Long time lurker, first time poster. 2000 NWA hire, furloughed in '02, recalled in '07, currently out on Military Leave, now feeling more than a little betrayed by not only the guys at DAL but also the guys at NWA. I've read all the posts here, read the releases from NWA ALPA, talked to friends at both companies, and done alot of reading elsewhere on line. I think I've educated myself on all of the info that's out there, though I'll defer that there may be more info both MECs are not letting us in on. That in and of itself disturbs me. Bottom line, the Delta guys did what was smart to protect themselves. I guess one can't expect anything less than that or hope for anything more if you work there. I truly believe, however, that it was done at the expense of the NWA pilots. I know, I know "building block for the next contract" yada, yada. Logically, it was the smart thing for them to do.
Changing gears slightly, the bull-headed, curmudgeonly approach that the NWA reps have taken is not doing us any favors either. Rather than act together like professionals, they've relegated us to a bit part on the stage that's set before us. Great. So where does that leave me (because let's be honest, when it comes to paying the mortgage and feeding the kids it really ain't about how great this will be for the new merged company, or where a bunch of 747 or 777 captains can expect to be integrated, it's about how am I go to shelter my family and put food on the table). I guess it leaves me out in the cold.....again. This time due to the self-preservation instincts of the the Delta guys, and the arrogance or ineptitude of the Northwest guys. Lucky me. All I can say is if I get furloughed a second time, everyone below me will move up a notch. I'll be done with this chapter of my life and find something more stable....maybe they're looking for crab boat fisherman for next seasons' "Deadliest Catch" up in Alaska.

No Way are YOU out in the COLD!

As an 07 Delta hire, I think there are a lot of us at both DAL and NW that feel they way you do. I was never asked my opinion about which direction to take. That being said I feel our MEC was proactive in this process and it was forward thinking in their approach to working through this deal rather than rely on the old school "burn it down". Moak fulfilled his obligation in the LOA 19 letter to the DAL pilots and specifically states lets get together in a joint contract.

This is not about "who's right!" it is everything about "what is right". I look forward to working with the NWA pilots, I hope it is better than what even the most optimistic experts are saying.

I have to admit your overall perspective on what has gone on with both sides is almost exactly what I have heard from both my friends at NWA and what I have seen from Dalpa. Most of what is going on however is postering. Hopefully in the end it can be worked out.

I hope you are all right. But, if you are looking for a conspiracy. It certainly was a good move for DALPA to get the LOA. Now, they are FOR arbitration because if they don't like the outcome, they can fight it all the way until 2012. All the while operating under the LOA with the higher rates of pay, and effectively leaving NWA on a B scale.

Just some food for thought....

It would have been ALOT better if both sides could have come together. Not sure why our NWA MEC seems to be blocking everything either....

filler .

That is hands down the most objective post I've read from someone employed by either of the companies engaged in merger talks. Bravo my friend. You belong in politics! It's nice to see someone take emotion out of their postings and inject it with some common sense.

P.S. I hear it is actually quite easy to catch crabs in some portions of AK.

You have just called it exactly as it is. i would vote for you as our mec leader.

Too true! Spend one night in the wrong igloo and you might get the "Deadliest Catch"

Freakin Hilarious!!!!!!!! LMAO!!!!!!!!!

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