If that's true, then we need to stop all the pretense and bluster. If you're not prepared to use the strike weapon, you're no different than any other non-union employee group. You'll get whatever management is offering. Period

Don't you see how easy that theory makes it for management? All you have to do is talk a great game of voluntary cooperation. This gets people thinking there will be no need to even think of a strike...thus no need for family preparation. Then you drop the truth on them when many families won't be able to miss a paycheck...because they weren't prepared.

That is far too late Sink. Your family might be able to prepare and react that quickly, but many will not. Many families need years to save six months or more of living expenses. Donatelli knows this. By not preparing right now, we are realistically removing the option of striking because too many families couldn't be ready.

They're not even close to buying the rights Sink. They're just publishing our manuscript without even asking permission. They don't feel they need permission, that's why Richard said what he said about labor risk. They're not paying and they're not asking. They're simply doing. That's exactly how they behave with every other non-union employee group at Delta. Donatelli is showing nothing but complete acceptance and acquiescence. The ultimate leader...of a non union.

Carl

I like that idea of a DALPA goal: Min Value of a monthly line: 92 hours, because you're right, what I'm getting now isn't much. (But ALPA should be paid more than the avg line pilot). Wait, forgot, DALPA doesn't set goals. Back to my corner wearing a backpack of humble with expectations managed.

Well, not exactly. RA talks about an "early deal." Donatelli just nods like a bobblehead.

Why does Donatelli let him control the message and the timeline? Why is the company always in control of all the variables?? :confused:

I don't understand why Donatelli can't work a line, one sentence, into his fluffy legalese to the effect of, "we expect to be compensated commensurate with our contributions to the company's massive profitability, and will use every available option in the spectrum--up to and including a strike--to ensure we achieve the contract we want."

Why does Donatelli always react? Why doesn't he control the message...ever?

20 point spread. You heard it here first. Sorry Denny.

I want them to ride in the boat with us.

You can defend them all day long, but we have 7ERBs getting 7ERA pay.

and

I'll agree with you on one point: RA is pre-selling the story for 2016, without having secured the rights yet. As for as C2012, he's paid up until 2015. We can disagree about whether he paid enough, but not about the fact we're under contract.

As for strike preparations, I think you're premature, and I'm guessing the group isn't ready to make that transition until we have evidence that we can't reach a consensual deal. But, regardless of which one of us is right, most negotiations take around two years. In that time, I can think of a simple way to set aside about 2 months + of pay in the first 45 days, 4 months of pay in the first 410 days, and 6 months or more of pay by the 26-month mark. If we're not getting to a deal around the amendable date, I would put a little damper on the PS party by suggesting that all PS money be set aside for a strike fund.

Do we have to sit here and play dead while management does another billion dollar buy back in May?

Is it asking so much to point out we need 20% to get to decade old hourly rates?

Just a crumb of leadership. Just one little crumb would unite us 100%.

MD says he wants unity, but the ones pulling his strings do not.

Polite, professional and reasonable. Are we teammates or doormats?

Are you guys serious that our ALPA folks make 92 hours of pay a month!!!??

Yes. Certain members of DALPA's MEC administration draw 92 hours of pay at the highest category their seniority can hold...regardless of whether they're actually flying that position. Then there's other payments to make up for the per diem that they're not getting...for not flying.

Carl