For the flying they do, Delta's current pay rates are pathetic. Certainly not industry leading like a few years back (pre-bankruptcy). Why does a Delta 777 Captain earn less than a Southwest 737 Captain flying only domestic flying? Shouldn't Delta 737 pilots earn what Southwest 737 pilots earn? So, AirTran 737 pilots who keep the left seat will make more than current Delta 777 pilots in the near future after the merger is complete? Really? Good for the AirTran pilots, but the Delta guys clearly deserve much better - especially after their pensions were gutted (not the former NWA guys). Delta is in a far better finanicial position now vs. the bankruptcy days and the new contract better reflect that reality.
Southwest pilots do have an advantage in their negotiating in that the scope of flying is never in question - Southwest will not outsource any flying to regionals. So, there are fewer bargaining chips on the table and the pilots can focus more on pay. Scope is a big bargaining chip for Delta and the legacies and can be used again to offset pay increases for job security - that SUCKS and management knows it. Let's hope Lee Moak stays far away from any future Delta contract negotiations - MOAK CHOKED last time around...