CVG767A

I hope that we can stop the slide with our next T/A. I expect to vote no on it, assuming that it's worse than what we have now. Given that our pensions are about to take a huge hit, I think most of us are ready to say that we've had enough.

Having a plan B provides some peace of mind. From what I've seen, it's not too hard to replace your Delta income out in the real world. On the negative side, it involves more days of work, and that work intrudes upon your free time, as well. On the positive side, however, you won't miss nearly as many significant events at home, and you won't sweat bidding around holidays anymore.

Our leaders would like to convince you that you'll be flipping burgers if Delta folds; I think that most guys can find rewarding work outside of the airline business.

koz2000

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060209/ap_on_bi_ge/delta

ryane946

Good article. It is good to see pilots standing the line on additional paycuts. Air Carriers got one round, but another round of cuts needs to be stopped at all costs.

pnh2atl

I just got this email.

"Management has not funded our plan in bankruptcy and now acknowledges that due to their actions, our pension plan will likely be terminated."

That has got to be worth $325 million.

CitationCapt

My neighbor, A Delta B737-300 FO is the sole provider in his house, with two young kids. His average income was in the 130K range before the cuts, but is around 70K now. My wife and I make a combined 108K with 2 small kids in the same sized home as my neighbor (1800 sq ft). We are not extravigant spenders and sometimes live paycheck to paycheck.

The notion by the media that Delta pilots make 200-300K has been quite skewed in my opinion, as this range WAS coveted by a few before the cuts.

The countless bashing by Delta pilot haters seems to be by those who are young and attempting to carve out a career move to the majors, but are blaming the situation on what they deem greedy pilots. I'll bet the majority of the pilot staff are just like my neighbor.

CC

Tomcat

CitationCapt,

thanks for your thoughtful insight into this issue.
Respectfully,

Tomcat
DAL SLC MD90 FO

CitationCapt

Tomcat,

You're welcome. One more thought is about those who have left Delta. Many pensioneers are probably out trying to supplement what they either received in a lump sum (600K won't last forever) or month pension with some type of flying job, real estate sales job or whatever just to maintain a middle class lifestyle. I have met some who were furloughed from other carriers and took an early retirement option, but still need a job to make ends meet. I fly now with two guys in that boat.

CC

XtremeF150

Tomcat
I only fly for a regional but I believe that you guys are on the right track and if we can convince others from the bottom or the top to STOP any cuts, concessions, loss of pensions, at least its one round for us. Although i haven't been in the profession that long, I know that Jets don't fly themselves and the public won't stop flying either.
Morale: the more people we can convince, that we truly have great numbers ready to start walking the stronger our side will be. Again I'm at the bottom but I too am willing to "throw the towel" should management not take us seriously. I do greatly respect those of you at the majors that are willing to do the same. A strategy such as this will likely cost some jobs at the bottom but it will ensure that when it is time we too will have a job that our families can be proud of.

XtremeF150

rickair7777

Ditto here....

Comair Delta Jr

Thank god Delta has comair to pick up the slack in the event of a mainline strike. A career move for all at Comair. However, I do not beleive a strike will ever happen. I talk to JC alot and he is ready to help Delta at a moments notice.