Question: why aren't these 2 explanatory motives entirely plausible? Deflection/distraction are a BIG part of how "leadership" works these days, in DC and elsewhere.

Taken together they would seem to explain quite a bit.

I'll stipulate to your assertion the communications effort is a source of great frustration, from the MEC and local reps both.

I DO agree with you, and so I don't think you're getting my point.

First, it's not the discussion of the leaks that's reprehensible, it's the leaking itself.

Second, I'm not condoning this power struggle, I'm condemning it. I'm trying to highlight it. Trying to get guys into power, or pushing guys out of power is NOT serving the Delta pilots. And there are no sacred relics that need protecting.

The union is not more important than the pilots, it IS the pilots. diverting energy from negotiations, towards a political purpose, including via leaks, is stealing from all of us.

I have a feeling us talking about the TA before it is released is frustrating.

Us talking about the TA after the TA is released and before the vote is frustrating.

Us talking about the TA after it's been voted on is frustrating.

Basically, from what I understand, line pilots talking about a TA at any point, ever, is frustrating to the MEC and local reps both. http://www.beechtalk.com/forums/imag..._thumbdown.gif

Hope I'm not interpreting sink incorrectly, I don't like it when other improperly opine on one of my posts....

I think he's actually saying the reverse is true. The 19 members that make up the MEC should be (or are) frustrating for the line pilots because there is a power struggle that is harming our unified front. Management will use the disunity to weaken our position. Infighting does not put more money in our pockets.

Not saying pilot communication is a source of frustration TO the MEC and local reps, I'm saying communications FROM the MEC and LEC levels are a source of frustration to the pilots.

I think Deadhead is correct on that point.

As far as we can tell the "power struggle" stems from the leaked rumors…specifically those of concessions, some deep. If the rumors aren't true, there's nothing to worry about. If the rumors of concessions (some deep) are true, its a very good thing they were leaked so as to start the democratic pushback early and with more momentum in the frantic timeframe leading up to memory rat.

The worm is turning on their pathetic little attempt to merchant marine our industry out from under us. I can't wait to see them choke on their super jumbos that they ordered with the express intent on barfing capacity all over US to EU and other direct non ME markets.

Not exactly Awe inspiring
 

Get ready to bend over boys - we are getting close.

Scoop




Negotiating Process 102





Our Negotiating Committee and the Company met several times this past week. The MEC will receive a comprehensive update on the status of our negotiations and give further direction where needed. We expect that the majority of the meeting will be held in closed session.


Item 3. Negotiating Process “103”: With the 9th MEC meeting for this year scheduled this week, it should be clear that the elected representatives on the MEC have been deeply involved in the ongoing negotiations. As your representatives we have been mindful throughout of your goals and your priorities, as has the Master Chairman and the Negotiating Committee.

While we have kept your priorities and goals front and center during these negotiations, to be clear, this is a negotiation and negotiations require that both parties sign the agreement. Even in an up environment, this requires that both parties will have some of their concerns addressed before they will do so. We have looked at the company’s concerns, directed the negotiators to engage on some of them, and passed on others. Our goal is to negotiate the contract items that are consistent with your priorities and provide the maximum benefit for the most pilots.

We don’t shoot from the hip either when we give direction. In addition to your input, the MEC has received extensive briefings from industry experts, the NMB, negotiators, mediators, arbitrators, economic and financial analysis experts, our Pilot Director, and Delta’s Executive Leadership team. Like flying, the more information you have, the clearer the sight picture becomes. In our multiple MEC meetings, we have directed and redirected our negotiators. We never forget that each decision, and each vote made by the MEC has real consequences for the Delta pilots and their families. Frankly, this process is not for the faint of heart, or those weak on conviction; difficult decisions must be made by all involved in order to move negotiations forward. Failure to make those decisions can stall the negotiating process indefinitely. It is our firm belief that if we reach a TA, this TA will be a significant gain for the Delta Pilots.

As we move forward with our contract negotiations, rumors will abound and we hear them daily. Half-truths, partial information and plainly wrong information, almost always negative, is everywhere. Don’t let these rumors sway your determination, or distract you from your support of our negotiators. Historically, pilot groups that are supportive and unified behind their negotiating committee achieve superior results. We obtain more and greater victories by working together as a unified group.

That's pretty depressing to read.
The Council 44 reps sound defeated.

I don't hear a darn thing you guys are saying over the sound of potato chip like crunching in my mouth.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e1...9/EatCrow1.jpg

:D