Do I understand this correctly? Delta is asking for pilot leaves? I was not aware of that. I thought you guys were going to hire by the end of the year?
For starters, believe no hiring rumors until you actually see the guys in new-hire indoc. I think we all agree with that.
What he was referring to was the SILs. SILs were a neat little thing agreed to a few years ago. The idea is that when mgmt sees a temporary overmanning in a category (such as this fall's large drawdown in block hours) one way they can attempt to deal with it is to offer SILs, like we have for Sept. SIL stands for Supplementary Incentive Line.
SILs are one-month-at-a-time entities, only apply to the specific categories that crew resources deems appropriate, do not ever have to be posted by crew resources, nor is any pilot ever obligated to bid on one or accept one if one is indeed offered. However, if a pilot did do so, and was awarded one, he would receive 55 hours pay for the month, but also would get the month off with absolutely zero contact required to the company. This is in addition to any regular vacation the pilot has for the year.
The company saves a few $$ because most likely the pilot(s) in question would have bid reserve and sat around not doing much and getting 70 hrs pay, the reserve guarantee. On the other hand, sitting on reserve (even if you don't fly) still entails a contact and required availability. So for the pilot who doesn't mind losing 15 hours pay for a month off with no required contact with the company, the SIL can be a good deal.
In fact I know guys who have been awarded two consecutive SILs and spent 60 days flying for the reserves!
It has been awhile since SILs were posted, but we have quite a few for Sept.
