Whoa. We don't know the answer to that. ALPA never asked the question. (there is one very old Mullin letter I need to look at - if I can find it I'll try to get it posted)
I recall management's expectation was that merger policy would apply. With an order for 500 airplanes everyone thought the Delta MEC would want to capture that growth. (if they had seen the CRJ700/900/1000 or the E-Jets coming before 9/11, Giambusso might have had a different perspective)
The idea that scope would be sold for bargaining credit was not developed until concessionary bargaining - as far as I know. The exploitation of child labor (I like your term) came later after ALPA failed in its core mission of unity. (IMHO that set a very bad precedent and until people who's opinions matter - like yours - are on board with the value of scope, things probably will not change)
A good indicator of management's thoughts at that time are on the Delta family tree in the museum they built in 1999 - 2000. The last panel is the ASA merger with Delta. There are probably memos on the topic archived somewhere, but they are not relevant to ALPA's handling and no one has ever bothered to get them.
On your other point - the PID should have been diffused before it was tossed out at the BOD by attempting agreement at the MEC level (just like the Delta MEC did with NWA). Instead it was thrown over the fence like a grenade and recieved with similar effect. I understand your reaction and wish that things had been done differently - even if Joe labels me a turncoat for calling it what it is.
Puff Driver - just so I know where you are coming from - do you see a benefit to having the so called regional jets flown by mainline pilots?
Let me be clear, it is NOT a reaction. It's just business. Delta pilots, negotiate with Delta management. ASA nor Comair have ANY business at the bargaining table, and now the courts have affirmed that. I respect them as aviators, but their place is their place. They feed, they feed for Delta. All of Delta's flying belongs to the Delta pilots, all of it. We do with it what WE--Delta pilots--and management--Delta management--can hammer out in negotiations.
I have always been an advocate of having the RJs on the mainline list. That doesn't mean we integrate pilots from other airlines, who have their eyes on a larger prize, and want to do it outside of the system. 98% of pilots are fair men, men of goodwill. The other 2% are looking to advance whilst stepping on others.
What you and he fail to mention is what I typed. Delta ALWAYS had the option of putting rjs at mainline--using mainline pilots. That in itself pretty much sums it up. It is an aircraft that feeds, and serves thin routes. It's limited shelf life is now becoming apparent, and the Joes of the world will reap what they have sown.
Trust me, I started screaming about scope from day 1 on the property. We have a lid on it, it would seem. We have very real protection in place for junior pilots, not with a no-furlough clause, but the very stiff penalty that arises out of furloughs with regards to seats. I think that the 1000 is a fine aircraft, and it HAS to be flown by mainline pilots. What a great way to pave new way for industry leading flow through, and the associated job protections with flow back. You don't get something for nothing, and the majors are STILL a superior job for pay and QOL over any regional.
I see about a 10 second lapse here before some hothead decides that I am talking down to him. No doubt a well-placed double breasted sky god comment will come hither. So save it. You guys can fly our sh&*, we can fly your sh(*. You are all fully qualified, you are great aviators. Blah, blah. It's not a big pee pee contest. It is what it is. It has always been that way. Until our idiot union fixes things with regard to merger policy subjectiveness, and alter ego positions--don't hold your breath--that is the way that it will stay.
Your version of what management wanted back in the day doesn't fly. They could have merged the companies from day 1. They didn't. They didn't want to, and no amount of money would have compelled them to. End of story.
My solution is to pull all of Delta's domestic flying back under 1 umbrella using Delta pilots at the helm. At every opportunity, we should be re-strengthening scope where possible, striking when necessary when this company is back on solid footing. That does not include merging of lists. It could include flow through, and flow back.
