Since this thread is being steered towards contract negotiations talk, I would just like to add that our pilot group has been weak up until now. We had a great opportunity two years ago to turn down the TA and ask for improvements. So many of our pilots were worried about being parked for several months that they voted yes. Others voted yes, because they had 5 or less years left in their careers.

We could learn so much from WN pilots. They have the sack to turn down TAs and now they are in the process of putting together a strike preparedness committee.

I hope that in 2-3 years, our pilot group won't accept the first TA presented. Of course, a lot of that depends on getting some leadership in the NC and the MEC.

We really really lost out on negotiating for scope last time around. The NC didn't fight for it, because "management wouldn't go for it". Also, too many in our ranks kept saying things like, "Scope is not worth the paper it's written on."

The best thing that came out of the contract 2 years ago was furlough protection language. Everything else was less than stellar. The $200.00 was insulting, IMHO, and FO pay should have been increased.

There are so many things we left on the table, but I'll just leave it here.

If ALK keeps making money hand-over-fist, then we'll have leverage. We just have to recognize that we have leverage and fight for a good contract.

 

With all the hiring we are doing the pilot group mindset has to change... You'd think.

 

I certainly hope so. We have many coming from the regionals and it seems that regional pilots know the importance of scope more than the 55+ year-olds on the property.

Who knows, maybe the pilot group demographic will change.

 

If they are flying between the two city pairs, ALK wins hands down over DL. And it is the employees, from the gate agents to the flight attendants. The pilots at AS even seem more motivated to get off the gate on time.

In the end I think DL is getting too big to manage and to keep consistency in it's product. Also, I think JDP reviewers have to cringe listening to Anderson's fake southern accent...that may be the whole point difference in itself.

million miler DM on Delta, 75k on AS. 74 Captain

 

Hey! My tie is 18" dammit!

 

Ties! You were talking about ties

 

Yeah awax, there's more than one answer to your riddle.

 

I missed it, are you guys being pushed to do the in cabin meet and greet thing?

I remember years ago coex in our flight plan have us this 1-2 minute speech about buying a credit card, we were supposed to say it over the PA enroute. I think that kind of stuff is a bad idea. Maybe I wear my hat too tight but when I ride in the back all I want is quiet, and I'm riding for free. If I paid to ride, I demand it be quiet. Just smile and tell me you're glad I'm there and respond if I need something.

Maybe on a international flight, but on a domestic flight you've already got too many people standing at the 1L door to begin with.

 

Anderson is from Texas. Born there, went to college there. So it's not a fake southern accent, it's a Texas accent.

Btw, sitting in the back how do you know if I'm motivated to get off the gate on time? when the gate agent shuts the door and the flight attendants say they're ready and shut the cockpit door, how do you know what I am or am not motivated to do from that point forward??

 

Management asked each work group to do their "one thing". The pilot group's "one thing" was for the CA to stand in front of the PAX before the flight and make a little speech. Like that was going to win over the PAX and keep them flying on us vs. jumping ship and running over to DAL. Keeping customers loyal goes beyond some pilot nerd making a speech before each and every flight, but what do I know?

I do agree with you, FTB. Too many PAs can really ruin the experience for passengers. Some of our guys make too many PAs. Add to that all the PAs made by the flight attendants. My least favorite is the FAs selling the mileage plan credit card prior to TOD.

Anyway, most CAs I fly with don't do the speech. Some do it time permitting... as long as it's not interfering with pre-flight duties.