I've read everything; Talked to the ALPA volunteers in the lounge, but as highly reasoned they make voting yes sound, I still feel as if we are being played. Is the new Model take what ever is offered because that is the best we will ever do? Is our management enlightened as demonstrated by their willingness to give us a lowball offer as opposed to nothing using the RLA process?
Instead, I began to wonder, what if RA retired and we hired him to negotiate for us. What would Richard do? He certainly has never taken the first offer and walked away to come back for the final deal many times since his employment with Delta.
What do you think?

Think politically. He has already announced the reduced profit sharing with immediate pay raise to all the non union workers, you think he is going to go back on that with us ?(the chance brothers;fat and slim). He is trying to keep DL non union, you think he is going to come back and give us a better offer ?, what message does that send to the non union employees ? Richard has a plan B that doesn't include us and if we get a second offer it will be worse just like the JCBA. We talk about our line in the sand have you ever thought that management also has a line in the sand ? Maybe we are at that line in the sand because DL is on a time line and Richard told his negotiators he wants a deal done fast. Richard can keep our current contract in place for a long time and the company will make billions and we as a collective group will lose millions. Feel like gambling ?

Many on here keep posting what non-union hands get for various reasons such as they might riot if you tick 'em off bad enough, etc, etc. while at the same time posting what union hands DON'T get for various and quite numerous reasons.

Now I may be wrong; but, something just ain't right in this picture.

Not arguing right or wrong just the current landscape at DL

I'll take the gamble.

He doesn't have to increase the pay, he has to cut the size of the jumbo RJ fleet, end the RAH exemption, and drop the work rule changes that will result in fewer pilots. He could look at the other work groups here and tell them he honestly did not raise the pilots pay but instead ended provisions that would've increased how much of their work, and ours, was outsourced.

So you're saying he will come back with no pay raise and keep DCI as is ?

Oh no, that's what I wish he'd do. Sunset DCI would be better.

What I think he'd do is increase pay and keep the scope concessions in there. They're after the 76 seaters and I don't think they'll budge. That's more of a bet.

So a wish and a bet. But as to what would Richard really do? He'd do an unemotional business decision that takes the long view and is opportunistic.

Just like me.

FTB, I was pulling your chain. We both agree it is a business decision and will vote accordingly. I'm fine with either outcome.

My question may be rhetorical, but not sure you are all answering it. I'm imaginining Richard now works for the pilots as our negotiator. The Men in Black light has been used to erase all knowledge he had of the company's plans and books.
Being the seasoned negotiator that he is; Would he take the deal being adverse to risk or would he walk away and come back for another bite?

Pulling my finger is a lot more fun.

Because the older I get the more unpredictable the outcome.