Translation: Profit sharing is DANGEROUS! Monetize it now before it's TOO LATE! Section 6 negotiations is DANGEROUS! Agree to something now before it's TOO LATE!

Brought to you by the Carl Spackler translation service. Translating DALPA weasel words to English since 2008.

Carl

What percentage of Delta pilots voted to ratify C2K? Apparently, even that strategy failed to result in consensus. At Northwest, we ratified a no-cost contract extension in exchange for a 10% increase in pay rates. About 13% of our pilot group (including 3 reps on the MEC) voted No. What is the level of satisfaction must our MEC achieve to declare their strategy a "success"? And what do they tell the percentage of pilots who aren't satisfied with the result?

That sounds like a goal that can be interpreted differently by pilots with differing priorities. I think the "Historic" slogan for 2015 is weak for the same reason. Maybe something that expresses an action and co-ops the Company message would work: "Keep Climbing"? (Yes, I'll stick with my day job…)

We can demand all we want. What we'll get is what we negotiate. Demanding is not negotiating. There is another party in these negotiations, and simply telling the other party "the way it's going to be" isn't going to work. All that does is move the process to the Briar Patch of endless mediation, and no results.

Our MEC Chairman (Chairman's Letters) and my reps have connected the dots repeatedly. It might be a stretch to claim that our cuts directly led to the the current level of profitability. I think consolidation, government protections, and the recovering economy had some direct impact as well. But I can't argue that the battering we took 10 years ago didn't play a major role.

I think your interpretation of the MEC's message is such. I don't see it that way. We can disagree and still get a good contract.

That's like a clown on fire. Kinda funny...kinda sad.

The Karnak's/Shiznit's/Sailingfud's can't answer that Timbo. They can only deflect it. The truth is that this MEC administration won't use the strategy you used in C2K because that strategy worked. They know damn well it would work today...which is exactly why they scrupulously refuse to use it.

Our MEC administration sees themselves as partners with management. They are all-in on that strategy and tbey've gone too far down that road to stop now. The difficulty comes in their inability to admit it...which explains the process of: 1. Initial big talk, 2. Weasel words, 3. Accept whatever management says to accept. If the MEC administration just went right to step 3, they know too many pilots would be angry with them. This system allows them to keep the warm partnership with their management family members, while providing cover and stealth from the members so members don't decode the plan until it's too late.

Why we continue to allow this is incredible. It is truly amazing how successful Ford & Harrison has been in handling DALPA.

Carl

Exhibit A. They cannot answer you Timbo, they can only deflect.

Carl

So Karnak,

This being sent to the "Briar Patch of endless mediation", may not be a bad thing. I know as a 320B who has stagnated for 15 years, a lot of us in the bottom third of the list are looking a pay raises by advancing to new seats with retirements.

IRT sick leave issues, the last I saw we have a PWA that is enforceable hence not our problem. Profit sharing that is a nice augment and I always ask, if management came out of CH11 today, would we get the same profit sharing terms and conditions?

You're right, there is a Briar Patch but it is a 2 way street. I just don't see what the rush is to do a deal? If we don't, it would make RA "unhappy"?

I hope Karnak is not on the MEC, jeebus cristmas, what a lame response.

Karnak, you are a management tool, being used to lower the bar for the pilots ever getting back to where we were 11 years ago. Ever. In spite of the record profits being generated, you seem bent on not rocking the boat.

Well, I guess what RA said was true, "Labor Risk is off the table", thanks to clowns like Karnak, and their way of thinking.

I guess our past C2K Chairman was correct, when he said;

"What did you think that rocking chair was for?"

Karnak, if you're not willing to stand for something, you'll fall for anything, your way of negotiating will guarantee us another 4,8,3,3, barely keeping up with inflation, and never restoring this profession to it's traditional place in earnings/benefits.

All this while the Industry has fundamentally changed, with consolidation, lower fuel prices bringing Billions in profits, and while they are worried about a Pilot Shortage.

Why is there a Pilot Shortage Karnak? Why?

Why do you think kids aren't choosing to enter this profession any more?

Because ALPA toolbags sold out half of our narrow body flying to RJ operators, for minimum wages.

Why do you think most of the military guys are staying on active duty for 20 years, vs. getting out and taking a job at the Majors?

Why?

Because toolbags such as yourself won't stand up to Management, and RESTORE this Profession!

Have you chosen to not bid a captain seat over the past 2 of those years? On another thread there is speculation about how junior captain will go.

As a new hire I flew with captains who'd been S/O's for 12 years, and gone on strike 5 times. Apparently the industry is cyclical. I was in the left seat when the music stopped. Wasn't my plan - wasn't my fault.

If the Briar Patch of mediation dilutes our earnings over that period, then it is a bad thing. We could have spreadsheet wars over it, but I think we can agree that extended periods of no increases can equate to lower net earnings.

Agree with you. Sick is the Company's issue. I don't know how PS would look under that hypothetical. I do remember the guys that sat next to me at the roadshow in 2009 that angrily claimed we'd never see a penny of PS.

I don't care how RA feels. I expect him to do his job as best he can. I think he expects the same of us. I also think the RLA gives him the upper hand when times are good because he has the ability to stall. When times are bad we tend to have the upper hand, unless a judge gets involved.

Thanks for sticking to the issues.

The "Issue" is, RESTORATION.

Why can't you even say the word? :rolleyes:

We are still at pay rates 18% behind 2004 rates. Even our profit sharing of 16% left us 2% short of 11 year old rates. That's why I have a problem with proactive appeasement. You seem ok with it. What are you afraid of? The NMB?