Management Pay/ALPA's Neglect and Oversight

[Occam's Razor]

And this is whole point of the thread. People move airplanes. And ALPA is not doing what the membership MAJORITY wants.

Huh?

I will concede that a MAJORITY of ALPA members don't want management dweebs to pillage the profits of our companies while we take pay cuts, but your suggestion that ALPA has the power and authority to out-swim the tsunami with the RLA chained to one ankle and the bankruptcy laws clinging to the other, is lame.

10 years ago we seized opportunities and pressed the modicum of advantage we had...and made strides. Even then, we needed help. I think that's what the MAJORITY wanted. I think the MAJORITY wants ALPA to do everything it can to protect what we have...and be ready to grab what we can.

When 3/4 of a yearly profit are wasted on management bonuses and ALPA does not see that as a threat to the companies potential for losses or bankruptcy directly effecting the quality of the memberships lives, ALPA has lost it.

When management negotiates and says this pilot group contract must cost $315 million annually because that is all we have and ALPA buys that load of horse manure the membership has not only been sold out by the company but ALPA.

Who is telling you ALPA "buys" it? The law favors management...duh! ALPA, in the form of several MEC's, has tried to assert our right to influence the distribution of economic penalties during bankruptcy and industry unheaval. In response, several judges have told us we don't have that right.

And you blame ALPA for that?

ALPA has a responsibility to verify everything the company tells us. ALPA has the responsibility to identify the gross waste of a companies revenue and hold the company accountable.

But to do that ALPA would have to not only identify that info but release it to the group in a marketable format empowering the employee to say enough is enough, we want a fair deal and we don't care about managements pay issues.

And stomp our feet...hold our breathe 'til we turn blue...and yell really loudly!

What else are you suggesting? Storming the White House with torches and pitchforks? Firebombing courthouses? Gang-raping CEO's (is there a sign-up sheet for that one somewhere?)?

Here's a quick test:

Q: Do current laws assist or impede ALPA's ability to negotiate a fair contract?

Q: Is it ALPA's fault those laws are so restrictive to us?

Q: Should ALPA operate within those laws?

I think a MAJORITY of members would like to see those laws changed, to allow us more influence on the process. But it's hard to tell, because an underwhelming MINORITY of us bother to act the way ALPA asks us to act to change them!

And then you have the silly argument of not being able to keep the dying breed of airline management that is so successful. You ask the 200,000 airline employees if they think their management is so successful and appreciated? Airline management is easily replaceable.

Is that a revelation?

You want ALPA to win a battle? Then try supporting them in the battle!

"Golly! I just can't! I can't because ALPA...

A. Supports icky Democrats!
B. Hasn't given me Brand Scope!
C. Fights/Supports (circle one) Age 60!
D. Defends pilots who screw up!"

You want a strong union?...then start acting like a strong unionist.

 

[accinelli]

Wait till Virgin America, Ryanair, Easy Jet start flying here. Lets see how ALPA copes with that.

 

[stlflyguy]

Wait till Virgin America, Ryanair, Easy Jet start flying here. Lets see how ALPA copes with that.

"No, we can't have outfits like this operating in the USA for this reason, that reason, etc. Oh, you want to join ALPA? Come with me, son......"


stlflyguy

 

[accinelli]

"No, we can't have outfits like this operating in the USA for this reason, that reason, etc. Oh, you want to join ALPA? Come with me, son......"


stlflyguy

Really. Are you one of the guys who was saying that there will never be an open skies agreement or cabotage.

 

[Cobraair75drvr]

STFU. Go back into your 3rd floor cubicle!!!!

 

[FDJ2]

You want a strong union?...then start acting like a strong unionist.

Excellent points.

Unfortunately most guys just want to stomp their feet and blame ALPA without ever getting involved and actually trying to make a difference.

14% of ALPA pilots bother to contribute to ALPA-PAC, but I guarantee you that a majority of ALPA pilots who never contributed a dime to ALPA-PAC expect ALPA to wave some majic wand on Capitol Hill and make the bad men go away.

Newsflash to the 86% who don't chip in, you've got to pay to play. Not liking the system doesn't change the reality of it.

If you are not contributing to ALPA-PAC then you are not part of the solution. $2/week is not asking for much, give up the Latte at Starbucks, pass on the new ipod this year if you have to but contribute to ALPA-PAC and help labor have a voice in Washington.

ALPA is not some third party entity, ALPA is the pilots it represents and it is only as strong and effective as the pilots make it.

Get involved, volunteer, chip in and support your elected leadership. If your elected leadership fails you, you have the power to fire them and elect someone else.

 

[pilotyip]

Remember all ALPA contracts are all local in nature bewteen one represented group of employees and one company.

 

[Occam's Razor]

Remember all ALPA contracts are all local in nature bewteen one represented group of employees and one company.

Um...yeah. So what?

There are still universal pilot issues that transcend "local" concerns. Putting cameras in the cockpit could be one. Age 65 certainly is. The unequal treatment of management and Labor in the Railway Labor Act and current bankruptcy laws is a huge one.

Collective actions tend to have more influence than individual actions...Lee Harvey Oswald notwithstanding.

 

[pilotyip]

but when a local puts a contract together is is about them. The issues you address are national issues not addressed in local contract.

 

[Occam's Razor]

but when a local puts a contract together is is about them. The issues you address are national issues not addressed in local contract.

Call Evelyn Wood and get your money back!

Your speed reading is missing the key points.

 

[N2264J]

Wait till Virgin America, Ryanair, Easy Jet start flying here. Lets see how ALPA copes with that.

ALPA has already failed.

The camel's head is already underneath the tent on cabotage with "Open Skies" while ALPA has busily obsessed about how to keep RJs from flying with archaic scope clauses as they pacified and misled members whose livelihood depended on the RJ with talk of flow through, preferential interviews and Brand Scope (BS).

ALPA should have been using all its resources to fight this encroachment instead of dividing its membership up with scope into "preferred ALPA members" and "lifers." They are incapable of determining what the real threat is. Unity isn't their strong suit.

In my opinion, cabotage and the downward pressure to everyone's contract that brings is only a matter of time now.

 

[SDF2BUF2MCO]

In my opinion, cabotage and the downward pressure to everyone's contract that brings is only a matter of time now.

Yep. That is the ultimate prize.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

ALPA has already failed.

Ok. It has failed. Now what?

The camel's head is already underneath the tent on cabotage with "Open Skies" while ALPA has busily obsessed about how to keep RJs from flying with archaic scope clauses as they pacified and misled members whose livelihood depended on the RJ with talk of flow through, preferential interviews and Brand Scope (BS).

Misled members? You mean the 5% that show up to LEC meetings?

ALPA should have been using all its resources to fight this encroachment instead of dividing its membership up with scope into "preferred ALPA members" and "lifers." They are incapable of determining what the real threat is. Unity isn't their strong suit.

Resources? What resources? You mean the 14% PAC particaption? You mean the pilots who ask open up questions with "you're in the union". No we all are in the union, I just choose to be involved and educated and you do not.

In my opinion, cabotage and the downward pressure to everyone's contract that brings is only a matter of time now.

We all have opinions.....what about actions and results..

Something that has never been done before.... a majority of ALPA members actively particapting in thier union. Simple and innovative yet it has never happened...

 

[N2264J]

Ok. It has failed. Now what?

We need leadership with vision.

Putting out another survey to back peddle and rationalize a failing policy about age discrimination doesn't address either.

A good leader doesn't need a survey to do the right thing.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

We need leadership with vision.

So then that leader is not you. In addition, the vision is also something that you do not have....

If yes, then you are depending on someone else?

If no... then what??

Putting out another survey to back peddle and rationalize a failing policy about age discrimination doesn't address either.

Only 1/3 of the pilots bothered in the last poll. Is another poll with the opportunity for more to particapte good?

A good leader doesn't need a survey to do the right thing.

Ok..what is the right thing? What you want? They want? He wants?

What you are really describing is someone who will function in your best interests. What about the other 59,999 pilots?

 

[Occam's Razor]

We need leadership with vision.

Does that "vision" have to be YOUR vision?

Is a vision that is different than your's a failed vision?

Putting out another survey to back peddle and rationalize a failing policy about age discrimination doesn't address either.

At risk of crossing into a Pascal's Wager...let me ask:

What does it hurt? Where's the risk? What is wrong with getting feedback from the membership?

If the survey generates substantial feedback from the membership, perhaps we could see another one: "RJDC...Irritating Whiners or Bed-Wetting Zeros?

Universal policy issues that are divisive cry out for some sort of referendum that allows each member to weigh-in and be heard. Others don't.

A good leader doesn't need a survey to do the right thing.

Good one! The "right thing" in this case means exactly what YOU want...even if most of the membership disagrees with you...riiiiiiiight?

Look at it this way; the upside potential is good for you. It gives you one more thing to sue your fellow pilots over!

 

[N2264J]

Does that "vision" have to be YOUR vision?

Are you saying that ALPA is prepared to defend discrimination again in the face of new ICAO standards? That foreign airline pilots will being able to fly into this country up to their 65th birthday while ALPA supports US pilots being prohibited from do so?

ALPA has vision alright - it's backwards trying to maintain the status quo of the 90s. It ain't workin'. That's what I mean about vision. An organization must be able to change and adapt with the times. ALPA's parochial mindset is still back in the 80s thinking scope is working.

What does it hurt? Where's the risk? What is wrong with getting feedback from the membership?

There is no leadership in a survey. It splits the membership. The right thing to do is stand up and say "ALPA was wrong to defend age discrimination" and let the political chips fall where they may. That's leadership - something you may not be familiar with.

ALPA has split its membership with scope dividing us up into "preferred ALPA members" and "lifers." And while ALPA was busily obsessing about keeping small jets from flying, boom - "Open Skies." Cabotage will be right behind it.
They split us up again on age discrimination. Unity is not their strong suit.
Assessing and dealing with the real threats to our profession is apparently beyond their capacity.

Good one! The "right thing" in this case means exactly what YOU want...even if most of the membership disagrees with you...riiiiiiiight?

So the NWA MEC promoted the formation of an alter ego for your union brothers at Mesaba and Pinnacle and you give me grief about my views on the right thing vs what a majority thinks? What did the NWA MEC get for that?

Listen, you have no idea what a union is about. Stop trying to lay the blame for ALPA's failures at my feet. No rational man buys it.

 

[N2264J]

Misled members? You mean the 5% that show up to LEC meetings?

Only 1/3 of the pilots bothered in the last poll. Is another poll with the opportunity for more to particapte good?

I'm not sure I could have made a better point about ALPA's irrelevance to its membership. One in three members bothered to take part in the last poll so you want to do another poll? Age 65 is coming, with or without ALPA.

We need leadership who knows what a union is for, will stand on principle of what is right - not politically expedient and isn't worried about losing his job to get there. But don't hold your breath waiting for ALPA's "shadow council" to put a person like that in front.

 

[Occam's Razor]

Lemme make sure I got this correct:

The Oracle of the RJDC thinks giving the membership an opportunity to be heard on an important issue is a bad thing...and that the United States must adopt all regs being used by foreign countries.

RE: "So the NWA MEC promoted the formation of an alter ego for your union brothers at Mesaba and Pinnacle and you give me grief about my views on the right thing vs what a majority thinks?"

"Promoted"? Question, do you get dizzy when you spin that hard?

A majority (a overwhelming majority) approved the deal that allowed the creation of Compass. I'm not sure what the vote was at Mesaba was when Big Sky came aboard, but it's apparent NWA pilots weren't cutting a fresh trail with our deal.

That issue has been hashed-out at length on this Forum. The circumstances that led to the creation of Compass were inexorable, and not the fault of NWA pilots.

RE: "What did the NWA MEC get for that?"

Credit at the table. It was a concessionary negotiation. A majority of the membership approved the deal. Get it?

 

[N2264J]

RE: "So the NWA MEC promoted the formation of an alter ego for your union brothers at Mesaba and Pinnacle and you give me grief about my views on the right thing vs what a majority thinks?"

"Promoted"? Question, do you get dizzy when you spin that hard? A majority (a overwhelming majority) approved the deal that allowed the creation of Compass.

Do you get dizzy? You're making my point for me. Do you think all "regional" pilots are so stupid, they don't understand what we're talking about?

http://www.rjdefense.com/2004/nwa70.pdf

RE: "What did the NWA MEC get for that?"

Credit at the table. It was a concessionary negotiation. A majority of the membership approved the deal. Get it?

$15 million in credit for selling out your union brothers? Where in the wide, wide world of sports does that comport with integrity in the Marine Corps?

http://www.rjdefense.com/2004/110804up.pdf

There is no union here, correct? No brotherhood. Why don't you just admit it's a sham?

 

[Occam's Razor]

Do you think all "regional" pilots are so stupid, they don't understand what we're talking about?

Um...I know one that seems to have difficulty understanding simple circumstances. I wouldn't go so far as to call yo...er...him "stupid"...but I think there's enough empirical data to support such a claim.

$15 million in credit for selling out your union brothers?

Spare me. It was a negotiation, and establishing Compass was valued at $15-million...per year. I'm not sure what the Mesaba pilots got at the table for allowing the purchase of Big Sky, but I'm going to assume it was an amount greater than zero.

The "sell out" characterization is getting old. I've posted before that Brand Scope is a lower priority than the basic elements of our contract. That is, in part, because it has a very high price tag...both near-term, and long-term. A price that YOU are unwilling to share. Your "Put me on your list, but don't expect me to pay for any of it!" whine is has gotten you nothing, which is exactly what such a gambit deserves. [Print this post and send it to your lawyers, but don't forget the check!]

Where in the wide, wide world of sports does that comport with integrity in the Marine Corps?

It has nothing to do with the Marine Corps. I am in a position to state that fact. You are not.

There is no union here, correct? No brotherhood. Why don't you just admit it's a sham?

I will admit that what is taking place within our union regarding Brand Scope is not your vision of what should take place. For that I am supremely grateful!

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

I'm not sure I could have made a better point about ALPA's irrelevance to its membership. One in three members bothered to take part in the last poll so you want to do another poll? Age 65 is coming, with or without ALPA.

You are observant. You have no vision but you do know FUBAR when you see it!

We need leadership who knows what a union is for, will stand on principle of what is right - not politically expedient and isn't worried about losing his job to get there. But don't hold your breath waiting for ALPA's "shadow council" to put a person like that in front.

So what do you suggest? Or are you just the weather man? Thanks for telling us its reaining but we already know it...

 

[N2264J]

You have no vision but you do know FUBAR when you see it! So what do you suggest?

I have a vision. The mainliners, who would have to disperse the power within the association they currently enjoy to the whole body equally, don't like it. ALPA needs to be modeled on a bicameral system like the US government with checks and balances.

How can ALPA enhance its efforts to represent all members equally and without discrimination when a majority of its members are employed by a small fraction of ALPA represented airlines?​

Possible Solutions:​

ALPA must consider ways to establish a system of “checks and balances” in order to prevent an accumulation of all powers, executive, legislative, and judicial, in the hands of a minority of pilot groups.​

1) Executive​

a) ALPA’s President, First Vice-President, Vice-President Administration/Secretary, and Vice-President Finance/Treasurer to be directly elected by union membership.​

2) Legislative​

a) Bicameral Governing Bodies
i) Weighted votes not permitted in Executive Board
ii) All changes to Constitution and By-laws must be ratified by both Executive Board and Board of Directors.
iii) Executive Board must approve all expenditures of $100,000 or more.​

b) Local Autonomy
i) Each individual pilot group, as defined by a separate pilot seniority list, shall be guaranteed the right to maintain their own Master and Local Executive Councils.
ii) Rights and responsibilities of each MEC and LEC representing pilots, wholly
owned or otherwise, whose services benefit a common parent company, shall
be clearly delineated and protected.
iii) In the event of ALPA negotiations triggered by a significant corporate transaction involving the parent company, no pilot group, wholly owned or otherwise, whose services benefit a common parent company shall be excluded from such negotiations.​

3) Independent “Judiciary” (Grievance Process)​

a) Codify grievance procedure to permit members to adjudicate disputes against Union, including procedure that involves appeal to neutral arbitrator under defined circumstances.​

b) Arbitration expenses to be borne by ALPA.​

c) Right of membership to retain outside counsel for "serious" disputes, at ALPA expense for the purposes of the arbitration. Such disputes to fall within pre-defined criteria.​

4) Fiscal​

a) Local Finances
i) Subject to reasonable oversight provisions and ALPA’s Constitution and Bylaws, each MEC/LEC shall be empowered to locally collect and administer union dues.
ii) Subject to ALPA’s Constitution and By-laws, a simplified set percentage of dues income shall be forwarded to the national association for purposes established by ALPA’s governing bodies.
iii) Subject to reasonable oversight and national guidelines, funds not forwarded to the national association shall be budgeted and administered by the respective MEC.​

b) Fiscal Disclosure
i) Enhanced financial disclosure of ALPA income and expenditures.
ii) Appropriate disclosure to membership of legal proceedings involving the
Association.​

Discuss.​

http://www.rjdefense.com/settlementproposal.pdf​

 

[SDF2BUF2MCO]

ALPA needs to be modeled on a bicameral system like the US government with checks and balances.

N, the answer is really very simple (or complicated depending on your view). You can have the system in place but if those in charge abuse (like many polticians), then it is for naught. The answer is having honorable and smart people in charge. Would you trust your leadership to run your country, your airlines, or even fix your car ?

I know Occam, determining what is good and honorable is in the eyes of the beholder.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

I have a vision. The mainliners, who would have to disperse the power within the association they currently enjoy to the whole body equally, don't like it. ALPA needs to be modeled on a bicameral system like the US government with checks and balances.

ok... I am down that that... however what you are suggesting is increased involvement of the membership. This will require more volunteer representatives. What incentive do avg. line pilots have to volunteer. (altruism doesn't work. There alrealdy is an issue with the agenda of volunteers)

How can ALPA enhance its efforts to represent all members equally and without discrimination when a majority of its members are employed by a small fraction of ALPA represented airlines?

you are talking about Delaware and RI pissed off because TX and CA have more votes...

Possible Solutions:

​

ALPA must consider ways to establish a system of “checks and balances” in order to prevent an accumulation of all powers, executive, legislative, and judicial, in the hands of a minority of pilot groups.
​

Again more volunteers required. why would they volunteer? Incentives?
​

​

1) Executive

​

a) ALPA’s President, First Vice-President, Vice-President Administration/Secretary, and Vice-President Finance/Treasurer to be directly elected by union membership.
​

ok. Are you prepared for low voter turn out. With 30% particapation in LEC elections and the current disconnect with ALPA National, I'd say voter turnout for these positions would be less than 15%.
​

2) Legislative

​

a) Bicameral Governing Bodies
i) Weighted votes not permitted in Executive Board
ii) All changes to Constitution and By-laws must be ratified by both Executive Board and Board of Directors.
iii) Executive Board must approve all expenditures of $100,000 or more.
​

can you say grid lock? One of the pro's of having a EC, EB and BOD is the ability to move on the issues.... You've got a point, but what issues are pontificated and what issues are addressed?
​

b) Local Autonomy
i) Each individual pilot group, as defined by a separate pilot seniority list, shall be guaranteed the right to maintain their own Master and Local Executive Councils.
ii) Rights and responsibilities of each MEC and LEC representing pilots, wholly
owned or otherwise, whose services benefit a common parent company, shall
be clearly delineated and protected.
iii) In the event of ALPA negotiations triggered by a significant corporate transaction involving the parent company, no pilot group, wholly owned or otherwise, whose services benefit a common parent company shall be excluded from such negotiations.

We will see how the RJDC lawsuit pans out...

3) Independent “Judiciary” (Grievance Process)

​

a) Codify grievance procedure to permit members to adjudicate disputes against Union, including procedure that involves appeal to neutral arbitrator under defined circumstances.​

b) Arbitration expenses to be borne by ALPA.​

c) Right of membership to retain outside counsel for "serious" disputes, at ALPA expense for the purposes of the arbitration. Such disputes to fall within pre-defined criteria.
​

Basically, what the RJDC is saying is.. if you've got a beef with ALPA sue them! What if every clique sued ALPA? The organization would be bogged down, like our US legal system in BS lawsuits.

You could have a panel or board or jury of line pilots that would approve a lawsuit against ALPA... but back to the question. Who is going to volunteer? And what incentive do they have to give up days off? Or pay them, but that would increase dues. 3% ???
​

4) Fiscal

​

a) Local Finances
i) Subject to reasonable oversight provisions and ALPA’s Constitution and Bylaws, each MEC/LEC shall be empowered to locally collect and administer union dues.
ii) Subject to ALPA’s Constitution and By-laws, a simplified set percentage of dues income shall be forwarded to the national association for purposes established by ALPA’s governing bodies.
iii) Subject to reasonable oversight and national guidelines, funds not forwarded to the national association shall be budgeted and administered by the respective MEC.
​

I think there maybe an issue of the common line pilot elected and suddenly having access to cash/budget. There maybe a responsibility issue... This is why teamster members have issues with IBT shop stewards. They get access to the cash and become disconnected with the membership and the membership resents them cause they are living high on the hog.

​

b) Fiscal Disclosure
i) Enhanced financial disclosure of ALPA income and expenditures.
ii) Appropriate disclosure to membership of legal proceedings involving the
Association.

I am for that...

Discuss.

​

http://www.rjdefense.com/settlementproposal.pdf
​

Who is going to pay for all of this? Will an increase in dues be acceptable? Where is all the volunteer time going to come from?

There are processes in place to inact these ideas... LEC/MEC/BOD/EB... political effectiveness and savvy are how it gets done...

I am all for change and a more effective and effecient ALPA....

But I'll ask... since this is your idea or shared vision...

HOW do you plan to implement?​

​

 

[N2264J]

You can have the system in place but if those in charge abuse (like many polticians), then it is for naught. The answer is having honorable and smart people in charge.

Yeah, I hear ya.

What I'm thinking about is accountability and transparency to the whole membership. In my view, that's how we fix the "honorable politician" problem
and is at least one way toward equality in any democratic-republic organization.

It ain't perfect but it's probably better than the corrupt cabal of a shadow council we have now.

 

[N2264J]

HOW do you plan to implement?​

I don't plan to implement. That's ALPA's problem.

Look, this has never been a decertification drive. There are some really
good things about ALPA.

However, we think ALPA is being managed really badly. If you factor in the rampant apathy you speak of, maybe the majority of members think that too.
Why isn't American, Southwest, AirTran, jetBlue, UPS, and Skywest knocking on ALPA's door? They feel they can do better on their own. Why is that?

If our membership were satisfied that their union is fair and just and working toward common goals, you'd have a hard time keeping these pilot groups out.

Our beef is fundamental. Another MEC that you did not vote for, and does not represent your interests, should not be able to cap your career and throttle your earnings potential on your property without the knowledge and consent of your MEC.

 

[Tejas-Jet]

What is ALPA doing about ROCK STAR management pay? Nothing!!!!!!
Again APA is making it an issue while ALPA lets it hurt its membership.
.

Well...it is kinda hard when the MEC Chairman tries to make a case on the outrageous CEO pay....and then the CEO looks just over the shoulder of the MEC Chairman, and sees.....

Nobody standing behind him.

If there is no involvement...you get what you deserve.

 

[Catbird]

Occam- Get back to work. Alpa needs you to keep churning out the press releases. How did you swing the computer connection with these problems? Did Rez bring you the ALPA laptop so you could keep the Flight Loss Pay GraveyTrain rolling along?

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=3045109

 

[Occam's Razor]

I don't plan to implement. That's ALPA's problem.

Thanks for your blueprint for a Perpetual Motion Machine.

Look, this has never been a decertification drive. There are some really good things about ALPA.

Agree. I also agree that there are some bad things. You have a vision for fixing some of the things you view as "bad". That vision leaves tire tracks over my back.

Perhaps I'd view your Quixotian quest as a something a little more noble if the RJDC lawsuits were seeking some sort of "parity" or even the imposition of your vision. But the lawsuit only seeks money. You don't want Brand Scope. You don't want mainline MEC's to accept your terms. You want money. Period.

However, we think ALPA is being managed really badly. If you factor in the rampant apathy you speak of, maybe the majority of members think that too.

Where would they ever get such an idea? Maybe from members suing them? Could THAT have planted the seed?

Why isn't American, Southwest, AirTran, jetBlue, UPS, and Skywest knocking on ALPA's door? They feel they can do better on their own. Why is that?

I don't know. Why aren't more RJ pilots joining the RJDC?

Send me your membership list, and we'll see if it's grown at the same rate ALPA rolls have.

Our beef is fundamental. Another MEC that you did not vote for, and does not represent your interests, should not be able to cap your career and throttle your earnings potential on your property without the knowledge and consent of your MEC.

Explain it to me how my MEC sets your pay rates? Why hasn't the ASA MEC set 70-seat rates at $200/hr? Is there something in the Delta pilot contract that prevents that? If so, please cite it here.

Please don't tell me "size matters". SWA pilots fly smaller aircraft for more $$ than pilots at jetBlue and American. Is that Evil ALPA Scope at work?