Comair MEC recall...

[V-1]

It amazes me how the same pattern is repeated over and over again, almost verbatim. I thought maybe Comair would break it, but it sure doesn't sound like it's going to happen.

All I hear is tough talk until the company budges an inch, then it's justification and rationalization of why it's acceptable. I can hardly believe I heard a Comair pilot (I assume) say Unbelievable. From the highest compensated to well, at least we're not the lowest.

Since you chose to quote my post, I'll respond.

It appears that the opportunity to strike one day out of bankruptcy (without a release to strike from the NMB) is not available to ALPA. If it were, the union would have a significant amount of leverage...and I suspect there would either be a significant amount of movement in negotiating position by the company, or a strike would occur. The Comair pilot group has done it in the past (who else has?).

You infer the company budged an inch. Have you even read the T.A. yet? The bankruptcy claim alone has the potential to pay, on average, over $51,000 to each Comair pilot. That alone has the potential to be a SIGNIFICANT improvement over any previous contract modification. If nothing else, it may help some Comair pilots in their efforts to move on to other opportunities.

When whoever you work for (if you do, in fact, actually fly for a living) files bankruptcy, I hope you can achieve the same or higher level of improvement over the company offer your bankruptcy judge approves that the Comair group has. Until then, continue to sit on the sidelines and scream obscenities at the players while everyone around you wonders why the stadium operator just had to offer a large discount to everyone who showed a photo of their trailer house to the ticket agent.

Is the T.A. great? Of course not. I don't believe anyone thinks it is. I for one would like to maintain everything achieved by the Contract 2001...I'd even settle for Contract 2001 modified by the 2005 L.O.A. (with snapbacks in place). The reality is the bankruptcy judge has erased those achievements. With the opportunity to strike likely to be several years away, if ever, it's likely wiser to salvage through the ashes to pick up as much as you can. There will be future battles to fight.

1. The T.A. is substantially better than what the company may impose.

2. The T.A. is substantially better than what Comair pilots voted to accept (by eight votes) a year ago.

3. The negotiators were able keep F.O. wages at 59.7% of Captain wages... in all equipment...pretty close to the 60% they fought very hard to achieve many years ago.

4. Longevity will be restored...albeit eventually.

 

[surplus1]

It's also spelled R-E-T-I-R-E-M-E-N-T!!

Enjoy the shuffleboards, viagra, and bright Florida sunshine old man!
The cmr boys and girls will vote as they see fit! You don't have a say pops, you're out.
Worry about your aarp benefits!

737

It appears from your posts that you think I am harboring some big dark secret to which you are privy and just chomping at the bit to reveal, so let me help you (and anyone else who cares).

1. Yes, I am a retired Comair captain. No, I don’t regret it.

2. Yes, I am extremely proud of having had the privilege to serve with every Comair pilot that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting – and happy that (to the best of my knowledge) you were not among them.

3. Although retired, I am still extremely interested in any and everything that affects Comair pilots and I try to stay abreast of what’s going on. The fact that I personally have nothing to gain or lose from the future of CMR pilots does not alter that, and will not alter it for as long as I’m around. If that bothers the likes of you, I truly do not care.

4. I do worry about the welfare of Comair pilots and would gladly do anything that I could to improve it. Being retired hasn’t altered that and isn’t going to. What you think or don’t think about that is, quite candidly, irrelevant.

5. My real name is R.H. (Dick) de Lagarde. I’m proud of that as well and have nothing to hide from the likes of you or anyone else. I don’t care to know your name – I’m picky about the people I associate with, and pleased that I do NOT know who you might be.

6. I am also a former Chairman of the Comair MEC. Of itself I do not think that is important, but just in case you didn’t know that terrible secret I thought you should – I wouldn’t want to leave you with only a partial revelation. I am very proud that I once had the privilege of trying, directly, to serve the best interests of all Comair pilots, to the best of my ability, and I think I did a pretty good job of it, even though many CMR pilots might disagree. Whatever you might think or anyone else at your airline might think, doesn’t matter one iota to me now and never has.

7. While I was an active pilot I never tried to tell Comair pilots how they should vote about anything, and I don’t now. When I have an opinion or something to say, which is often, I say it. If I choose to argue for something, I do. When I choose to argue against something, I do that too. Those who might agree are free to do so. Those that don’t are equally free to disagree. YOU aren’t going to change that. I say again: What you think is irrelevant – you’re not a Comair pilot; I am – and for that I am grateful. And BTW, for the record, I do know more about collective bargaining than you do.

8. Yes, I do enjoy the Florida sunshine. Florida has been my home for more than 50 years. I live in Orlando – by choice. I like it, and I enjoy being retired. Please don’t visit – I prefer pleasant folks.

9. I do worry about my grand kids, who is POTUS and my AARP benefits, among a lot of other things of lesser importance. I don’t use Viagra as yet. If and when I should need it, your advice will not be a factor. BTW, I don’t play shuffleboard either; I prefer deep-sea fishing – it gives me a place to sit, and prevents me from showing my arse as often as you do.

10. Since I’m sure you need some measure of satisfaction from your post -- I don’t like you, I’m tired of your snide remarks, and I think you’re a spoiled brat. In other words a schmuck who belongs where he is. I’m sorry that the rest of your pilot group has the misfortune of so many members that are just like you. But, again, I’m pleased that you’re not a Comair pilot and we don’t have to endure you. If you were, I would consider taking up a collection and paying you to leave.

I do hope that satisfies your simple mind, but I’m sure it won’t. The next time you open your mouth I have no doubt that you’ll put your foot in it once more. Now you have a nice day little boy. Take another look in the mirror – I’m confident you can impress yourself at least one more time; you deserve to wallow in your own image.

 

[surplus1]

V-1

Good post.

 

[surplus1]

You know, Surplus can impart more pertinent information in one paragraph than you have in 1,600 acrimonious screeds.

Thanks N2264J,

I always need all the help I can get.

Surplus1

 

[paid4training]

dam surplus1 you forgot....

"I'm Rick James beautch...." lol

 

[Troy208]

It appears from your posts that you think I am harboring some big dark secret to which you are privy and just chomping at the bit to reveal, so let me help you (and anyone else who cares).

1. Yes, I am a retired Comair captain. No, I don’t regret it.

2. Yes, I am extremely proud of having had the privilege to serve with every Comair pilot that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting – and happy that (to the best of my knowledge) you were not among them.

3. Although retired, I am still extremely interested in any and everything that affects Comair pilots and I try to stay abreast of what’s going on. The fact that I personally have nothing to gain or lose from the future of CMR pilots does not alter that, and will not alter it for as long as I’m around. If that bothers the likes of you, I truly do not care.

4. I do worry about the welfare of Comair pilots and would gladly do anything that I could to improve it. Being retired hasn’t altered that and isn’t going to. What you think or don’t think about that is, quite candidly, irrelevant.

5. My real name is R.H. (Dick) de Lagarde. I’m proud of that as well and have nothing to hide from the likes of you or anyone else. I don’t care to know your name – I’m picky about the people I associate with, and pleased that I do NOT know who you might be.

6. I am also a former Chairman of the Comair MEC. Of itself I do not think that is important, but just in case you didn’t know that terrible secret I thought you should – I wouldn’t want to leave you with only a partial revelation. I am very proud that I once had the privilege of trying, directly, to serve the best interests of all Comair pilots, to the best of my ability, and I think I did a pretty good job of it, even though many CMR pilots might disagree. Whatever you might think or anyone else at your airline might think, doesn’t matter one iota to me now and never has.

7. While I was an active pilot I never tried to tell Comair pilots how they should vote about anything, and I don’t now. When I have an opinion or something to say, which is often, I say it. If I choose to argue for something, I do. When I choose to argue against something, I do that too. Those who might agree are free to do so. Those that don’t are equally free to disagree. YOU aren’t going to change that. I say again: What you think is irrelevant – you’re not a Comair pilot; I am – and for that I am grateful. And BTW, for the record, I do know more about collective bargaining than you do.

8. Yes, I do enjoy the Florida sunshine. Florida has been my home for more than 50 years. I live in Orlando – by choice. I like it, and I enjoy being retired. Please don’t visit – I prefer pleasant folks.

9. I do worry about my grand kids, who is POTUS and my AARP benefits, among a lot of other things of lesser importance. I don’t use Viagra as yet. If and when I should need it, your advice will not be a factor. BTW, I don’t play shuffleboard either; I prefer deep-sea fishing – it gives me a place to sit, and prevents me from showing my arse as often as you do.

10. Since I’m sure you need some measure of satisfaction from your post -- I don’t like you, I’m tired of your snide remarks, and I think you’re a spoiled brat. In other words a schmuck who belongs where he is. I’m sorry that the rest of your pilot group has the misfortune of so many members that are just like you. But, again, I’m pleased that you’re not a Comair pilot and we don’t have to endure you. If you were, I would consider taking up a collection and paying you to leave.

I do hope that satisfies your simple mind, but I’m sure it won’t. The next time you open your mouth I have no doubt that you’ll put your foot in it once more. Now you have a nice day little boy. Take another look in the mirror – I’m confident you can impress yourself at least one more time; you deserve to wallow in your own image.

Amen Captain, Thank you.

 

[surplus1]

Amen Captain, Thank you.

At your service, sir.

 

[DGdaPilot]

Well said. Comair was once very close to my heart and I still have friends there. Glad I'm not there to have to endure this, but also glad that they seemed to pull something decent out of the bankruptcy shadow.

 

[InclusiveScope]

It appears from your posts that you think I am harboring some big dark secret to which you are privy and just chomping at the bit to reveal, so let me help you (and anyone else who cares).

1. Yes, I am a retired Comair captain. No, I don’t regret it.

2. Yes, I am extremely proud of having had the privilege to serve with every Comair pilot that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting – and happy that (to the best of my knowledge) you were not among them.

3. Although retired, I am still extremely interested in any and everything that affects Comair pilots and I try to stay abreast of what’s going on. The fact that I personally have nothing to gain or lose from the future of CMR pilots does not alter that, and will not alter it for as long as I’m around. If that bothers the likes of you, I truly do not care.

4. I do worry about the welfare of Comair pilots and would gladly do anything that I could to improve it. Being retired hasn’t altered that and isn’t going to. What you think or don’t think about that is, quite candidly, irrelevant.

5. My real name is R.H. (Dick) de Lagarde. I’m proud of that as well and have nothing to hide from the likes of you or anyone else. I don’t care to know your name – I’m picky about the people I associate with, and pleased that I do NOT know who you might be.

6. I am also a former Chairman of the Comair MEC. Of itself I do not think that is important, but just in case you didn’t know that terrible secret I thought you should – I wouldn’t want to leave you with only a partial revelation. I am very proud that I once had the privilege of trying, directly, to serve the best interests of all Comair pilots, to the best of my ability, and I think I did a pretty good job of it, even though many CMR pilots might disagree. Whatever you might think or anyone else at your airline might think, doesn’t matter one iota to me now and never has.

7. While I was an active pilot I never tried to tell Comair pilots how they should vote about anything, and I don’t now. When I have an opinion or something to say, which is often, I say it. If I choose to argue for something, I do. When I choose to argue against something, I do that too. Those who might agree are free to do so. Those that don’t are equally free to disagree. YOU aren’t going to change that. I say again: What you think is irrelevant – you’re not a Comair pilot; I am – and for that I am grateful. And BTW, for the record, I do know more about collective bargaining than you do.

8. Yes, I do enjoy the Florida sunshine. Florida has been my home for more than 50 years. I live in Orlando – by choice. I like it, and I enjoy being retired. Please don’t visit – I prefer pleasant folks.

9. I do worry about my grand kids, who is POTUS and my AARP benefits, among a lot of other things of lesser importance. I don’t use Viagra as yet. If and when I should need it, your advice will not be a factor. BTW, I don’t play shuffleboard either; I prefer deep-sea fishing – it gives me a place to sit, and prevents me from showing my arse as often as you do.

10. Since I’m sure you need some measure of satisfaction from your post -- I don’t like you, I’m tired of your snide remarks, and I think you’re a spoiled brat. In other words a schmuck who belongs where he is. I’m sorry that the rest of your pilot group has the misfortune of so many members that are just like you. But, again, I’m pleased that you’re not a Comair pilot and we don’t have to endure you. If you were, I would consider taking up a collection and paying you to leave.

I do hope that satisfies your simple mind, but I’m sure it won’t. The next time you open your mouth I have no doubt that you’ll put your foot in it once more. Now you have a nice day little boy. Take another look in the mirror – I’m confident you can impress yourself at least one more time; you deserve to wallow in your own image.

As usual, very well said. I'm afraid 737 Pylt is no match for you.....

 

[172driver]

When whoever you work for (if you do, in fact, actually fly for a living) files bankruptcy, I hope you can achieve the same or higher level of improvement over the company offer your bankruptcy judge approves that the Comair group has. Until then, continue to sit on the sidelines and scream obscenities at the players while everyone around you wonders why the stadium operator just had to offer a large discount to everyone who showed
a photo of their trailer house to the ticket agent.

Is the T.A. great? Of course not. I don't believe anyone thinks it is. I for one would like to maintain everything achieved by the Contract 2001...I'd even settle for Contract 2001 modified by the 2005 L.O.A. (with snapbacks in place). The reality is the bankruptcy judge has erased those achievements. With the opportunity to strike likely to be several years away, if ever, it's likely wiser to salvage through the ashes to pick up as much as you can. There will be future battles to fight.

1. The T.A. is substantially better than what the company may impose.

2. The T.A. is substantially better than what Comair pilots voted to accept (by eight votes) a year ago.

3. The negotiators were able keep F.O. wages at 59.7% of Captain wages... in all equipment...pretty close to the 60% they fought very hard to achieve many years ago.

4. Longevity will be restored...albeit eventually.

I do, in fact, fly for a living. The company I spent the last four years at did file BK. The pilots first voted to freeze my pay at $37, then voted to slash my pay to $31. Only due to the backbone of the FA's were they able to negotiate anything. That company, as you may have guessed, was Comair. Believe me, I understand the issues and hung in there through much of the battle, unfortunately.

The company I now work for (NJA), while I will never say never, has very little chance of going bankrupt. They also seem to know how to treat people, employees and customers alike. And...we have a very strong and effective union.

LOA 2005 I understood. The company was sliding, we were being whipsawed, we had a charismatic new leader who made a lot of promises, and we knew we were eventually going to take a hit. We tried to minimize the impact while securing some stability and growth. In hindsight, it was a big mistake, and made me want to fight that much harder for the snapbacks, to the death of the company and my job, if necessary.

LOA 2006 made me sick. Our MEC threw the company's first and final offer to us and wrung their hands. No leadership, no guidance, no recommendation, just parroted the company's fear tactics. That was unacceptable to me and when I lost respect for both my peers and my leaders at Comair, at least the slight majority of them.

I had hoped the FA's would save us. They did for a while. When Comair filed the 1113 on us, I started looking for other work. I knew neither ALPA nor our pilot group had the balls to fight it all the way. You may or may not have won an appeal on the injunction. You may or may not have been able to strike in a couple months when Delta emerges. We'll never know, as I suspected.

1. The TA is better than what the company can impose, agreed. Therefore, one must ask oneself why the company made this offer. If ALPA truly had no leverage, why would the company give at all?

2. Agreed. No credit due the pilots, ALPA, or the negotiators for that one though. That was the FA's all the way.

3. That is a bright spot for sure. Although, 70 FO's took it pretty hard.

4. Yeah, 6 years after it was taken away. Enough said.

I wish you all nothing but the best and hope it works out for you but would have loved to see the sham BK process tested in a higher court. Your comment about cheering from the sidelines was accurate. Maybe if I were still there I would see it differently, but I guess I chose to leave because I can't.

 

[twott driver]

Surplus, good on you sir.

Too many *************************'s in this industry who aren't prepared to stand up for themselves, or anyone else, for that matter.

Enjoy your retirement, and for the rest of us regional c unts..... suck dogs balls. You get what you deserve.

 

[V-1]

Surplus1, thanks for the compliment. It's an honor to receive one from someone who posesses equal parts situational awareness, intelligence, and mastery of the English language. We don't hear from you much anymore on these boards...and quite honestly, I think I know why.

172driver, I don't disagree with any of your last post. I had a sense you were or had been a Comair pilot based on previous posts. Congratulations on the new job. I cancelled an interview with NetJets in 2001...then turned them down again when they called me three months later. Comair seemed a better move at the time. Who knew?

As for myself, I've figured out how to distance myself from the Delta/Comair silliness. I've learned how to operate a profitable business, and my skills doing so pay the bills around my house...not the paycheck I receive for flying airplanes.

An $82.5 million bankruptcy claim...likely worth around $50 million once it is sold, will go a long way toward soothing the pain suffered from taking $47 million in the latest round of concessions...plus it will be paid tax-free (into the 401(k) ) in the first year of the concessionary "agreement"...creating significant potential for it to compound in value to an amount far beyond what will be given up over the next four years. Not the ideal outcome...but a much more acceptable one.

I'll say it again...I don't believe anyone is pleased with the options available to them. A four to six year timeline for a strike authorization is not an acceptable option in my opinion. I also don't believe a "better deal" is just around the corner if we reject this one.

I hope the bankruptcy claim helps those Comair pilots who, like yourself, have made the decision to seriously pursue a future elsewhere.

 

[surplus1]

172driver,

I find your remarks interesting and take the liberty of commenting on some of them. I don’t ask you to agree with what I’m about to say but I do ask you to “think” with what I would call a broader historical perspective.

I don’t necessarily feel that you are “wrong” but we do see things through a somewhat different prism.

First – Let me say that I’m sorry to learn that you decided to leave Comair. I understand your decision and fully respect your right to make it. However, based on your previous writings, I regret that you made that decision. I think we lost a good man and wish that we had not. I do hope that you will find satisfaction in your new position. Now to your recent post.

For the record, I agree with the position taken by Comair pilots with respect to the 2005 LOA. While I had no vote, I am well aware of what happened and would have voted YES myself, a position that I chose to make public at the time. However, unlike you and in hindsight, I do not feel that it was a mistake. At the time I felt that it was the right thing to do and I still feel that way.

Although I’m aware that many in our group have the opinion that the “charismatic leader” you mention intentionally pulled the wool over our eyes, that is not an opinion that I share. I have the opinion, right or wrong, that the individual himself was sincere and did believe what he said. I do not think that he “fooled” Comair pilots. What I do think is that he himself was literally stabbed in the back by his bosses in Atlanta. I think that Delta management lied to him, repeatedly, and that resulted in his giving us one impression, while they were doing something very different behind his back.

I don’t mean to imply that Comair pilots did everything right; we didn’t. But, the mistake was not the signing of the ’05 LOA.

If I’m not mistaken (please correct me if I am), you joined the airline after “the strike” and I’m sure you’ve heard all of the war stories associated with that event. It is not my intent to rehash any of those “heroics” whether real or alleged. But there is a reason why I mention this at all.

As I look at our most recent seniority list (Jan ’07), and knowing that many of our pilots have left Comair, I find that at least 1/2 or perhaps more, joined the airline post strike.

In my not so humble opinion, this is where those of us that were here before “the strike” made our truly “big mistake”. WE, not anyone else, made the mistake of dividing our own group into pre-strike and post-strike. I think that was a monumental error, and the blame lies squarely on the shoulders of our own leadership (MEC) and the majority of the pre-strike group.

Our MEC failed to provide the leadership and direction, both to our pre-strike and post-strike pilots, that was required during the aftermath. I don’t fault anyone for being excited about the outcome of that period but the “celebrations” took their eyes off of the ball. This resulted in the majority of our pre-strike pilots attempting to lord it over the post-strike pilots. The MEC erred in not preventing this and the pre-strike pilots erred in their attitudes.

Our strength as a pilot group, especially the small pilot group that we are, is totally dependent on our solidarity. In turn, solidarity cannot exist in a house divided against itself. As soon as we permit the artificial component of two classes of Comair pilots, our strength is eroded. Whether we choose to admit it or not, that is exactly what we did.

Before “the strike” Comair pilots had a “culture” uniquely theirs. As new people came on we failed to make them aware of that culture and fully embrace them into the family of Comair pilots; particularly those that came from other airlines. Instead, we allowed, perhaps without deliberate intent (I don’t think it was deliberate – it was negligent), the development of a dividing line between those that were “here before” and those that “came after”. It has cost us dearly and it is the fault of the senior pilots and our leadership. Saying that may not make me popular with our seniors or our leaders, but it is nevertheless true.

When the time came to vote on the 2006 LOA, that “division” could not have been more clearly enunciated. We split right down the middle and, without regard to the terms of the LOA itself, we clearly demonstrated to management that they were now dealing with a totally divided pilot group. They did not miss the chance to seize the opportunity and use it against us.

The “mistake” was not the vote, which could have gone either way. The mistake was allowing ourselves to be divided to that extent. A pilot group with a history of rejecting or accepting “agreements” and making decisions by margins well above the 80 percentile, often in the 90 percentile, had suddenly become a typical “weak sister” split 50-50 and squabbling internally. Result – people like you are leaving the ranks out of frustration and “the company” has been wining its bets.

As long as “WE” - Comair pilots - choose to reject the idea that we are all ONE, for whatever reason, we build our house on a foundation of sand that can neither resist assault nor endure adversity.

Either we are all Comair pilots standing together as one, or we are a collection of discordant voices with pilot certificates focusing on individual agendas that are not in the common interest – no different than anyone else.

I know what we had before the strike and I know how we got it. I also know that we became so enthralled with our own idea of importance and success, that we (the seniors) dropped the ball and ignored the fact that we were creating what amounted to a cadre of strangers wearing Comair uniforms in our midst. Obviously, “everyone” didn’t do this but enough of us did it to upset the apple cart and destroy the solidarity. We did that to ourselves and there is no one else to blame for it.

In the last year we have been facing a lot of adversity which, like it or not, is shared by all. Adversity helps to create camaraderie but it takes more than that. It may sound like a lot of sentimental hog-wash but I believe that unless we rekindle that sense of brotherhood that we once had (and I’m not talking about ALPA – I’m talking about Comair pilots), we will not be able to cope with the trials that lie ahead. There is no doubt that such trials will come again and we just aren’t big enough to handle them as a house divided.

It is true that the FA strategy provided what I would define as a stroke of luck and a second chance to get our act together. I hope that we will take advantage of that opportunity as we make the next decision.

No one likes the fact that we are being forced into concessions that are not of our choosing. This new TA is definitely not as good as our original contract and I think every Comair pilot knows that. While I would agree with you that the bankruptcy of Comair was and is a sham; that does not change the fact that it is real, and we have to deal with it. That we don’t want to deal with it is natural; that we must is reality. The only real issue is “HOW” we deal with it.

If the pilot group decides to reject this TA it must do so by a wide margin. If the pilot group decides to accept this TA, it must also do so by a wide margin.

In my thinking, whichever way it goes, that is essential. I am hoping that “up” or “down”, we will see a vote above the 80 percentile and that everyone eligible to vote will do so. The “winner” must be the solidarity of the Comair pilot group. To me, that is far more important than the content of the TA itself.

Delta Air Lines, it can reasonably be said, has done virtually everything in its power to destroy the airline we once had. They have been very successful in many respects but they haven’t won yet. Delta may succeed in destroying Comair – but it must never be allowed to destroy the integrity or the spirit of Comair’s pilots and people.

In my opinion, Comair pilots do have the ability to finish the destruction of our Company once and for all. Sometimes that choice is warranted as was the case in 2001; other times it is not so clear. If that is the decision of Comair pilots, then so be it. But, let us do it together; not divided.

It is also my opinion that Comair pilots have the ability to keep our Company going, which is far more difficult for that is not solely dependent on what Comair pilots do or don’t do. There are other factors of which we are all aware, and which we do not control. Nevertheless, if it should be the decision of Comair pilots to give it another shot, then we must do that together. Fifty percent plus one may be all that is legally required, but it will not accomplish any goal other than defeat.

It doesn’t really matter what Delta Air Lines has offered or why they have offered it. In the final analysis, the only thing that really matters is how Comair pilots make their decision; divided or together.

Comair pilots can emerge the winners whether they vote YES or they vote NO -- so long as they do that together by the widest possible margin. If Comair pilots decide by a large majority their solidarity will be restored, and with it their honor.

I think you’re wrong 172driver, I think we do have the cojones to do “whatever it takes”. I wish you tailwinds and blue skys.

 

[surplus1]

Please watch this video. It may give you some insight into how corporate America uses the bankruptcy code to rape its employees, while banker get richer and executives walk away from the mess that THEY created, with millions.

It's not a pretty picture but it may be helpful in understanding what we face.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/retirement/view/2_hi.html

 

[172driver]

surplus,

I agree with almost everything you said. Please allow me to respond to a couple things we differ on.

The division in the pilot group is not so much pre-strike vs post-strike as it is those who have other opportunities vs those who don't. Much of that division is age/seniority related, and can pretty much be split pre and post strike, though I don't believe the strike era itself has much to do with it other than the inherent age and seniority differences.

My opinion is that LOA 2005 was voted in by younger pilots who had more to gain from growth plus some senior pilots who wanted to help the company and the juniors. LOA 2006 was approved almost entirely by older pilots and pilots with no wish to move on, thus the narrower margin.

I don't think the senior pilots have failed to educate the junior pilots on the Comair culture, nor do I think the junior pilots are ignorant of it. Most aviators in this country are aware of, and respect, what the Comair group did in 2001. New and recent hires are no different. In fact, many of us chose Comair because of this unique culture and solidarity and wanted to be a part of it. Unfortunately, even an incredibly strong and determined army has a hard time winning battles when the generals are indecisive, concerned about their personal safety, and letting the troops make the decisions.

The bottom line, which you and I agree on (I think), is that the Comair pilots have no leadership, and thus no solidarity. Our MEC and LEC are weak and nobody strong stepped up to replace them. I can think of any number of people who could have done a stellar job unifying the pilots, one way or the other. Some of them are senior, some junior, but all care about the whole group and what is right rather than what will keep them in their cushy position. Again, bringing us a critical LOA with NO RECOMMENDATION was one of the most spineless acts I have ever witnessed.

In my opinion, where the pre-strike pilots erred was in not using their wisdom and experience to see what was coming and to ensure that we, as a pilot group, were represented well. Nobody stepped up to the plate and we were stuck with somebody well past his useful life as a leader. Power does indeed corrupt even the most respectable leaders. The pre-strike pilots and our leadership got comfortable with their 'fat' new contract and failed to prepare for the next battle. The post-strike pilots were on board and willing to fight but had nobody to follow and ended up, like me, wondering where all this reputed Comair unity, spirit, fight ended up.

I don't necessarily agree that a 99% yes vote to the new TA will unify the group, but it will be a step in the right direction. To lay down your arms and surrender together when surrounded by a superior force is not necessarily the best indicator of unity but it may give the group a chance to fight another day.

One of the most unfortunate results of this situation at Comair is that the pilot group has indeed lost many good and talented people. People who are aware of the Comair culture and who could have provided solid leadership in the future. They (we) are being replaced by pilots who are using Comair as a stepping stone. Many of the remainder stayed at Comair did so because they had to. It is morphing into a pilot group with no motivation to fight or to unify. The old guys want the company to survive until retirement. The young guys want growth and upgrades at all costs. Was this part of the DAL master plan? I don't know, but they definitely won this round handily, and may have scored a KO.

The biggest problem with the new TA is the length. The industry is turning around, DAL is exiting BK, companies are becoming profitable again, there is a legitimate shortage of qualified pilots, other key companies are entering negotiations soon. These things all give the CMR pilots a measure of leverage, not now but soon. However, they will be locked into bottom of the industry rates with one of the worst retirement plans ever until 2011 and beyond. This is exactly why the company wants a consensual deal. They don't want to be in Sec. 6 any time soon. I'm sure the MEC hasn't overlooked this, but they don't want to risk their home every night, $100K jobs over it either.