DL MEC Rumor???

[lowecur]

This was posted on the notorious yahoo board this morning. I have a feeling it may be just baloney. What do you think, General?

The Delta MEC is meeting this week in New Orleans. Word is they have a new proposal which involves steep pay cuts that the company has wanted. The new rates are around 23-29% lower depending on aircraft. Some productivity changes and end of various special pay. The plans further calls for all flying to be done by Delta and Delta connection pilots and end out sourcing. All furloughees would return to the wholly owned subsidiaries of Comair or Atlantic Southeast Airlines until positions open at mainline. Small jet flying "scope" would be increased to allow Delta flexibility in scheduling. Fee for departure contract flying would be phased out as the scope limits were increased. The plan is a five year "recovery" plan.

 

[General Lee]

I read the same thing, but then we got several reports from people who know MEC members and they said they had no clue where that came from. So, I don't know if it is true at all. But, I do know that Delta would love to have some pilot pay cuts to pay for this:

Delta Air Lines Signs Exclusive Agreement with Fashion Designer Richard Tyler to Create New Uniforms
Tuesday February 3, 11:00 am ET
Highly-respected designer to create classic look for airline's global uniform- wearing employees


ATLANTA, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL - News) announced today that it has selected Los Angeles-based fashion designer Richard Tyler to create a new uniform for all of its public contact employees around the world. This exciting new program has been developed in response to employee and customer feedback requesting updated, sophisticated uniforms and is part of the airline's long-term brand strategy and investment in distinguishing itself in the marketplace.
"Over the last year, we have spoken to Delta employees and to customers who interface with Delta people day in and day out about the uniform and the look it conveys," said Patrice Miles, vice president of Consumer Marketing for Delta. "Our customers told us they want Delta people who are not only knowledgeable about their work but who also look professional and feel good about their jobs."

The new uniforms will debut in 2006, at which time Delta's existing uniform will be retired, having been in service for five years.

"Delta wants to provide all of our employees with a classic yet comfortable new look," said Sharon Wibben, Delta's senior vice president of In-Flight Service. "The combination of Delta's rich history and commitment to quality air travel with Richard Tyler's incredible vision will herald a new era of style in the skies."

Richard Tyler is appreciated for the beautiful cut of his clothing and his refined attention to detail. These attributes have made him unique among American designers and often compared to the fine European couturiers. Tyler is best known for his impeccable tailoring and elegant eveningwear. Tyler's designs have been worn by Jamie Lee Curtis, Stockard Channing, Rachel Griffiths, Catherine Zeta Jones, Sarah Jessica Parker, Heather Locklear, Faith Hill, Pierce Brosnan, Patrick Stewart and Jennifer Love Hewitt, among others.

"I am excited to have this chance to design and create a uniform that reflects style, sophistication and substance -- a uniform that Delta employees will feel proud to wear and its customers will enjoy," said Tyler. "Over the next few months, I will be meeting with Delta employees to ensure that my designs reflect their wants and needs. Flight has changed our lives and expanded our boundaries. Delta's invitation gives me a chance to be a part of that change and to bring back the timeless elegance and style that was very much alive during the classic age of travel and innovation."

Australian-born designer, Richard Tyler, is best known for his beautifully tailored suiting and exquisite gowns and eveningwear. The Richard Tyler Boutique, located in Los Angeles, California, has been retailing Richard Tyler designs for both women and men since 1988. Richard Tyler lines include Richard Tyler Couture, Richard Tyler Shoes, Richard Tyler Bride, Tyler, which represents a more urban, yet relaxed L.A. lifestyle and Richard Tyler Eve, a more accessible cocktail line. Tyler garnered three consecutive CFDA awards, the fashion industry's highest accolade, in 1993, 1994 and 1995. Richard Tyler designs are developed, manufactured and marketed by Tyler Trafficante Inc, independently owned by Richard Tyler and his wife and business partner Lisa Trafficante. The clothing lines are developed and chiefly manufactured in Tyler's design studio in Los Angeles, California.

Delta Air Lines is proud to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2004. As the world's second largest airline in terms of passengers carried and the leading U.S. carrier across the Atlantic, Delta offers 7,318 flights each day to 487 destinations in 82 countries on Delta, Song, Delta Shuttle, Delta Connection and Deltas worldwide partners. Delta currently utilizes the largest regional jet fleet, and its Comair subsidiary was the first U.S. airline to operate with RJs. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. For more information, please visit delta.com.




Sounds like a company in need of major cash right NOW.

Bye Bye--General Lee

 

[KingAirKiddo]

General,

This sounds like a win/win...furloughees return to the cockpit, we keep all flying in the (slightly dysfunctional) family, and relax scope to the degree necessary to allow DAL to compete (while opening opportunities to furloughed pilots who would be otherwise unemployed). The pay cuts certainly bite the big one, but otherwise what do you think?

As to the stylish new uniforms...

KAK

 

[ASApuppy]

Just curious as to what the dollar figure would be for a 30% cut on Deltas annual report.

I'm I out of line with this math.

8,500 pilots
153,000 average salery (4500 CA $200k, 4000 FO @100K)

equals $1.3B, so 30% is $390 million.
That's a sizable chunk, but after the golden parachute/bonus for management for getting it done, its chump-change. I still think this is more political than necessary.

I do like this rumor though. Not to give me job at the mainline (I still want to earn mine) but to stop this infighting. I don't like it that Skywest is so profitable that they are shopping around to buy another airline with all the cash they have laying around and we are asked to extend our contract for cost savings. We need to be focused on bringing back the passengers to our flights vs the competition. I know I'm dreaming, but if management were to start refering to labor as their greatest asset to recover rather than their biggest liability, we would make huge strides toward winning it all for everyone.

 

[spanky2]

I can't figure out why DAL Mgt keeps wasting money on all of these expensive experts and consultants. Just go back to the uniforms prior to the current Wal-Mart look...when you could tell a gate agent from a FA from a red coat from a mechanic. Stop paying millions in consulting fees on how to win back employee and customer support. Stop deluting the name with SONG expansion. Get rid of the 50 VP's of diversity and float-making. Stop trying to be something that you are not. Adapt and change work to a point but...go back to what got Delta to where it was. Don't have to be the biggest to be a good company.

There. That was free of charge.

 

[Palerider957]

This was posted on the notorious yahoo board this morning. I have a feeling it may be just baloney. What do you think, General?

The Delta MEC is meeting this week in New Orleans. Word is they have a new proposal which involves steep pay cuts that the company has wanted. The new rates are around 23-29% lower depending on aircraft. Some productivity changes and end of various special pay. The plans further calls for all flying to be done by Delta and Delta connection pilots and end out sourcing. All furloughees would return to the wholly owned subsidiaries of Comair or Atlantic Southeast Airlines until positions open at mainline. Small jet flying "scope" would be increased to allow Delta flexibility in scheduling. Fee for departure contract flying would be phased out as the scope limits were increased. The plan is a five year "recovery" plan.

Dam.n, this is what the RJ drivers have been screaming for years. If the two pilot groups (DAL and ASA/CMR) actually worked together, this airline could be an 800 lb Gorilla.

But, having said that, I don't know that DALPA would ever the idea.

New uniforms?? Perhaps they'll finally get the FA's out of their blue sweatshirts and into a more professional attire. The pilots could get a Napoleon uniform, complete with sword, and ruffled feather hat!!! (just kidding General )

 

[General Lee]

Palerider,

No, I actually like that idea. General Napoleon.....(an upgrade from LEE? No, the name is from Dukes of Hazzard--the car....)


Anyways, I don't know if the rumor is true, or it could have been planted there by someone in management....? I don't know. But, the furlough thing would be nice for our guys, and the inhouse flying would potentially save the company some money (keeping all of the profits) and allowing ASA/Comair to grow (so they would stop their RJDC bitchen)....I don't know about the percentage pay cuts though. I don't know of anyone confirming this on our Dalpa website. (why would they?) This may just be a bunch of hot air, or maybe a proposal eventually. I hope we do give some type of pay cuts and eventually get better and grow again.

As far as the new uniforms, doesn't that just sound fishy? We just announced $300 million (over 6 years) to repair JFK, and now we are hiring a fashion honcho to design new uniforms for the stews..?....

Bye Bye--General Lee

 

[surplus1]

Palerider,

>>>> and now we are hiring a fashion honcho to design new uniforms for the stews..?....

General, I'm dissapointed. I thought it was going to include the pilots too and I've been ringing my hands in anticipation of you all in your snazzy new Jean Luc Picard outfits.

You spoiled that illusion by introducing the Napoleon concept but I admit it has merit. With a plume or two on the helmets that would be perfect. The sword can serve as a supplemental cockpit defense device for those that don't get phasers and don't want to pack 357 magnums under their cloaks. It's perfect!

Another viable option would be something with a Horatio Hornblower touch (full dress of course), for those that can't bring themselves to separate for the nostalgia of the sea.

PS. Do you think we're going to have to "share" in that too?

 

[General Lee]

I think the pointy hat might be taking it "overboard...." (get it? hahahahaha) No, I think I could also look like that dashing Russel Crowe in "Master and Commander" (That is what you guys would call me anyway if I were your PIC on the 757....). But I do have one question..."Windcheck?" Take care.


Bye Bye--General Lee

 

[Palerider957]

I think the pointy hat might be taking it "overboard...." (get it? hahahahaha) No, I think I could also look like that dashing Russel Crowe in "Master and Commander" (That is what you guys would call me anyway if I were your PIC on the 757....). But I do have one question..."Windcheck?" Take care.


Bye Bye--General Lee

General---YOU ARE KILLING ME!! ROFLMAO

In my world, we would all have a Conan--barbarian look, chicks dig it, and Al Qaeda would run in fear.

 

[wil]

Can a meeting in the Big Easy really accomplish anything? Well, maybe they can work hung over!!

I like the idea of getting the furloughs back in the air and circling the wagons together.

These are intersting times-

 

[General Lee]

We'll see Wil, we shall see. I also hope things go better and we come up with a solution, but one that explains why we are getting trendy new uniforms for the stews? Will they include a bare midrift?(half shirt) Maybe that wouldn't be such a good idea with some of our current stews.....We really couldn't go the "short shorts and golf shirt" either like Southwest. (passengers wouldn't buy any food) I hope they would know what to do with any pay cut money we would give them, or would they just pi$$ it away with new uniforms etc........???

Bye Bye--General Lee

 

[surplus1]

I think the pointy hat might be taking it "overboard...." (get it? hahahahaha) No, I think I could also look like that dashing Russel Crowe in "Master and Commander" (That is what you guys would call me anyway if I were your PIC on the 757....). But I do have one question..."Windcheck?" Take care.

Remember, Russel Crowe's hero was Hornblower. I agree that the "windcheck" could become a serious problem for you all. Rumor has it that your cockpits are filled with hot air and flatulence that escape from two apertures, both of which make wind tolerance important. Perhaps you should stick to the Jean Luc thing, after all it is designed for astronauts, and solves the wind problem too. What could be more fitting.

PS. We will not have to call you Master and Commander, because we are not capable of serving on such large ships as yours and, if we let you serve on the small ships, we will be the "master".

Hope all is well with you.

 

[General Lee]

Surplus1,

No, that is one reason why I like the 767 cockpit better than that 738, more room to "let one go" and hopefully stay un-noticed. I think the Jean Luc Picard look would be stylish for us, but I also want the "Jordi" sunglasses (I swear I don't watch that show THAT much......). And, the "Data" white makeup....

If you ever do get over here (through a staple...no doubt) I wouldn't have you calling me "Commander...." I am sure you would think of other names..... Take Care....

Bye BYe--General Lee

 

[Tim47SIP]

Hopefull but not probable!

Last month I flew with our DFW resident ALPA rep who told me that the Delta MEC was going to negotiate something that would be "very positive for DCI". I tried for 4 weeks to get the real skinny, but he would not tell me anything diffinitive. He just told be to be patient and the furure at DCI (ASA/Comair) would be brighter. I of course just blew it off as speculation or hear say.

Although this is the first that I have heard of this particular plan, it does seem a coincedence that his comments and this plan would surface at the same time. He also stated that the DELTA MEC was different than the old one, realised the situation that Delta is in, and understands fully what US and United are going through. Our ALPA rep also talked of greater expansion and much larger aircraft on the ASA/Comair certificates.

The thing that bothers me here is that the regional guys have been talking this same plan for over 4 years and the Delta MEC as well as the run of the mill Delta mainline guys have positively told us to pack sand. Even after the furloghs, we got the same message. I just cant see the junior Delta guys going for something like this (even though they would be greatly benefited). With the exception of FDJ and the General, there is still to much arogance in the DALPA ranks to allow such a thing. This plan, if it is true, would be a great boost to DALPA, Delta, ASA, and Comair. It would reduce costs in the long run, ensure the furloughs come back with DCI expansion, and free Delta management to manage assets. What a concept. This would also be revolusionary in that it would go against ALPA's J4J protocall, start the real "Brand Scope" that ALPA is now talking about, and change the industry for the rest of the regionals. It would also be very devistating for the contract carriers as other mainlines followed suit, although I am sure there will always be some need for them.

One other area that interests me if this really comes to fruitition is the RJDC arena. Will there still be a case as the General surmises, or will they still continue with their mantra based on the original problem areas; ALPAS own CBL's. One thing is for sure, the next several months will be very interesting for Delta as well as the rest of the industry.

As for the new uniforms, just be thankfull it is not for the pilots, I sure would hate to have to wear evening wear with a tutu to work (California is the land of fruits and nuts so anything is possible!)

 

[surplus1]

Surplus1,

If you ever do get over here (through a staple...no doubt) I wouldn't have you calling me "Commander...." I am sure you would think of other names..... Take Care....

Sir. Yessir General, Sir! (heel click ... heel click) Practice, practice. practice.

 

[lowecur]

Sounds like there could be certain groups from both organizations (DALPA & DCALPA) that could live with a contract like this. Whether this is BS or not, the poster's idea's obviously have merit. Just my opinion, but I have to believe the DALPA MEC has to be grinding their teeth with Gerald looking to take this to the mat. Here's some of Gerald's thoughts from the ATL Constitution tomorrow on UAIR going 7:

US Airways' exit could be a mixed blessing, Delta Chief Executive Gerald Grinstein recently told airline analysts.

"You may tend to get a short-term improvement (in fares) but over the long term, experience tells us that capacity flows into those markets," he said. "And if some of those assets end up in the hands of low-cost carriers, you're going to have another bigger (problem)."

This sounds to me like he sees the window of opportunity closing. Hopefully, the DALPA MEC are beginning to understand the latitude that is needed to survive. Reading what UAIR ALPA spokesman recently said, they don't like the option of giving more back to UAIR, but the alternative is worse:

"We know one thing for certain is the status quo is not an option," said UAIR ALPA spokesman Jack Stephan.

He said US Airways also needs to find ways to make itself competitive besides seeking more labor concessions.

A new MEC team is coming on board for UAIR on 3/1/04, and they are said to be more hard nosed. They will definitely need to get something done in the next 30 days, or those assets will probably be sold. Of course I understand UAIR pilots feelings.

"Part of our frustration is with management that keeps running the same old play over and over again."This is obviously the frustration felt with Siegel's inability to restructure the network to be more cost effective. But change like Jack Stephan is talking about would have a steep cost, as more furloughs would be necessary to adapt to that strategy.

No easy answers, only tough questions.

 

[General Lee]

Surplus1,

Finally, I am getting the respect I deserve!!!(Joking) What is not really funny is that I have run into Capt's like that, and after I got off probabtion I started to NOT care as much. I try to do my best, and I do respect Capt authority, but I won't put up with guys/gals that treat me poorly. And I wouldn't do that to you my friend, and I would have the 50/50 rule when it came to pre flight walk arounds------I would do 50% of the walkarounds WHEN it was over 50 degrees F. That sounds fair.......


Tim,

I think there are more people out there that actually care and see that it would nice to play fiar with everyone, but you still have to protect what you have, and our last CEO loved the RJs a lot more than he loved mainline planes or mainline pilots. He had a vision---that businessmen want frequency. Today that really isn't their number one priority---now it is cost and comfort, and RJs can't always give you those. I think the RJs have a purpose--to back up mainline---with route exploring, some extra frequency, and comfort over the turboprops. We all know that RJs are good for us, and helped a lot during the lean times. But, we also know that 3 hours on an RJ is hard on everyone, and that there are some routes that should have larger planes but our marketing department isn't working hard enough for that route to fill a 737 etc...A lot of us see the good that RJs provide, but want us to fight more with existing mainline aircraft and increase productivity on existing aircraft (some of our 737s fly 7 hours a day vs Southwest and their 12 hours a day). We want Mainline and DCI to co-exist and thrive together, but lately we haven't been using our assets to the best of our ability, and that is frustrating. I hope that changes and I hope that DCI gets what it wants, and I look forward to seeing some of you over here eventually---after our furloughs come back. Take care.


Lowecur,

I am sure that we will eventually come to an agreement. It seems like they are feeling each other out right now, and even we agree that we should give some sort of pay cuts. But, this has to be a negotiation, not a request. He can do that with all of the non-union people, but not us. Maybe if he shared the "plan" with us and told us what our "investment" would be---that would probably help. I agree with him that the USAir guys really don't have a good plan, and that we need a leader---which Siegel is NOT. Labor cuts are not the only answer. I do think that our costs do need to be trimmed, but we also should have a plan and go through with it. New uniforms for the stews doesn't sound like a great idea, but the JFK expansion did. I'd be willing to give more to fuel that type of expansion, not to give the stews some new long skirts and half shirts....This really would be an investment for us, and I would hate to see it wasted on something stupid. We shall see.....

Bye Bye--General Lee

 

[surplus1]

Surplus1,

Finally, I am getting the respect I deserve!!!(Joking) What is not really funny is that I have run into Capt's like that, and after I got off probabtion I started to NOT care as much. I try to do my best, and I do respect Capt authority, but I won't put up with guys/gals that treat me poorly. And I wouldn't do that to you my friend, and I would have the 50/50 rule when it came to pre flight walk arounds------I would do 50% of the walkarounds WHEN it was over 50 degrees F. That sounds fair.......
Bye Bye--General Lee

You have a good sense of humor, General (seriously) and I like that.

A long time ago when I was a young captain I used to admonish other young cocky captains, and a few senior one's as well, with this: Always be nice to your First Officer for in this business, you never know when he will be your Captain. It holds as true today as it did back them. Remember that when you upgrade.

Now about those walkarounds, I'll buy the 50/50 deal when the temp is over 50 deg. F, as long as you understand that you will do them all when it's below 50 deg. F. That may seem unfair to your command status, but given the fragility of these old bones it is the only way you would be able to guarantee having a helper for the rest of the trip. That's not a threat of protest, it's just a reality that I'd never make it up the jetway stairs after the exposure.

Command demands good judgement and I'm confident you would come to recognize that deference to your ancient First Officer's suseptibility to frigid temperature is preferable to flying solo.

On the serious side, here's hoping that your CEO and your MEC can make a reasonable compromise before that Section 6 date rolls around. Otherwise I suspect you'll be dealing with a scenario very similar to what happened at AA or worse, UAL. I would not want to see that happen.

This is a tough business and it has always been so. This time around the ride seems a bit more bumpy than before. The skies will be blue again on the other side of this cloud, but not everyone will make it through the storm. I hope that we are both among those that do.

 

[formerdal]

"Otherwise I suspect you'll be dealing with a scenario very similar to what happened at AA or worse, UAL. I would not want to see that happen."


surplus1,

A very true post. However, with regard to this last statement-If management does go down the bankruptcy road I think all of us that have contracts with Delta will be in for the fight of our lives. I believe you have one with them as well.

Blue skies-I hope!