Originally Posted by Bigflya

Gents,

Let's agree to disagree on the commuting policy stuff for now and switch gears for a moment. I thought the SLI stuff was dead and done. But what of this Christmas Eve present letter I rx from DALPA talking about a .25% assessment for an Intigration Relief Fund? Pulling the $$ until the fund reaches a cool mil$$. Is this for legal expenses because some are unhappy with the reward and don't know the definition of binding arbitration? From the numbers I've seen, most guys are within .1 or .2% of their original relative seniority and the most was about 3%. Let's not let this turn into USAir/AWA. Don't let the hire date next to the name drive you nuts. Each co hired different numbers at different times and for that we cannot change. The only one that will win here is the lawyers. Time to accept our award, integrate, make this merger work and look forward to becoming profitable and negotiating our next contract in 2012 as a combined, unified pilot group.

Originally Posted by sailingfun

I don't think most former NWA pilots understand what the former Delta pilots are trying to say. First there is a commuter policy at Delta. It takes away the stress of getting there since you are covered if you abide by the policy. If Delta crew scheds really needs you they will give you positive space. I like the NWA policy. Its better then the Delta policy for a commuting pilot. I commute. I also however have to look at the big picture. You say its a win win situation. Well Delta has not had a real problem with commuters getting to work. The use of sick leave was checked once between commuters and non commuters and it was exactly the same.
The key is that getting this out of Delta managment would be very expensive. It would be a major shift in policy at Delta about treating all employees the same. It was discussed and asked for in the recent new contract. We did not get it. It in fact would not work at all in some markets. DFW-ATL is a example. If we had this policy we would be bumping a lot of commuting flight attendants also trying to get to work. Is that fair? Do you realize that there are actually a lot of dispatchers, mechanics and even CSA agents that also commute. Would you extend it to everyone?
In short the NWA commuter policy would be great for me personally. I am not sure it would be great for Delta and I don't view it as a win win and Delta management wont view it that way. They will want something back. What are you willing to give up for the policy. If it costs 2 percent in pay how will the non commuting pilot feel about that.
The last thing to keep in mind is that the commuting policy at Delta is contractual. Yours was a policy from management that could be changed or revoked at any time. That is a major point to keep in mind.

Originally Posted by siemprerojo

Ok, well we disagree. You think that a senior guy should be able to go to and fro on vacation even though he is probably senior enough to take a seat in the back. I think that a guy every once in a while should have a dependable way of getting to work assuming the policy isn't abused. Maybe some day we'll get a chance to vote on it.
Time to move on.
Happy Holidays.

Originally Posted by newKnow

Coors,


I have read thru all of your points and I wand you to understand that 1.) I do know about the DAL commuter/call in honest policy, and 2.) I am fully capable of seeing issues from both sides.

But, I wonder if you even see where your argument is going? Your main point seems to be that a pilot who is senior and going on vacation with his family shouldn't be bumped by a more junior pilot who is going to work. Ok. I understand that traveling with the family while on vacation can be very hectic. But, I also understand that when I do travel for vacation I am more flexible than when I am traveling to work. I can leave a day earlier to make it to my vacation wonderland or heaven forbid take the early morning flight. At Northwest, we even have special higher priority passes for vacation travelers-- vacation passes (16 per year).

On the other hand, the pilot is commuting to work has to do so 3-4 times a month. Most times he/she will try to do so the same day so as to avoid hotel costs and expenses and to get that extra family time (you know, see the kids so they remember who you are; help the spouse around the house; and just plain relax). That pilot does not have the same flexibility as the vacationing pilot. He has to be in base for check-in at a certian time. While he can leave early, that is not desireable. Think safety. A well rested pilot is a safer pilot.

Another point to be made is the obvious one. When a pilot can't get to work, that same vacationing pilot with his family may get stuck in their tracks because they don't have a pilot.

Dude, I know you know all of this and I know that DAL has a call in honest policy of sorts. But, from all accounts, the NWA policy is better. Can't you just admit it and move on? All NWA stuff is not bad and all DAL stuff is not good.

Let me help you along by making an admission. At first, I thought the DAL uniforms were a little strange and outdated. I mean come on, double breasted jackets went out in the 70's. When I went in for my fitting, a called it a straight jacket because it just didn't feel right. But, now that I look at them, they present a professional image and I am starting to like them. The DAL uniform may be better then the NWA uniform, ok? I was wrong and I embrace the change. (Even the hat)

So come on Coors, join me. Just admit the NWA call in honest policy is better for everyone (even the senior pilot vacationer and has family) and move on. This discussion does not have to be that complicated.

New K Now

Originally Posted by Adolphus Coors

Are you talking about the jumpseat? If so please read the DAL jumpseat policy before you post. The DAL jumpseat gives a clear advantage to pilots going to and from work, not for the pilot on holiday.

Originally Posted by Adolphus Coors

Don't worry you'll learn that every DAL policy is better. LOL

Originally Posted by siemprerojo

I don't care what kind of seat it is. A jumpseat, a seat in the lav modified with seatbelts. The point is, the NWA policy of getting pilots to work if things go haywire, is a good one. We obviously disagree.
Thanks for the advice of reading the policy before I post but I didn't need it.

Originally Posted by newKnow

That will never happan as long as you have that crazy AE award system. The NWA monthly APA is waaaay better.
I do have a question though....

When you have an AE does that mean that there will be no displacements and if you have a displacement bid does that mean there will be no awards?

Originally Posted by Bigflya

Gents,

Let's agree to disagree on the commuting policy stuff for now and switch gears for a moment. I thought the SLI stuff was dead and done. But what of this Christmas Eve present letter I rx from DALPA talking about a .25% assessment for an Intigration Relief Fund? Pulling the $$ until the fund reaches a cool mil$$. Is this for legal expenses because some are unhappy with the reward and don't know the definition of binding arbitration? From the numbers I've seen, most guys are within .1 or .2% of their original relative seniority and the most was about 3%. Let's not let this turn into USAir/AWA. Don't let the hire date next to the name drive you nuts. Each co hired different numbers at different times and for that we cannot change. The only one that will win here is the lawyers. Time to accept our award, integrate, make this merger work and look forward to becoming profitable and negotiating our next contract in 2012 as a combined, unified pilot group.