I'd flyit if it meant keeping that plane at mainline to ensure we can get the rates back up. The initial rate is low because we don't have them in property yet. We can get it up to where it needs to be but not if it's given away, once it's gone, it's gone

Reddog,

So, if the company gets rid of all the smaller DC-9s, what do you propose we do? $121.70 is a negotiated contract rate, which is about $3 less than I was making nine months ago. Another point is that it is for 100 seat flying. The DC-9 covers 100-125 seats right now. Also, the only other legacy to have the 190/5 on property is US Air and they pay their 12 year captains $95 per hour. I'm not saying this to suggest that they are happy with the pay rates, but I can tell you, I bet they are happy to have the jobs and the possibility to negotiate higher rates if and when they get their act together. As someone pointed out earlier, JetBlue just negotiated very high rates for the 195. If we get it, we will too. What I don't understand is why the $121 is so offensive to you when that is what DC-9 drivers got paid last year this time. Would you rather us refuse to fly the airplane and put people on the street just to prove a point? I'd talk to the people on the street to see how they feel about it. But, I think they are telling you on this forum right now.

New K Now

reddog, so do you propose that the E-195s (if they were to be ordered) have Delta Connection painted on the side of them if they aren't paid at DC-9 rates?

The Delta contract has a pay rate for the E190/195. That pay rate would govern until a new contract is negotiated.

The combined pre 9/11 list would have somewhere around 17000 pilots on it. The 2009 list has around 12,400 pilots on it. We arguably are more efficient. But not to the tune of 35%. The loss of 5000 pilots is a result of our arrogance and inability to secure the flying under 100 seats. Get the planes back on the property. Period.

That's what reddog is whining about.

I still say bring all of the CRJ-900's back to mainline!

Red,
I agree a higher payrate would be nice but the rate is what it is. We need to start thinking strategically vice tactically. Jet Blue got the 190 onboard with atrocious payrates - their rates were so low it was pathetic, but they quickly got the rate up to a respectable $143. What is even more important a 6 year JB 190 Captain makes $132 and they have been upgrading quicker than that -even though it will most likely slowdown. So a 6th year Jet Blue guy makes more than 90% of our 12 year FO's.
Yes in a perfect world we would match the DC-9 rates, but lets get the planes at mainline and then we can get the rates where they should be. I do; however, admire your passion - ever think about running for office? As a DAL South guy I eagerly look forward to an infusion of "Northern Blood" into our seemingly lethargic Union. :)

Scoop

The fact that we are even arguing about this is disturbing. I'm sick and tired of senior pilots thinking it's alright to just let the narrow body flying go away. If you didn't want to fly it for such wages, then why did we put it in the contract? We've made our bed. Our contract's up in four years. We can fix the low rate then. In the meantime, new planes need to be on the Delta list.

Different rumor: I heard they were looking at buying the Shuttle America 175's and putting them at Compass. If this happens, Delta would be able to furlough mainline pilots without furloughing Compass pilots. I hope this rumor is not true, but I've heard it floating around out there.

Reddog, the DC9 is getting parked. What is your better alternative? More outsourcing?

Why do you care? Obviously you are senior enough to hold A320 Captain. You'll be middle of the widebody flying before long. I'm guessing you are worried that YOUR negotiating capital will be used to negotiate 100 to 130 seat jet rates. (it wont, you have nothing to worry about)

We junior pilots who are tired of outsourcing and the excuse that our flying does not pay enough for us to perform, we want the thing on the property. We'll fly it, you don't have to bid it.

We should care about those hired behind us. Our profession is going down the crapper as we outsource more and more of it. Also, as we outsource we have less power at the bargaining table. Get us more flying and we can get you more power at the table to negotiate better rates for you.