Originally Posted by Sink r8

Good post, Scoop.

I think we're all getting the same feedback, so we know what they're going after, both the NC and the company. We can judge the results when/if there is a T/A.

I do want to make one observation, and I think it's an important concept. Let me see if I can develop it like this:

1) It's not just important what we say on the forum, but what we do.
2) We step up to say we'll vote down a contract that's not satisfactory, and this is good. But we're also tripping over ourselves over rumors, and showing eagerness for a T/A. APC right now is just humming along, powered by eager Delta pilots. That sends a message too.
3) Many of us, including me, are now showing a willingness to look at the T/A, with Section 1 taken in it's entirety. This opens the door for a deal further. Maybe they're now negotiating over a couple of jets here and there, or a % of pay, or an hour of vacation... you get my drift: maybe the whole thing is down to going a little this way, or a little that way.
4) [B]The more anxious we act (not talk), the less management feels they have to yield to get us there, the less leverage our guys have to go just a little further.
5) The more patient we act (not talk), the more management feels they have to give to get us there, the more leverage our guys have to go just a little further.

So think about this, as we perhaps approach the finish line (I'm not playing coy here.... I don't know either):

Patience and discipline might get us more. Patience and discipline might yield 1% extra, might yield 25 less 76-seat jets, might yield a better sick policy... whatever. And that little bit of patience now will pay back dividends every year.

At this point, your target audience is no longer other pilots. We don't have to convince each other of how to vote on a T/A yet, and to influence a T/A, we should be talking to our reps, not just this APC closed loop. This is mostly about showing discipline, as the NC determines whether they can wrap this up properly, or not. This is the time to provide them with just a little extra leverage, IMO.

I'm for one am going to try to put my words where my mouth is, and step back. I'm not a patient man at heart, but I can learn if there is a payoff.

Originally Posted by TOGA LK

Everyone needs to step back and take a breather. Managing the unknown can be tough, but posts detrimental to our cause undermines the negotiating capital of our team. Think about the rumors and the psy-ops management is trying to distract the pilots with... Stay strong, focused, committed and most importantly, patient. They came to us with an early opener, remember that.

Originally Posted by Tomcat

Hang tight boys.... We all arrived at our own decision matrix long ago. I'm sure each of us may have made minor adjustments, but overall nothing has really changed. Keep in touch with your Reps and don't get thrown about by the distractions. Aviate, Navigate, Communicate....

TC

Originally Posted by acl65pilot

Agreed. The MEC is air tight, the rumors are from across the street. Trial balloons if you will.

Originally Posted by scambo1

Assuming these rumors are more than fluff, one of the things that accompanies them is immediate hiring.

How do I set up the DAL internal recommendation email? a link would be fine.

Will it mess up my other passwords?

Originally Posted by Tomcat

I do appreciate the pieces of intel, but we all have to realize that trial balloons are mixed in. I know which items will garner an immediate no vote from me, regardless of how many bows or how much fluffy language you put on it. At the same time, I know what will get my yes vote.

I think one thing that has changed for me personally is I would like to see a 24-30 month contract. Gives everyone more time to see the weather on the horizon. Having said that, I still have a couple of definitive items that I require to vote yes.

ACL, hope to see you at the LEC mtg if you can make it.

TC