What? There's someone richer than me?

 

It was short sightedness that caused the RJ outbreak. During the good times, you received a nice bonus or funded the retirement fund in exchange for scope. However, when the bad times came, mainline pilots needed those positions that they voted away.

 

No, it was a change in technology that caused the RJ outbreak. It was shortsightedness not to prepare or adapt for that change.

BAE-146's and Fokker F28's were in regional systems throughout the 80's. They weren't economically viable in large numbers. That all changed in December 1993 when Comair took the first CRJ into service.

The contracts never had protections built in against something that didn't exist.

 

It wasn't needed, for there to be scope relief, there has to be a section that specifically states what is excluded from coverage by the CBA. Otherwise labor law protects that which is not covered.

Trust me, I own a business that deals with union labor, I know what I can and can not do.

 

What about the Convairs, DC-9's, F-70/90, and 737's ? Aircraft of similar capacity which did exist.

Contracts did not require protections to manage outsourcing in a day when outsourcing was not tolerated; in a time when pilot labor leaders considered alter-ego operations an existential threat. Back then we fought to unify our profession.

You might know this part of the history better than I, but wasn't it Eastern which first allowed feeder codeshare? It has been at least 15 years since I heard Randy Babbit quoted on the subject. Outsourcing was not the result of evolving technology in our industry which went through years of rapid evolution without resorting to treating some as non preferred members of our profession. Outsourcing evolved with our contract negotiations and agreements.

Pragmatically, we have to deal with today's business environment. But that does not mean we, as a profession, should lose our heading. The Delta MEC has been increasingly drawing their circle around all Delta company flying. The concept of "global production balance" unifies the Delta pilots' share of Delta flying.

We are also working on what we "permit." Progress was made in Contract 2012. We "permit" outsourcing and as long as we permit it, we must take responsibility for our involvement.

 

When is this happening given all the regional flows?

 

Haha, the doomsday flows. The first class of non-recalls should have off the street hires.

 

Not if it is only 20 people like is being put out and CP doesn't hold back. I hope your right but the published numbers still don't point to that nor does it sound like recruiters are saying that at recent job fairs etc. it sounds like.

 

To: ALL PILOTS

We will begin hiring the next generation of Delta pilots in just a few months; the first indoctrination class is scheduled for November 4. Those who join our seniority list over the coming months and years will, from all indications, have a great career ahead. Although we will always continue our efforts to improve the operation, our product and our customer service, we have worked together to make Delta a formidable competitor and a premier global carrier. Customers, both domestically and internationally, are willing to pay a premium to fly Delta thanks to the outstanding service you and our Delta colleagues provide. We are investing in our fleet and focusing on operational excellence - and this is also making a difference.

Once hiring begins, the schoolhouse and sims will be ramped up to full capacity with both new-hires and line pilots transitioning to different seat positions and categories. As we begin this new chapter at Delta, I want to pause just a moment to thank each of you for your continued professionalism and leadership. We owe much credit to the aviators who mentored us. Perhaps our most important contribution as pilots is to pass along to the next generation the invaluable lessons, skills and professionalism that we each learned as new-hires. The Delta Pilot Seniority List is comprised of the finest aviation professionals in the world -- and we are well-represented by a wide range of backgrounds. Whether you began your airline career at one of the great legacy carriers – Delta, Northwest, Republic, Western and Pan Am– or rose through the ranks of the regional airlines, we are a stronger workforce due, in part, to our diverse experiences and shared vision for what the future holds.

I know there are a lot of questions about the hiring process and how to recommend someone for a piloting position. The following FAQs address this and other issues. We will update these FAQs periodically as more details become available.

Sincerely,

 

Best news I've seen all day!!!