist in the company's road back to profitability.

Market conditions today anticipate a huge pilot shortage that makes the tickets you hold in your pocket worth much more.

I'll be honest. I don't get that.

Let the profit sharing ride and double 14% as an appropriate opener considering the circumstances.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingfun (Post 1718609)

I don't have a clue what your talking about. Not once have I advocated giving back the profit sharing. I have simply stated that a guarantee is far better then a maybe. We earned it so no need to give it back. Make it a guarantee however and I am all over it.

Sailing! How would you even begin to negotiate that without losing value on the deal on a percentage basis. Non starter.