By We're In Trouble

April 15, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

When I first heard about the bad news, my heart sank. I’ve flown on NWA and they were wonderful. The service was friendly and the snacks were hearty. I enjoyed flying with them.

Delta, on the other hand, is horrible. The staff is rude, the prices are typically outrageous (with very rare exceptions), and the snacks are hardly worth a mention (much less the lack of meals on longer flights!).

With Delta taking over NWA, we’re all suffering a great loss. Farewell to good service and great people; hello to hell in the air. I won’t be flying Delta OR NWA anymore if I can help it, which is sad because I also enjoy KLM (NWA’s international extension). Sigh…

By Bobby

April 15, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

The consumers certainly didn’t win. Domestic airfares will continue up while Delta nickles and dimes consumers. I drive anything under 12 hours now. Or go to Birmingham to fly domestically. Nice airport, TSA officials don’t bark and growl, and I don’t ride Delta.

I heard Clark Howard on the news talking about how great this was for Atlanta, but then again Clark Howard has been out of touch with consumer issues for a few years now.

By Derek

April 15, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

This Merger will be a Win for Customers …

The combination of Delta and Northwest will offer customers greater choice, competitive fares and a superior travel experience.

The combined airline will provide convenient connections between more destinations in the U.S. and around the world than any other airline.

This is a Win-Win Situation for Everyone …

By Debby

April 15, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

Oh, quit whining about food, or the lack of. You want to fly for bus fare. Now do buses offer you a meal or snack???

By Actually

April 15, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

Actually, no one expects to fly for bus fare (which isn’t that cheap either, might I add). So stop your own complaining and let those of us who actually do fly continue to do so on carriers far superior than Delta!

What people expect is good service. Delta CANNOT provide that and hasn’t been able to for many, many years. If you went to the store to buy a TV and the salemen on the floor treated you poorly, would you honestly purchase the TV? If you said yes, then congrats - you’ve booked yourself a flight on one of the worst carriers out there: Delta! :)

By Seriously

April 15, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Are you serious? Northwest was far and away the worst managed airline from top to bottom. I refused to fly NWA when they became code-share partners with Delta and am a little hesitant to fly Delta now if the same scab mechanics are operating and maintaing their aircraft. NWA destroyed the economy of MSP and now the state of Minnesota is left to pick up the pieces of an already desimated area.

By Mike

April 15, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

This is not a good deal! There’s a reason Northwest is called “cobras;” they strike at anything.

By old timer

April 15, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

From published accounts NWA and its employees have been at war for years. I hope they don’t bring that attitude into the merged company because it has never been a part of the Delta history. We welcome them into our family.

By Kaycie

April 15, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

It is so funny how people are complaining about rising airfares. You pay more for gas, food, etc…why not airfares? The reason so many airlines have gone belly up (besides corporate greed) is the cost of fuel is sky high and the price per seat does not equal out to what it costs to fly the equipment in some cases. If you wat to get there fast, prepare to pay the cost. If not- Go Greyhound!

By Kaycie

April 15, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

It is so funny how people are complaining about rising airfares. You pay more for gas, food, etc…why not airfares? The reason so many airlines have gone belly up (besides corporate greed) is the cost of fuel is sky high and the price per seat does not equal out to what it costs to fly the equipment in some cases. If you wat to get there fast, prepare to pay the cost. If not- Go Greyhound!

By Lex Luthor

April 15, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Simple fact:

NWA and DAL planes fly the same routes and are half full. If you merge routes, you save on wasted space. (On a plane, wasted space = un-used space) Its either that or both airlines eventaully starve each other out.

By RAM

April 15, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

So the airline that forgot it was built on customer satisfaction and service will merge with the old “Southern/Republic” airline now known as “North Worst”. Where is the line for Airtran forming?

By rlp-politcal

April 15, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Well… we now know the prices will start to go up.

By rlp-politcal

April 15, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

I was suprised to hear Clark Howard last night doing a special in this crap…

He was siging the prasies of the deal - he must have all that Delta stock in his desk drawer

Clark worries me now days - I guess he is preping for his mayor run… a

By wayne

April 15, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

A sad day. Probably means delta will live. delta doesn’t care about it’s customers, & staff are (most always) rude.

By CJ

April 15, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Agreed: Delta has rude staff at the gates, dirty/filthy airplanes, cramped seats, and humorous snacks on their flights. I hope with their new fortune they improve these areas of service!

Actually, a better way to put it is, I don’t really care about their merger unless it improves these areas of service!

By Obamasux

April 15, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Hopefully airfares will go up (way up) and I’ll no longer have to put up with you idiots that clog lines because you are second class flyers and can’t follow simple directions.

Also, maybe now North Worst will get rid of their aged fleet that is older than most of the people flying the planes.

For those of you Airtrash fans out there, please continue to stay off Delta. The Delta planes all smell better when you choose to fly the competition.

I fly well over 300,000 actual miles with DAL every year and with the exception of maybe some of the Asian carriers, their product far exceeds the competition, especially on the business class level international legs. Unfortunately most people commenting on this blog will never experience business or first class.

By Hillary Clinton

April 15, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

I will give my position on this as soon as I get the results of the opinion polls.

By fed up with ALL Management

April 15, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

The NorthWorst Prez is taking $30 MILLION to step down as top dog and be # 2 in rank.

A ‘suffering industry’ that forced pilots to give up over 50% of their income, and this jackass takes $30 Million?

It’s NOT just the cost of fuel that’s the problem - how about the cost of all GROSSLY OVERPAID AIRLINE MANAGEMENT??

By Jim

April 15, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Funny story: While awaiting a flight I watched as a man sat on his computer hitting different websites bashing the Delta/Northwest merger posting everything from how ticket prices were going up to how he’d NEVER fly Delta ever again. Soon his flight was called and off he went….to board a DELTA flight to which he commented to others awaiting boarding that he was a loyal and frequent flyer-always had been, always would be-because Delta had the best mechanics in the business. :) Some people just love to stir the pot, don’t they?

By rlp-politcal

April 15, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Obamasux… April 15, 2008 10:28 AM

You sound so intelligent… must be white man - always indicating they are better than everyone else.

You are not all that white man - you are flying with us low life’s - where is your charter flight - to smart to own one.

thing that make you go hummm….

white man - get a grip ! this merger is for the executives - ask the ceo of North West !

By mayor

April 15, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

“The NorthWorst Prez is taking $30 MILLION to step down as top dog and be # 2 in rank.”

WRONG! Anderson is still top, Bastian is still #2 and Steenland gets a seat on the board.

By fed up with MGT

April 15, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

OK - so Steenland is taking $30 MILLION to sit on a freaking BOARD. No ONE, and I mean NO ONE is worth that….especially when Delta/NWorst will be making job CUTS, and has already completely ripped off the pilots.

Tell me why anyone with any airline or board of an airline should make $30M?

By OLD DELTA GUY

April 15, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Delta and Northwest customer service, which were once great, are now terrible. That’s because the top executives of both were too busy beefing up their salaries, perks, and severance packages because they knew they weren’t staying very long. This was more important to them than customer service, employee benefits, or company profits. If this attitude changes these three areas will see much improvement. Respect of the customer and the workforce has to be won because neither group respects or trusts them now. The outcome of the merger depends on them, not the rank and file workers. Let’s hope that things get turned around and we follow the yellow brick road instead of the muddy ruts we’ve been traveling in.

By fed up with MGT

April 15, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

OK - so Steenland is taking $30 MILLION to sit on a freaking BOARD. No ONE, and I mean NO ONE is worth that….especially when Delta/NWorst will be making job CUTS, and has already completely ripped off the pilots.

Tell me why anyone with any airline or board of an airline should make $30M?

By pbuffett

April 15, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Can someone tell me why all the past Mgt of Delta - with the exception of Grinstein — bankrupted the company - yet left a failed company with tens of millions in their back pockets? I don’t even believe in top execs who do a GOOD job getting that much.

Theft and corruption isn’t just in the government. There needs to be a revolution, and UNIONS don’t help matters in the least. Unions are bribe targets. Look what AOPA has done for Delta pilots….absolutely nothing.

By fix it

April 15, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Get some younger (cheaper), NICER waitresses (flight attendants)… that would make a drastic improvement. . Believe me, NO ONE wants to be ‘served’ by any of these people. Their attitudes stink.

Then raise the fares to what the flight REALLY costs instead of trying to offer bus fares to every cheap ass around.

Adjust the Management and Officers salaries DOWN, and boost the WORKERS salaries UP.

Fix the problems, don’t just make the problem BIGGER.

By mayor

April 15, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

“By pbuffett

April 15, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Can someone tell me why all the past Mgt of Delta - with the exception of Grinstein — bankrupted the company - yet left a failed company with tens of millions in their back pockets? I don’t even believe in top execs who do a GOOD job getting that much.

Theft and corruption isn’t just in the government. There needs to be a revolution, and UNIONS don’t help matters in the least. Unions are bribe targets. Look what AOPA has done for Delta pilots….absolutely nothing.”

I appreciate Grinsteins gesture but perhaps it came from a feeling of guilt from when he was on the BOD and hired Leo and his gang and let them get away with murder.

BTW, it’s ALPA not AOPA(Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association)

By Rick

April 15, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

old timer, thank you for laying out the welcome mat. I think the “good” people of NW are looking forward to working with the “good” people of DL.

OLD DELTA GUY, I wish somebody upstairs would read and think about your post.

By Rick

April 15, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

old timer, you may remember some of my other posts re; R. Anderson and the NW stock-for-pay fiasco. We have reason to be wary of him. That attitude has never been part of DL’s history. But then again, neither has Anderson.

By billyhunter

April 15, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

To all you whiners-get real-this is a business that must make a profit in order to pay shareholders and employees and vendors. I surmise that most of you who complain are salaried employees that have no connection with the bottom line -this is capitalism at its finest-if you want socialism-move to Europe. Also check the latest oil prices-if you want to drive-go for it.

By Nichole

April 15, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

Great story Jim I know many Airtran mechanics who won’t fly Airtran (their own airline) and they will tell you it’s because they have first hand knowledge of their maintenance. They fly Delta and will tell you it’s because Delta does outstanding maintenance with the best mechanics, knowledge and engineering support in the industry.

By john

April 15, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Thanks to the Delta pilots, this will be worse than the USAIR/AWA merger.

By steve

April 15, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Does this mean Richard Anderson will spring for some new couches at the 4 Northwest gates at Hartsfield? I recently flew out of gate D-14 and was surprised to see all the ratty, torn couches. It looked like a Greyhound terminal in Appalachia.

By Lucy

April 15, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

I think it is a good idea. Northwest has a horrible reputation outside of MN, old airplanes, filthy at best, lousy service and unhappy employees. The pilots have huge egos, which they need to check at the door. The number of pilots out there who just lost their jobs will be standing in line when these crybabies try and strike. The Mechanics strike should show them what these companies will now do. They are replaceable with type rated professionals who will not hesitate to cross a picket line to feed their children. Gone are the days when they had real power. It is time for them to realize that they are LABOR and expendable. I am not a fan of either airline, but it is no surprise that this has now come true with the price of oil. The question is would you rather have a job or be on the street??? I am not anti-pilot by any means, just looking at the real possibilities of what is at stake.

By Dave

April 15, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

This is interesting and fun! Everyone merges and the world will slowly and eventually be owned by a select handful of companies - so let’s go with it, don’t fight the battle. If these two airlines (which by the way just both recently entered / exited bankruptcy NWA followed DAL’s suit)don’t merge - one or both will go bankrupt - then you have billions of $$$ in lost tangible goods, wages, rentals, comsumables, etc. Instead…work with these two airlines in how they can make things better after this merger. For example: Why can’t Delta buy up NWA and as a ‘Parent’ company - keep (for the most part) NWA flying as NWA and Delta flying as Delta - then grandfather in going forward new policies, etc.??? The Unions are happy at NWA, the non-unions are happy at Delta (AND by the way - I believe all of the employees at DELTA have truly sacrificed a TON over the past several years - they deserve a break! NWA - not so much a sacrifice! I also find it interesting the current new CEO of Delta - didn’t he come from Northwest Airlines? Well - as a Delta Freq. Flier and as a Minneapolis native - I sincerely wish the best to all employees at both airlines - I’m sure this will work out, as I mentioned - I think it is inevitable - make the best of it and help make it a strong company.

By Dave

April 15, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah - and I find it interesting that so many people on here actually deal with SO MANY employees so much. When I fly I know what to expect - I’m prepared and very little happens between destinations. My reservations through Delta are made online, my checkin is made through an electronic kiosk, IF I check a bag - it’s easy and painless. I go through security (non-airline employees), enter my gate, wait to board the plane - board the plane - arrive - exit plane. there are maybe four airline employees that I come into contact with that I need to receive information from or communicate to. If I do communicate - it’s always been a pleasant experience. SO - I guess my point here is - all these people complaining about the rude service, dirty equipment, etc. - if you want your own space and perfect flying environment, don’t fly commercial - lease a private jet for about $50K for your flight and THEN you can complain about poor service and equipment - if it happens. You could also try driving. Can’t we all just get along - try!

By Dave

April 15, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah - and I find it interesting that so many people on here actually deal with SO MANY employees so much. When I fly I know what to expect - I’m prepared and very little happens between destinations. My reservations through Delta are made online, my checkin is made through an electronic kiosk, IF I check a bag - it’s easy and painless. I go through security (non-airline employees), enter my gate, wait to board the plane - board the plane - arrive - exit plane. there are maybe four airline employees that I come into contact with that I need to receive information from or communicate to. If I do communicate - it’s always been a pleasant experience. SO - I guess my point here is - all these people complaining about the rude service, dirty equipment, etc. - if you want your own space and perfect flying environment, don’t fly commercial - lease a private jet for about $50K for your flight and THEN you can complain about poor service and equipment - if it happens. You could also try driving. Can’t we all just get along - try!

By B25

April 15, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

*I guess my point here is - all these people complaining about the rude service, dirty equipment, etc. - if you want your own space and perfect flying environment, don’t fly commercial - lease a private jet for about $50K for your flight and THEN you can complain about poor service and equipment - if it happens. You could also try driving. Can’t we all just get along - try!

Great post, Dave. I know that not all DL employees are pleasant 100% of the time, however, remember that in order to give you all low fares over the past 15 or so years, the company has had to cut back..so for example it’s one agent working a flight rather than two or three or 4 FAs working a 757 when there used to be 5, etc…It’s not an excuse for rude behaviour but you must understand that in order to give you cheap fares, we have taken pay cuts and deal with as many, if not more, people with less help.

By B25

April 15, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

*I guess my point here is - all these people complaining about the rude service, dirty equipment, etc. - if you want your own space and perfect flying environment, don’t fly commercial - lease a private jet for about $50K for your flight and THEN you can complain about poor service and equipment - if it happens. You could also try driving. Can’t we all just get along - try!

Great post, Dave. I know that not all DL employees are pleasant 100% of the time, however, remember that in order to give you all low fares over the past 15 or so years, the company has had to cut back..so for example it’s one agent working a flight rather than two or three or 4 FAs working a 757 when there used to be 5, etc…It’s not an excuse for rude behaviour but you must understand that in order to give you cheap fares, we have taken pay cuts and deal with as many, if not more, people with less help.

By MCOK

April 15, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

My Delta experiences have— for the most part— been fantastic. It’s a pleasure to be a loyal customer. I find the service (overall) to be outstanding and enjoyable. I’m happy for Delta that they are the surviving entity in the acquisition, and I look forward to seeing a Delta hub in Amsterdam.

By MCOK

April 15, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

My Delta experiences have— for the most part— been fantastic. It’s a pleasure to be a loyal customer. I find the service (overall) to be outstanding and enjoyable. I’m happy for Delta that they are the surviving entity in the acquisition, and I look forward to seeing a Delta hub in Amsterdam.

By Dered

April 16, 2008 5:59 AM | Link to this

Beware Delta people,remember Pan Am?How many layoffs were there from that?How many Pan Am routes are left,short memories will kill the airline.

By Dered

April 16, 2008 5:59 AM | Link to this

Beware Delta people,remember Pan Am?How many layoffs were there from that?How many Pan Am routes are left,short memories will kill the airline.

By Interesting

April 16, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this

Actually, from a route perspective I can see why this deal makes sense. NW and Delta have the least amount of duplicate route coverage making the merger make the most sense. So for all those screaming about prices (Yes, I too hate to pay more, but can understand the price difference at the pump affecting them) the fact that the overall operations don’t overlap a whole lot should make the worry about prices less of a concern (at least from the perspective of reduced competition to destinations)

Hey these folks are in it to make some money and right now prices of tickets aren’t covering the cost of operations so we’ll all have to pay more. Even SW will start raising their prices more now that their fuel hedges are more on par with everyone else. We just have to accept the fact that the the employees (I don’t count execs cause they are all overpaid) need to survive just like you and me so the consumer will in general have to pay more (no matter who you fly).

By CB

April 16, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

For all the naysayers complaining about how the cost of a ticket is going to go up: Wake up America, it’s about time that the cost of an airline ticket no longer be cheaper than a tank of gas. Every other industry is able to pass along higher costs to the consumer—the airlines should be no different.
It truly baffles me how the average airline traveler these days has no problem dropping $5 on a beer (maybe two), another $10 on magazines and other various things in the terminal, but if an airline tries to raise ticket prices by as little as $10-$20 dollars, there is all this gnashing of teeth and other public pity on display in the media.

By F/A in Atlanta

April 16, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

This merger is about the creditors who now form the boards of both Delta and NW, it is not and never has been about the employees nor has it been about creating a great airline. They simply want their money out of this and that’s it. That’s the reason they brought Anderson on board as CEO and not Jim Whitehurst who would have been a much better choice and would’ve made Delta a much better stand alone airline. Bastian was kept because he’s the “money” man. What a shame for Delta employees! The equity that we will get amounts to about $10,000.00 per non-pilot employee if the company is valued at 17.7 Billion as they say. In contrast, the Delta pilot equity will be about $100,000.00 per pilot. Go figure - 10 times as much. This 10,000.00 stock figure pales in comparison to the difference in pay between a flight attendant at Southwest and Delta. They make $18,000.00 PER YEAR more than a Delta Flight Attendant for flying a very moderate schedule of 75 flight hours per month. Our equity stake is only about half of the difference in pay, again PER YEAR. Delta is trying to pull the wool over the eyes of its non-pilot employees to get this merger through. Watch what happens following the close of this merger - it won’t be pretty and watch Richard Anderson land with a big ol’ golden parachute. Sad for real Delta people.

By F/A in Atlanta

April 16, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

This merger is about the creditors who now form the boards of both Delta and NW, it is not and never has been about the employees nor has it been about creating a great airline. They simply want their money out of this and that’s it. That’s the reason they brought Anderson on board as CEO and not Jim Whitehurst who would have been a much better choice and would’ve made Delta a much better stand alone airline. Bastian was kept because he’s the “money” man. What a shame for Delta employees! The equity that we will get amounts to about $10,000.00 per non-pilot employee if the company is valued at 17.7 Billion as they say. In contrast, the Delta pilot equity will be about $100,000.00 per pilot. Go figure - 10 times as much. This 10,000.00 stock figure pales in comparison to the difference in pay between a flight attendant at Southwest and Delta. They make $18,000.00 PER YEAR more than a Delta Flight Attendant for flying a very moderate schedule of 75 flight hours per month. Our equity stake is only about half of the difference in pay, again PER YEAR. Delta is trying to pull the wool over the eyes of its non-pilot employees to get this merger through. Watch what happens following the close of this merger - it won’t be pretty and watch Richard Anderson land with a big ol’ golden parachute. Sad for real Delta people.

By F/A in Atlanta

April 16, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

This merger is about the creditors who now form the boards of both Delta and NW, it is not and never has been about the employees nor has it been about creating a great airline. They simply want their money out of this and that’s it. That’s the reason they brought Anderson on board as CEO and not Jim Whitehurst who would have been a much better choice and would’ve made Delta a much better stand alone airline. Bastian was kept because he’s the “money” man. What a shame for Delta employees! The equity that we will get amounts to about $10,000.00 per non-pilot employee if the company is valued at 17.7 Billion as they say. In contrast, the Delta pilot equity will be about $100,000.00 per pilot. Go figure - 10 times as much. This 10,000.00 stock figure pales in comparison to the difference in pay between a flight attendant at Southwest and Delta. They make $18,000.00 PER YEAR more than a Delta Flight Attendant for flying a very moderate schedule of 75 flight hours per month. Our equity stake is only about half of the difference in pay, again PER YEAR. Delta is trying to pull the wool over the eyes of its non-pilot employees to get this merger through. Watch what happens following the close of this merger - it won’t be pretty and watch Richard Anderson land with a big ol’ golden parachute. Sad for real Delta people.

By F/A in Atlanta

April 16, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

This merger is about the creditors who now form the boards of both Delta and NW, it is not and never has been about the employees nor has it been about creating a great airline. They simply want their money out of this and that’s it. That’s the reason they brought Anderson on board as CEO and not Jim Whitehurst who would have been a much better choice and would’ve made Delta a much better stand alone airline. Bastian was kept because he’s the “money” man. What a shame for Delta employees! The equity that we will get amounts to about $10,000.00 per non-pilot employee if the company is valued at 17.7 Billion as they say. In contrast, the Delta pilot equity will be about $100,000.00 per pilot. Go figure - 10 times as much. This 10,000.00 stock figure pales in comparison to the difference in pay between a flight attendant at Southwest and Delta. They make $18,000.00 PER YEAR more than a Delta Flight Attendant for flying a very moderate schedule of 75 flight hours per month. Our equity stake is only about half of the difference in pay, again PER YEAR. Delta is trying to pull the wool over the eyes of its non-pilot employees to get this merger through. Watch what happens following the close of this merger - it won’t be pretty and watch Richard Anderson land with a big ol’ golden parachute. Sad for real Delta people.

By Rick

April 16, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Yeah, it IS sad. You can moan and complain all you want but in the end, there’s nothing you can or WILL do about it. And Anderson knows that.

By OLD DELTA GUY

April 16, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Come on folks. Give this thing a chance. 9 out of 10 Delta folks do a great job and love what they do, 9 out of 10 Northwest folks do a great job and love what they do. Unfortunately there are 2 out of 20 who just want to complain about how bad things are and they just know it is going to get worse. I feel pity for them because life is too short to horde all that negativism. The 18 of 20 will tolerate them and still make this a great company. To: Dered… The Pan Am thing was totally different from this merger. Delta sunk millions in an effort to keep Pan Am flying by letting them keep all SA routes and some others and build up from there but they would rather fold than shrink so Delta quit pouring money into that bottomless pit. They too were heavily unionized and most could not bear the thought of working in a non union environment. A few of them did sign on with Delta and nobody at Delta, including them, was laid off as a result. This is going to be a good thing for all of us so give it a chance, please.

By mayor

April 16, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

“By Dered

April 16, 2008 5:59 AM | Link to this

Beware Delta people,remember Pan Am?How many layoffs were there from that?How many Pan Am routes are left,short memories will kill the airline. “

WRONG. As Old Delta Guy said, the PanAm deal was a sell off of assets, not a merger. A certain number of PanAm people were offered jobs and none of those were laid off by Delta. The SA operation that Delta supported was found out to be a money losing deal so Delta chose not to pour any more money into it and THOSE people were laid off. Ask the people at AA and UA about when they acquired the PanAm routes. Did those airlines provide jobs to PanAm people? I bet not.

By "C"BERRY

April 16, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

AS A DELTA RETIREE WITH 36 YEARS SERVICE, I FIND IT A SAD DAY. I WORKED THROUGH MANY OF DELTA’S GOLDEN YEARS. I ALSO WORKED THROUGH SOME OF THE NOT SO GOLDEN YEARS. I SAW THE END OF MANY GOOD AIRLINES. EASTERN, BRANIFF, CAPITAL, PAN AM, WESTERN, NATIONAL, OZARK, SOUTHERN, TRANS TEXAS,MUSE, AND MORE ALL DISAPPEARED. SOME BY MERGER, AND SOME JUST DIED.

I AM NOT VERY KEEN ON THIS MERGER, BUT I PRAY FOR THEIR SUCCESS. IT REMINDS ME OF AN ALGEBRA PROBLEM. YOU HAVE TWO AIRLINES THAT HAVE MAJOR PROBLEMS. THEY ARE BOTH THE MINUS IN THE EQUATION. YOU MERGE THEM. THAT HOPEFULLY WILL BE A PLUS. A - x - = + TO EXPLAIN A LITTLE BETTER—A MINUS TIMES A MINUS IS A PLUS. I NEVER COULD FULLY UNDERSTAND HOW YOU COULD TAKE ONE ORANGE THAT YOU DON’T HAVE AND MULTIPLY IT BY ANOTHER ORANGE YOU DON’T HAVE AND COME OUT HAVING AN ORANGE. THIS IS HOW I SEE THE MERGER. MANAGEMENT AND THE UNIONS HOLD THE KEY FOR SUCCESS.

By oldtimer

April 16, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

Rick, Re your 3:15 post. Don’t think for a minute that we see R Anderson as one of us. We have trouble trusting any CEO or upper mgmt person based on the ones we’ve had over the past few years. Upper executives everywhere, not just at DL and NW, have just gone crazy as hell lately. I don’t understand it.

By Rick

April 16, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

oldtimer, you seem to be one of the wiser ones at DL. If a history check is done, you’ll see R. A. learned his craft from Lorenzo. There seems to be no consequences for crazy execs. They have no concience.

By oldtimer

April 16, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

Rick…..I’d forgotten about Frank Lorenzo. It is possible that he took his money, started a cult, and we are witnessing his loyal followers in action. I didn’t realize than our Richard was one of his boys. Wish you hadn’t reminded me because that knowledge will add wrinkles to my brow. I fear that chances Richard has changed are probably pretty small. Steenrod is a jewel too. Seemingly, all the good execs and CEOs have disappeared from the business scene.

By ken

April 17, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

the problem is the fares are the same as they were 30 years ago when fuel was 19cents for jet fuel. now it is 3.50 a gallon. raise the fares and get the bus people off the planes. pay employees what they are worth. we would not need the mergers.

By CVG4evr

April 17, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Delta reminds me of France. And Anderson reminds me of Hitler. The citizens of France (Delta), once many in numbers, lack the intestinal fortitude to stand up for nor defend themselves. They’re willing to run to the countryside and sip their wine (sweet tea) and eat their cheese (grits) while other countries come in and fight the battle against the aggressor (Anderson). Pardone moi, Monsieur Anderson, can you lead us to zee slaughterhouse? 12 to 18 months? Merci. Merci. Makes it a little easier to understand why Sherman had such an easy time marching through Atlanta. There was very little resistance.

By Northstar1

April 17, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Stupid Delta SLAVES wouldn’t know what it means to stand up and not be treated like a kid, or doormat.

You can most DEFINATELY expect “attitude” from NW. They don’t back down from NW management, why would they with the Master/Slave mentality at Delta.

This is disaster that NO NORTHWEST people want and will do ALL they can to fight it.

By 'c'BERRY

April 17, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

OLDTIMER & RICK

DO WHAT I HAVE DONE, AND I THINK YOU WILL FIND IT VERY INTERESTING. GOOGLE TWO OF THE MAJOR PROBLEMS FOR DAL. I AM TALKING ABOUT RON ALLEN AND LEO MULLIN. I WAS AMAZED. THEY BOTH SIT ON A NUMBER OF MAJOR BOARDS OF DIRECTORS. MAKING SOME MAJOR $$$. THEY SHOULD BE HIDING IN SHAME FOR WHAT THEY STOLE FROM DELTA. IT SEEMS THAT “BIG BUSINESS” WILL NEVER LEARN OR CAN’T SMELL A SKUNK.

By oldtimer

April 17, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

cvg4evr…You are one bitter sob. NWA people only do what their union bosses tell them to do. They are slaves to the union and only stand up when told to. Please find you a job at Burger king. You will be better placed.

cBerry…You are exactly right.

By F/A in Atlanta

April 17, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

After attending the “Ra Ra” fest at Delta on Tuesday where they placed all of the new hire Flight Attendants across the front of the audience to cheer for every little thing, I am more convinced that this deal was done to benefit the creditors who make up the Boards at both Delta and NW. There was only polite applause from the rest of Delta people at this rally and neither Anderson or Bastian did anything to convince me that this is good for Delta people. They talked in sound bites and took a very limited number of questions from Delta people. Who at Delta wants to fly on 40 year old DC-9’s? They’ve got old, dirty, noisy planes and disillusioned employees who were ripped off by Anderson while he was there and it has only continued through their bankruptcy. This will not be pretty, but again Anderson will most assuredly land with a huge golden parachute when this is done.

By Southern Pride

April 17, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

I felt compelled to reach out to “We’re in Trouble”. It’s funny how two people can have such completely different opinions. I have never experienced anything other than superior service on Delta and have dreaded the very few times I’ve HAD to fly on Northwest.

My experiences on NWA have all been the same…extremely rude, disgruntled “attendants”, old and uncomfortable aircraft, and very high fares. You do not get what you pay for on Northwest.

I hope Delta is able to inject some much needed pride into NWA as they do their own. Even through furloughs, pay cuts, bankruptcy’s and hostile takeover attempts, Delta’s personnel remained cordial and optimistic of brighter days to come. In my opinion, NWA’s brighter day is here!

By OLD DELTA GUY

April 17, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

To Southern Pride….THANK YOU FOR THAT VERY ACCURATE POST.

By Rick

April 17, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

oldtimer….gotta talk to you about your 11:33 post. Not exactly sure what you meant by “only do what their union bosses tell them to do”. As you probably already know I’m with NWA. I’m also on the shop committee. In the approx. 15mo I’ve been on the shop comm. I (we) have yet to be told to “do” something. Our job on the local level is to enforce the contract, both FOR the company and FOR the employees. It’s a mutual agreement. I believe it was you who said 9 of 10 NWA & DL employees are good. We ARE productive for our company. We don’t just sit back and refuse to work, hiding behind the union. If they do, they won’t get any help from this committee. To me, it’s not unlike having a legal firm on retainer. Unfortunately, you sometimes need to use them. Were you able to get a mortgage or a car loan withOUT signing a contract? A person is willing to sign a contract (car/house) to GIVE x number of dollars each month but is UNwilling to sign a one to RECIEVE x number of dollars a month. Who’s the “slave”? If a company says you’ll get a raise, say every 12mo, I don’t see anything wrong with getting it in writing. Keep in mind, I’ve worked for the “evil red rudder” all these years. Like you’ve said, the past several years at DL have been an eye-opener for you. Like I’ve said in the past, had i worked for DL 2 or 3 decades ago, I wouldn’t have a need for a union either. As we all know, things are different now.

By lynnbyrns

April 17, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

I hope this lowers the fares. I would fly more frequently if the fares were lower. $520 Cincinnati to Newark. Outrageous!!!!! And always late. Airlines need to know they would make more money with lower rates —- people would fly more. If fares continue to go up I would consider driving. Stuck in OHIO Hub.

By Dave

April 17, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Cheers to OLD DELTA GUY & SOUTHERN PRIDE. BAH HUMBUG to Northstar1! Cheers to Delta employees who have sacrificed throught the years - to Mr. Grinstein (Remember his exec. salary of $450,000 and no bonuses - not the multi-multi-million dollar pay others were receiving along with their golden parachutes); and give Mr. Anderson a chance (even with his previous NWA experience). BAH HUMBUG to Mr. Mullin - SHAME!!! I’m not a big Union fan - I thank the Delta employees who choose to go to work everyday facing challenges and doing the best they can on their own free will - not because their union tells them how / what / when / where… I don’t wish bad things for either company - or the employees. I hope the best for everyone in the end result of this process. But I understand there will be changes necessary - good and bad.

By SuperDave

April 17, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Well, this should be the final nail in the coffin for the State of Michigan. Now that NWA and DAL have merged they won’t be needing a third HUB. Meaning the people of Minnesota will fight to keep one heb there,while Govenor Jennifer Grandholm sits on her ass and watch another company leave the State. I worked for British Aiways in Detroit for 20 years, B.A. had flown into Metro Airport for 60 years. Now I’m in Boston and NWA/DAL flies to Heathrow, not B.A. Thanks for nothing Govenor!By the way, My house is for sale in Romulus like everyone elses. I’m sure I can get pennies on the dollar for it. Or do like everyone else in Michigan and just walk away from my mortgage. Meanwhile I pay $2000 a month for a 1 bedroom apartment in Boston, Cause I can’t afford a $400,000 fixer upper in MASS. Govenor, say hi to my wife and 7 year old daughter who still live in our house in Michigan. How are your kids doing?

By SuperDave

April 17, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Well, this should be the final nail in the coffin for the State of Michigan. Now that NWA and DAL have merged they won’t be needing a third HUB. Meaning the people of Minnesota will fight to keep one heb there,while Govenor Jennifer Grandholm sits on her ass and watch another company leave the State. I worked for British Aiways in Detroit for 20 years, B.A. had flown into Metro Airport for 60 years. Now I’m in Boston and NWA/DAL flies to Heathrow, not B.A. Thanks for nothing Govenor!By the way, My house is for sale in Romulus like everyone elses. I’m sure I can get pennies on the dollar for it. Or do like everyone else in Michigan and just walk away from my mortgage. Meanwhile I pay $2000 a month for a 1 bedroom apartment in Boston, Cause I can’t afford a $400,000 fixer upper in MASS. Govenor, say hi to my wife and 7 year old daughter who still live in our house in Michigan. How are your kids doing?

By John

April 17, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Two big chapter 11 loser airlines merge to become the nations largest carrier? Oh what a country! Why do we continue to bail out inferior airlines? Suport American Airlines the only legacy airline not to burden the american public with their debt! GO AA #1 ALWAYS

By Fly Continental

April 17, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Simply put, just fly Continental and ignore these two airilnes - then you do not have to worry about bad service. I flew Delta and Northwest for many years, then watched as Northwest dual managers in the 1980s ripped the airline service to pieces. Then in the late 1990s early 2000s, watched as Delta’s service went into the toilet. A few years ago it was so bad that Delta was canceling the NY shuttle from Boston to NYC becuase of constant MD-80 troubles, and would reschedule me on Continental. What a difference that made! Now although I do get delays in Newark, they have good service, feed you on planes, and actually are polite to their customers - no matter how much road rage they have (I have seen some pretty awful passengers).

At this point I know even Continental lost money this past quarter due to high fuel prices, but before this past period the employees profit share - which is a good way to treat employees. To me there is no comparison - the old saying was “Fly Delta.” Now I say why when we can “Fly Continental.”

By Fly Continental

April 17, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Simply put, just fly Continental and ignore these two airilnes - then you do not have to worry about bad service. I flew Delta and Northwest for many years, then watched as Northwest dual managers in the 1980s ripped the airline service to pieces. Then in the late 1990s early 2000s, watched as Delta’s service went into the toilet. A few years ago it was so bad that Delta was canceling the NY shuttle from Boston to NYC becuase of constant MD-80 troubles, and would reschedule me on Continental. What a difference that made! Now although I do get delays in Newark, they have good service, feed you on planes, and actually are polite to their customers - no matter how much road rage they have (I have seen some pretty awful passengers).

At this point I know even Continental lost money this past quarter due to high fuel prices, but before this past period the employees profit share - which is a good way to treat employees. To me there is no comparison - the old saying was “Fly Delta.” Now I say why when we can “Fly Continental.”

By One less bad choice

April 17, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Personally I believe that Delta which was back in the 70s in early 80s the best run airline to now one of the worst. Northwest has tried to overcome their bad reputation by finally getting rid of some of their worn out and absolute planes to some newer nicer aircraft. Still they are not an A player. So I am glad to get the two worst airlines together so that the two best can get together (United and Continental) then maybe the others will step back up to the plate and start competing on what customers want most of all - service and reliabality. That of course leaves American which is in its beginning stages of becoming the new Northworst. Older than dirt planes and could care less attitude. Those MD80s have got to go and soon or American will loose their most valued customers.

By Carole

April 17, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

I gave up on Delta. I had purchased tickets to go from my local airport to NYC. They ceased serving my local airport and never even informed me. I only found out when I went online to check my seat assignments. All it said was “Contact Delta”. What if I hadn’t gone online? I would have been at the airport only to find out there was no service. Not a phone call or letter or email from Delta. I had to call them and they issued a refund. Big Deal. Then I had to scramble to find another airline to get tickets on for my trip. I’d never even consider flying Delta again. Enough is enough!

By bob

April 17, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

DELTA HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE BEST…NICE..WE WILL CONTINUE TO FLY THEM…

By John

April 17, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Since deregulation, the average price of an airline ticket is far less than it used to be and customers have gotten used to those cheaper fares. As the price of running an airline increases, (ie: fuel), either customers will have to do with less, (ie:food), or pay more. Cetainly airline salaries have not increased…in fact they have decreased. How difficult is it for you folks to understand those basic principles?

By "C"BERRY

April 17, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

I ADDRESS THIS TO “WERE IN TROUBLE.”

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR NOT FLYING DL/NW.

WE HAVE ENOUGH PROBLEMS WITH CROOKED

POLITICIANS AND UPPER MANAGEMENT. WE

WILL DO JUST FINE WITH OUT YOUR

WHINING. DELTA IS LOOKING FOR

FLIERS WITH SOME AWARENESS OF THE

DIFFICULTIES THAT ARE EVERY DAY

PROBLEMS. YOU SHOULD TRY TO GET A JOB

DEALING WITH PEOPLE LIKE YOU. NOTHING

IS EVER GOOD ENOUGH OR CHEAP ENOUGH.

ACCORDING TO MY WEBSTER’S 7TH EDITION

YOU ARE A “WEENIE.”

By OLD DELTA GUY

April 17, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

This is to “C”BERRY: Re your 4:32 post. You spoke for a lot of us. Thanks. Folks like that are never happy unless they are putting somebody down, regardless of the level of service they get. He’ll continue to fly us and will keep bitching when a forum is present.

By They are all the same

April 17, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

The days of glamourous flying are 20 years behind us now and I think that the airlines are basically the same. I was on flight a few weeks back and looked around and noticed that there was nothing in the cabin that I could tell that branded the airline. Finally I looked and noticed the emergency card stuck out - American Airlines. I remember that when you were in a cabin that everything spelled out that airline. Personally I think that when all of the consolidating gets done that the government will step back in and reregulate the whole bunch because the service will be so deplorable and the airlines will be vertually marginless. then everyone will charge the same at the price the government dictates and will run certain routes as they did before Jimmy Carter deregulated them. They will have to get approval to start a route from Des Moines to Indianapolis and will cease the frequent flyer miles as there will be only three majors along with Southwest. The little guys such as Midwest, Alaska, Hawaiian,Jet Blue will all be gone. So sad but but may be a real possibilty. Who would have ever thought that back in the hey day that Pan Am, TWA ( the two leagacy carries) Eastern, Braniff,etc… would all be gone. One would have laughed at that thought back then……………

By Sam

April 17, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

The corporate greed is being disguised and with the media and government affairs campaign of perfuming the pig will not undue the alienation of the employees of Northwest. There is a very real and high risk this venture will cause ALL involved much heartache and unnecessary pain. IF DELTA management does not acknowledge how treating some employees differently & seperately -as if red haired stepchildren- the ensuing acrimony will destroy any potential benefits - the ensuing plunge will take the company down a spiral never dreamed. Do you think they even grasp the magnitude of what damage has already been down?

By Airbusdriver

April 17, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

I’m sure no one cares but those pilots A NWA are the biggest losers in this deal thanks to the welcome aboard knife in the back from their ALPA brothers at Delta. Good luck to those two groups.

By M&A's always pay!!!

April 17, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

I find it difficult to make sense from a logical/practical point of view as to the benefit of a merger to either of these companies in the current economic environment. I see fuel surpassing 125pbl this summer, and believe that alone spells unprecedented calamity for an industry that is currently suffering the effects of just the beginning of a weak cycle (dare I say the dreaded “r” word?). It appears the strategic benefit gained from a merger will be gone before it would even have a chance to see fruition. And fuel is only one component in the equation. There’s still the ongoing labor dispute, congressional turf-war, possible anti-trust hurdle, let alone working out the basic nut’s and bolt’s of two companies that currently operate using two completely different systems(which would be like converting one company from metric to standard). The plan seems flawed, and hasty, and at this point it’s just very hard to see the cost basis adding value, which seems to be reflected by both companies current stock performance. It appears that the only people that are excited are the exec.’s at both companies. I would prefer that both side’s bide their time more cautiously, and take a more conservative approach to such an auspicious endeavor.

By Rick

April 18, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

I don’t believe this is about merging two companies to make one global airline. I think executives and (major) shareholders see the bank doors open and nobody gaurding the vault. A rapid, massive profit at our expense.

By Ed

April 18, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

We at Delta support the present NWA folks in CVG and MSP who think they can not tolerate the move to DAL of moving South. You won’t have to. More later.

By Snowman

April 18, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

The combined carrier will be called DELTA. But the CEO, the poor service and employee infighting will all be classic old Northworst. Just look at how the two pilot groups are already fighting. Fasten you seatbelts Atlanta, your in for a bumpy ride.

By Payback NWA

April 18, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

I was fired from NWA in a mena harsh way!!! Its nice to know the industry I am in now the Natural gas industry took you all out! I must admit I never had problems with Delta except for a rude ugly employee bag smasher in Minneapolis who is in Virginia now that caused me to cancel my frequent flyer program with them!

By Atlanta mayor

April 18, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Snowman We can handle bumpy rides by smoothing them out. NWA troublemakers will be handled. End of story.

By Tigah

April 18, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

I see in today’s news that Delta has now hired scores of people and firms to help get this merger approved by the DOJ. How many millions is this going to cost while they’ve deferred any talk of 2008 pay raises for the people who ACTUALLY provide service for our passengers every day? They must be pretty scared that this is not going to go through without seriously greasing some palms along the way. The story says that the firms are full of former senior staffers from the Bush Adminstration and also include Trent Lott. Smells like a Haliburton type of deal to me. I hope that Continental/United announce a merger within the next month so that it will kill both deals, then Delta can dump Anderson and Bastian and bring back Whitehurst! Now that would be good for the morale of all Delta people!!

By Rick

April 18, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

I guess DL doesn’t have any troublemakers???

By Atlanta mayor

April 18, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Rick No. They have all chosen to move on.

By OLD DELTA GUY

April 18, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Well folks, now we know why there must be job cuts, pay freezes or cuts, benefit reductions, etc., for the new DAL workforce. Richard and Ed have decided that they will all be needed to provide a bundle to the multimillion dollar law firms, lobbiests, and politicians they are bringing on board. This added to the money still owed to the bankruptcy legal eagles will mean that all of them must get richer before they can become concerned with the workers. For such a “good deal” it sure seems to take a lot of outsiders to pull it off. Anderson and Bastian are stuffing their golden parachutes that they will use before Christmas. Big business has sunk to a new low. It’s a shame but it’s true.

By Rick

April 18, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Is there any gaurentee that they’ll get a golden parachute?

By OLD DELTA GUY

April 18, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

You bet your butt they will, even if we have to force it on them to get them to leave.

By Rick

April 18, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Thats not a sure thing, though.

By "C"BERRY

April 18, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

THIS WHOLE THING GETS CURIOUSER AND

CURIOUSER. THEY THINK APPROVAL OF THE

MERGER IS A SLAM DUNK, YET THEY HIRE

ALL THESE MONEY GRUBBERS TO LOBBY. I

GET A VERY UNCOMFORTABLE FEELING THAT

THIS MERGER COULD TURN INTO A “LEO

DEAL.”

I PRAY THAT “ALL” THE N/W PEOPLE,

AND THE DAL PEOPLE CAN FIND A WAY TO

WORK TOGETHER AND SAVE “THEIR”

AIRLINE. WORK HARD AND TAKE PRIDE.

WORKING FOR AN AIRLINE REALLY CAN BE

FUN AND NOT TOO HARD. IF EVERYONE

DOES JUST A LITTLE MORE THAN THEY

HAVE TO, THE JOB CAN BE FUN AND EASY.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

April 18, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

“C”BERRY - I DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN BY A “LEO DEAL” BUT I KNOW WHO IT REFERS TO…I’M JUST NOT SURE WHAT IT WAS THAT,HE DID…I KNOW YOU DON’T AGREE,BUT WITH A UNION YOU COULD DRAW A LINE…THEY MAY CROSS IT…AND YOU CAN DRAW ANOTHER…BUT AT SOME POINT YOU CAN DECLARE ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!…THE F/A’S ARE VOTING AND HAVE A SECOND VOTE SCHEDULED AFTER THE MERGER…PER THE DELTA F/A GUY HE’S THINKS SIR RICHARD WILL TRY WHAT HE TRIED AT NW…HIRE FOREIGN F/A’S TO WORK INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS…HAD HE HAD HIS WAY ALL INTER-ASIA FLIGHTS WOULD HAVE ASIAN F/A’S WITH 1 OR 2 AMERICANS ON BOARD TO INTERPRET FOR ENGLISH SPEAKING PASSENGERS…I THINK THIS SHOULD SCARE THE HELL OUT OF THE DELTA F/A’S…ENOUGH FOR THEM TO UNIONIZE…YOU ALREADY HAVE OUTSOURCE CARGO…WHAT’S NEXT…THE RAMP…DELTA GROUND SERVICES…CLOSE THE 40 CITIES NW HAS ALL NW EMPLOYEES EXCEPT THE HUBS…SO DL WILL HAVE ALL DL STAFF AT 18 STATIONS…DL MAINTEINCE WILL NEVER WORK ON AN AIRBUS 330 OR 747…UNLESS THEY CHANGE THEIR ADDRESS TO SINGAPORE OR HONG KONG…AND I BET THEY CAN OVERHAUL 777’S AND 767’S…LINE MAINTENANCE ONLY!…OUTSOURCING CAN MAKE IT WORK…PAY FOR GAS…MAKE THE INVESTORS AND M&A HAPPY!

By Rick

April 18, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

C-OLD, ‘bout time you brought your sorry *#@ in here. I’ve been on my own.

By "C"BERRY

April 18, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

QUICKLY LET ME ADDRESS YOUR CONCERNS

ABOUT LEO. FOR YEARS DAL PROMOTED FROM

WITHIN. LEO WAS ONE OF THE EXCEPTIONS,

AND KNEW “NOTHING” OF THE AIRLINE

INDUSTRY. HE PROVES IT RATHER QUICKLY

ALONG WITH SOME OF HIS MANAGEMENT

CHOICES.

ON 9/11 THE GOING GOT TOUGH, AND

LEO AND HIS PACK OF THIEVES GOT GOING

FOR THEIR PARACHUTES. IT WAS THE

WORST RAPING EVER DAL GOT—EVER. BUT

WHAT DO I KNOW? I ONLY SPENT 36 YEARS

IN THREE DEPARTMENTS.

YOU ARE OBVIOUSLY PRO-UNION, AND

I’D RATHER SANDPAPER A GRIZZLY BEAR’S

ASS BEFORE I’D JOIN ONE. I HAVE MANY

MANY REASONS FOR MY FEELINGS AS WELL

AS YOU. MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, WE CAN

AGREE TO DISAGREE.

IN A NUTSHELL LET ME EXPLAIN. I

KEPT MY JOB BECAUSE I DID IT WELL,

MAYBE BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE COULD.

I DIDN’T NEED SOME KISS ASS UNION

THUG TO KEEP IT FOR ME. I WILL GLADLY

EXPOUND WITH EXAMPLES IF YOU CHOOSE

THAT COURSE.

By 4Real

April 18, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

Well CBerry, You and your gay grizzly bear should be seen in the local Home Depot picking out sandpaper but I will vote IN the union 100%. Times have changed and Delta has changed with it! The Delta family is DEAD!

By "C"BERRY

April 18, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

DEAR 3 REAL,

I’VE SEEN THE LIKES OF YOU BEFORE,

AND I,M SURE I’LL SEE IT AGAIN. THERE

IS STUPID AND THERE IS IGNORANT.

THERE IS A CURE FOR IGNORANT. THERE

IS NO CURE FOR STUPID. IF YOU WERE

IGNORANT, THEN NO EXPLANATION WOULD

BE NECESSARY.

I’VE SAID IT MANY TIMES, AND I WILL

CONRINUE TO SAY IT, ONIONS ARE FOR

LOOSERS AND TROUBLEMAKERS. YOU, SIR,

CAN BEND OVER AND SANDPAPER WHICH

EVER END COMES FIRST. THE SAME S__IT

CCMES OUT OF BOTH ENDS.

By OLD DELTA GUY

April 18, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY….I join Rick in wondering where the hell you were. Glad to have you back.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

April 18, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

“C”BERRY-I’D LIKE TO TELL YOU WHAT I DO AT NW BUT I’M AFRAID TOO…I’M NOT SUPPOSE TO AIR NW DIRTY LAUNDRY IN AN OPENED FORUM…BUT I WORK IN CUSTOMER SERVICE…AND I HAVE A VERY SPECIALIZED JOB WORKING WITH SEVERAL CLASSIFICATIONS OF NW WORKERS AND TWO GOVERMENT AGENCIES…I HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL AT MOTIVATING PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF MY CLASSIFICATIONS TO DO MORE… I HAVE A MANAGER THAT TELLS ME THAT HE HATES TO SEE ME GO ON VACATION…HE GAVE ME 3 TICKETS TO SEE THE TWINS BEAT THE BRAVES LAST YEAR…I SAT BETWEEN HIM A TWO OTHER MINNESOTANS ( THEY’RE WORST AT WINNING THAN LOSING )…I GOT ANOTHER MANAGER THAT’S AN ARROGANT A@#HOLE…SURELY DELTA HAS A FEW TRYING TO MAKE A NAME FOR THEMSELVES…I DO MY JOB WELL…BUT NOT ALL MANAGERS DO THEIR JOB WELL!…THAT’S WHY I WANT A UNION!

THANKS RICK AND OLD DELTA GUY…I LIKED THE OLD FORUM BETTER ALL THE CRABBY PASSENGER STOPPED PIPING IN …THEY DEPRESS ME WITH THEIR WORRY ABOUT TICKET PRICES AND MILEAGE…THEY ARE SELFISH,THINK WE SHOULD KISS THEIR A@# AND MAKE $8.00 AN HR. WHILE SMILING!

I LIKE IT WHEN US REGULARS TALK!

By styx

April 19, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this

gay grizzly bear in home depot! That’s hilarious!

CBerry: From your statement one could make the assumption that all airlines, with the exception of DL and Jetblue, are filled with unionized losers and troublemakers?

That in itself is stupid! DL + NW = Unionized workeforce!

Get over it already, Grizzly!

BTW, it’s losers and continue, not loosers and conrinue, stupid!

By styx

April 19, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this

gay grizzly bear in home depot! That’s hilarious!

CBerry: From your statement one could make the assumption that all airlines, with the exception of DL and Jetblue, are filled with unionized losers and troublemakers?

That in itself is stupid! DL + NW = Unionized workforce!

Get over it already, Grizzly!

BTW, it’s losers and continue, not loosers and conrinue, stupid!

By no stockcar racing

April 19, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

cberry, You’ve got the worst benefits in the aviation industry and 4real is stoopid? Heck, Airtan’s pay is higher!

By Rick

April 19, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

CVG4evr, thank you…FOR THAT VERY ACCURATE POST.

By F/A in Atlanta

April 19, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

I just read the story that was written after Northwest filed a Regulatory Filing that will give Steenland at NW well over 11 million dollars as a golden parachute should he stay through the completion of the merger. There were those who doubted the golden parachutes that executives would receive. If Steenland will get over 11 million, how much do you think Anderson will get after completion of the merger? Any doubt about who this merger benefits should be extinguished by this report. Delta people struggle to make ends meet after drastic cuts in pay and benefits and these guys just keep riding it to the bank over and over and over again. Sad, really sad!

By old timer

April 19, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

I wish UA and CO would announce their merger plans so everybody could start lambasting them, telling us how sorry and crooked they are, and give DL and NW a break.

By Rick

April 19, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

But is there any GAURANTEE that any of them will get a golden parachute?

By tired worker

April 19, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

The only ones who benefit are the ceos and those they hire to tell their lies. They say no layoffs well if they come in and tell you now you make 8.00 an hour then that isnt a layoff. you chose not to work for that. no hub closings well you just take half the flts away and no closing. see how they do the math. no employee wins. union protect the rights of employees. without them we have no say. dtw will not go quietly and without a fight. it is time to say enough to putting the workers down to where they are losing everything. nw will fight to the end we have given all we can and have nothing left to loose.

By tired worker

April 19, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

The only ones who benefit are the ceos and those they hire to tell their lies. They say no layoffs well if they come in and tell you now you make 8.00 an hour then that isnt a layoff. you chose not to work for that. no hub closings well you just take half the flts away and no closing. see how they do the math. no employee wins. union protect the rights of employees. without them we have no say. dtw will not go quietly and without a fight. it is time to say enough to putting the workers down to where they are losing everything. nw will fight to the end we have given all we can and have nothing left to loose.

By tired worker

April 19, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

The only ones who benefit are the ceos and those they hire to tell their lies. They say no layoffs well if they come in and tell you now you make 8.00 an hour then that isnt a layoff. you chose not to work for that. no hub closings well you just take half the flts away and no closing. see how they do the math. no employee wins. union protect the rights of employees. without them we have no say. dtw will not go quietly and without a fight. it is time to say enough to putting the workers down to where they are losing everything. nw will fight to the end we have given all we can and have nothing left to loose.

By tired worker

April 19, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

The only ones who benefit are the ceos and those they hire to tell their lies. They say no layoffs well if they come in and tell you now you make 8.00 an hour then that isnt a layoff. you chose not to work for that. no hub closings well you just take half the flts away and no closing. see how they do the math. no employee wins. union protect the rights of employees. without them we have no say. dtw will not go quietly and without a fight. it is time to say enough to putting the workers down to where they are losing everything. nw will fight to the end we have given all we can and have nothing left to loose.

By mayor

April 19, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

to “tired worker”…

I know this system is messed up but please, please hit the “post” button only ONCE.

Thank you.

BTW, I believe that Anderson made an agreement with the board that he would not take ANY bonus after any merger.

By old timer

April 19, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

Rick..There is no guarantee that any one will get a golden parachute. There is no guarantee that anyone will bail out. There is no guarantee that you will have your job next week. There is no guarantee that you will ever get a raise. There is no guarantee that a merger will work. There is no guarantee that DL or NW will still be operating next year. In short,Rick, there are no guarantees.

By Rick

April 19, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

I disagree. Have you heard recently of any exec leaving a company without one? Possible, but I haven’t. I believe golden parachutes are legally binding CONTRACTS. They’re SIGNED. IN INK. I can’t prove it in a court of law, but I believe Anderson probably signed one the day he signed on with DL. The same people that say a CONTRACT is bad for YOU, have one of their own sitting in a file just waiting to be cashed in. Did Ron Allen or Leo Mullin just RESIGN from DL or did they walk away with MILLIONS of $$ that y’all busted your ass and endured pay-cuts to earn? If memory serves me correct, neither of them were there very long. Point being, they get their money in writing. I would like to get the same assurances for myself, my co-workers AND my future co-workers.

By Rick

April 19, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

C-BERRY, let me try to enlighten you(it’s futile, I know, humor me) about our union here in the year 2008. We’re not the leather jacket, knit cap wearing longshoremen w/baseball bats of the ’40s & 50’s. We use tasers now. (That was a joke) Our goal is not to keep the sorry slugs on the payroll. Personally, just the contrary. As a Rep, I owe it to the other 500 people on the ramp to give them enough rope to hang themselves. If they do then that’s one persons weight we don’t have to carry. I can assure you, NWA DOES terminate people who deserve it. The only time i/we step in is when they DON’T deserve it. Admit it, if you could have our benefits without a union, you’d be all over it. But in the corporate climate of 2008 in our industry, you’ll need a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

By OLD DELTA GUY

April 19, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

To Rick…..In regard to your intercourse with old timer. At least twice you questioned if certain things in his posts were guaranteed. He answered that there were no guarantees. In your reply to that your post in rife with terms like “If memory serves me”, “Have you heard”, “Possible”, “I believe”, “I can’t prove”, “Probably”, “I would like”, etc., etc., etc. You question him but you never address anything being guaranteed. I just felt that I needed to jump in, and that’s not guaranteed, just a feeling.

By Rick

April 19, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

well, thats cause I’m human, we make mistakes. You DL people wouldn’t understand. I don’t go around stating things as facts if I’m not certain.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

April 19, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

RICK - WE HAVE BEEN CONSISTENT WITH A MESSAGE THAT WE BELIEVE IN AND THEY HAVE BEEN CONSISTENT WITH THEIR MESSAGE…SAVE ME $48.00 A MONTH…AND I TRUST MY COMPANY NOW AS MUCH AS THE DAY I WAS HIRED…ONIONS ARE BAD!…THEY SAVE CRAPPY WORKERS LIKE RICK AND C-OLD…THUGS!

• A GLIMPSE OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE -

THERE WILL BE NO LAYOFFS…HUBS WILL REMAIN INTACT…WE WILL NOT OUTSOURCE JOBS…WE WELCOME NW EMPLOYEES TO OUR FAMILY…WE HAVE GIVEN EVERYONE A RAISE AND MADE YOU A VALUED SHAREHOLDER BY GIVING YOU A PIECE OF THE COMPANY…WE HAVE EARNED YOUR TRUST AND YOU HAVE SHOWN IT BY BEATING BACK THOSE TERRIBLE UNIONS… HOWEVER…AS YOU KNOW OUR BIGGEST COST HAS RISEN AGAIN (FUEL) AND THIS IS THE SLOWEST MONTH OF THE YEAR (JANUARY 2009)…AND THE CUSTOMERS WONT PAY MORE FOR THEIR TICKETS (RECESSION)…SO WE NEED YOU TO TIGHTEN YOUR BELTS AND HELP US OUT…WE ARE FAMILY!…AND WE ARE THE PARENTS AND THIS HURTS US AS MUCH AS IT HURTS YOU…(FEBRUARY 2009) AJC- DELTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS GIVE DELTA EXECUTIVES RAISE FOR KEEPING DELTA AFLOAT!

WITHOUT A CONTRACT WE ARE AT THEIR MERCY!…AND THEY RULE UNCHECKED!

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

April 20, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

READ DETROIT FREE PRESS ARTICLE TITLED “NWA MERGER MAY HURT SHARES” AT

http://www.freep.com

By M&A's always pay!!!

April 20, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this

Wow, I’ve read the last few posts from C-OLD and Rick, and they just don’t seem to be able to grasp the old principle of “market’s rule the game”. Supply/demand. It’s fundamental- Your wages, and benefits are ultimately determined by forces that are market driven. Your contracts will not be worth the paper they’re written on if your company cannot earn a profit. And, all of the guarantees that you’re so fond of pointing out, will disappear into the ether, mid-contract, if there is no income (see TWA, Eastern, Pan Am, etc). As far as strike threats, they will be empty if your company is not profitable. And, do you think the public will support your cause? They will jump over to the next carrier before you can finish making your signs, and most likely vow to not fly you in the future because of the inconvenience you’ve caused them. And then there’s always the “force majeuer” factor. I think the gap is due to the fact that you have been working at a union represented airline, and are comfortable in that situation, and the Delta people are comfortable in their situation. Like everything else, in a perfect world, somewhere in the middle would probably be ideal, and change is always difficult. However, if this merger would force the issue, than more than likely the Delta/NWA incarnate would be minus the unions- Except for where they currently exist (pilots, and flight controllers). The under-wing, and c.s.a.’s, and flight attendants are not considered critically skilled worker’s. Meaning it doesn’t take a huge amount of money and skill to train and qualify them to perform their jobs. Also, their is a “market” for those jobs at lesser wage levels. Meaning, there is a lot of people that would gladly perform those jobs for substantially less than what you currently earn. The future is now, and the majors are structuring their costs on the more profitable l.c.c. models. It’s eerily similar to how the US auto industry was to late in the 70’s producing fuel efficient models, and the Japanese capitalized, and brought the heavily unionized “big three” to their knee’s. As I’ve said before, all of this talk is really just innuendo. And I still don’t see this merger happening due to all of the outside influences in which either side has any control over. Some of the terms are slowly being released, and so far the creditors seem to be the main beneficiaries. Which will not add up to enough benefit at this time to merit the effort. Once this economy stabilizes, the fruit will then by ripe on the vine. For now, it’s rotting, and those ingredients will only prove to be a recipe for disaster.

By jon gill

April 20, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

I always use Delta because I have always been treated with exceptional care. 3 years ago, while they were in bankruptcy we flew to Hawaii. Could not have been treated better. Recently flew on NW, which was also a total positive experience. The combo can only be positive. US AIR is my hometown airline and I will not touch them.

By Rick

April 20, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

C-OLD, they’ve worked for less longer than we have. Hopefully I can make it another 7-10 years. I just hope we don’t lose our jobs because some manager doesn’t like the gas we put in our cars.

By Observer

April 20, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Rick and C-OLD

You two are absolutely the most close minded airline people I have ever heard of. You see your point and disregard or disagree with that of anyone else. Why can’t you two address the subject of this forum instead of harping on your union garbage and trying to downgrade the thoughts of others? As a frequent flyer I have to tell you that the quality of cleanness, service and personality shown to passengers on a Delta flight greatly surpass that of NWA.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

April 20, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

M&A - IT’S BEEN POUNDED DOWN OUR THROATS THAT CUSTOMER SERVICE MATTERS! FOR EVERY BAD EXPERIENCE A CUSTOMER HAS,IT TAKES 10 GOOD EXPERIENCES TO MAKE THEM FORGET THE BAD ONE…OIL IS NOT GOING TO PLUMMET (I THINK WE AGREE) …THEREFORE THE DECIDING FACTOR ON WHO YOU FLY WILL BE AMENITIES…AND I THINK CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENTS ARE MORE IMPORTANT TO CUSTOMERS THAN PEANUTS… YOUR BAG ARRIVING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN A PILLOW…A WARM SMILE BY A FLIGHT ATTENDANT MORE IMPORTANT THAN A BLANKET…AND A PILOT GETTING YOU THERE SAFELY THE MOST IMPORTANT…YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!…PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT DIRTY PLANES…IN MSP WE HAVE 1 SOMALIAN WHO HAS LIVED IN AMERICA LONG ENOUGH TO GET A CUSTOMS BADGE , ESCORTING 6-12 SOMALIANS THAT CAN’T GET BADGES, AS THEY CLEAN OUR PLANES…BLACK HAWK DOWN…MY NEPHEW WAS THE LAST MAN THAT REPELLED OUT OF C.W.O. DURANT’S HELICOPTER BEFORE IT WAS SHOT DOWN…READ THAT BOOK!…THE SAME PEOPLE WHO REFUSED TO SCAN PORK AT A LOCAL GROCERY STORE THAT THE CUSTOMER WANTED TO BUY…YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!…THE UNIONS MAY HAVE CAVED IN BUT A LEAST THEY WERE FIGHTING FOR EVERYTHING…OUR UNION NEGOTIATED WHAT WE GOT AND GAVE UP WHAT WE GAVE UP…AND I GOT TO VOTE YES OR NO…I VOTED YES TO THEIR AGREEMENT WITH THE COMPANY…WE DIDN’T FALL ON THE SWORD LIKE EASTERN EMPLOYEES BUT I COULD HAVE…AND THEY KNOW IT…UNIONS CAN HELP THE AIRLINE WITH WERE CUTS ARE MADE…WE ARE THE AIRLINE!…ANDERSON AND STEENLAND DON’T KNOW HOW TO CHANGE YOUR CENTER SEAT TO AN AISLE SEAT…WE CAN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!…A&M WHEN I WAS LAID OFF IN ATL I HAD AN INTERVIEW AT I.B.M. AND THE GUY TOLD ME THAT ” I HAD A GOOD PAYING JOB THAT REQUIRED NO SKILLS ” AND THAT I WOULD HAVE A HARD TIME FINDING EMPLOYMENT…HE WAS RIGHT YOU ARE RIGHT…BUT GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE IN ANY BUSINESS IS VALUABLE AND THAT IT SOMETHING YOU CAN’T DETERMINE DURING AN INTERVIEW…I CAME BACK TO THE AIRLINE WHEN THE REPUBLIC-NORTHWEST MERGER WAS ANNOUNCED…I HAVE WORKED IN 7 CITIES IN 5 STATES…I HAVE HAD 3 JOBS IN MY LIFE…THIS JOB HAS GIVEN ME THE ABILITY TO TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD WITH MY CHILDREN AND THEY HAVE GROWN UP VERY INDEPENDENT…MY DAUGHTER AT 21 MOVED TO LONDON FOR HALF A YEAR FOUND A JOB AND A PLACE TO LIVE…NOW SHE EDITS SCHOOL BOOKS IN CHICAGO…FOR SPRING BREAK HIS SENIOR YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL MY SON WENT TO SCOTLAND WITH A FRIEND (ANOTHER AIRLINER KID)…HE’S A ROCK CLIMBER AND AN EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONDER…SO IF YOU FALL DOWN A CLIFT HE CAN REPEL DOWN A PLUCK YOU OUT…I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY…AND HATE TO SEE WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO IT…YOU TALK OF FORCES THAT DRIVE THE MARKET…AND THE WEAK DOLLAR…YOU DON’T CONSIDER THAT WHILE TO AMERICAN PUBLIC AND DOMESTIC MARKET MAYBE SLOWING THE INTERNATIONAL IS GROWING…THIS IS WHAT ANDERSON AND BASTIAN ARE COUNTING ON…AND IN THE MEANTIME OTHER AIRLINES WILL FALTER…AS WE GO THROUGH THE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF CASH ON HAND…TRYING TO WEATHER THE STORM…IF THIS IS A PLOY BY ANDERSON AND STEENLAND TO BOOST STOCK PRICES WHY AREN’T THEY ANNOUNCING HUB CLOSURES TO MAKE YOU INVESTORS JUMP…AFTER THE MERGER YOU WILL SEE A BIG EFFORT TO IMPROVE MORALE AND CUSTOMER SERVICE…IN MSP WE LOSE ABOUT 90% OF ALL NEW EMPLOYEES AFTER THEIR TRAINING…THEY CAN MAKE THE SAME PAY AND NOT HAVE TO WORK ON CHRISTMAS EVE IN A BLIZZARD…TICKET PRICES CAN’T GO DOWN AND THEY CAN’T TAKE MUCH MORE FROM US…AND PEOPLE WILL FLY!…UNLESS SOMEONE’S CLOSE TO UNVEILING A TRANSPORTER MACHINE LIKE ON STAR TREK…”BEAM ME UP SCOTTY”…TELL ME WHAT YOU WOULD DO IF YOU WERE ANDERSON AND HOW YOU WOULD SAVE THE INDUSTRY AND WHO WOULD YOU IMPORT TO DO THE JOBS?… (IN 10,000 WORDS OR LESS!…HA!)

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

April 20, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

OBSERVER-I GUESS THE FARM OUTS IN ATL ARE BETTER THAN THE FARM OUTS IN MSP! YOU SHOULDN’T BE TICKED OFF…BECAUSE YOUR TICKET IS AS CHEAP AS IT WAS 30 YRS AGO!…WHILE DELTA AND NW EMPLOYEES ARE SUPPLEMENTING YOUR TICKET!…YOUR OPINION ON NW CUSTOMER SERVICE MEANS NOTHING TO ME…BECAUSE THERE IS JUST AS MANY PEOPLE GRIPPING ABOUT DELTA!…YOUR WELCOME!

By Observer

April 20, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

C-OLD Thank you. You just validated my point.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

April 20, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

OBSERVER - I ASK YOU THE SAME QUESTION WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO SAVE THE INDUSTRY?

MY REACTION IS BASED ON YOUR 1:16PM REACTION…YOUR ATTITUDE AND SINCE OF ENTITLEMENT BREED RESENTMENT…AND AS LONG AS YOU LOOK DOWN YOUR NOSE AT SERVICE PROVIDERS YOU’LL GET BAD SERVICE!..ACT LIKE YOU RESPECT US AND WE MIGHT WORK HARDER TO PLEASE YOU!

By Observer

April 20, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

C-OLD Your last post shows just how screwed up my thinking is. I thought customers who pay your salary had a right to expect good service for their investment in a ticket. According to you the bad attitude, resentment, and lack of effort is because the customer is expected to earn it instead of the employee being expected to earn what he is being paid to do. I stand corrected.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

April 20, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

OBSERVER-EMPLOYEE’S DESERVE TO BE PAID TO DO A HONEST DAYS WORK…NOT STAND AND BE ABUSED BY PEOPLE LIKE YOU!…I’M PAID TO PROVIDE A SERVICE NOT TO BE YOUR FRIEND OR SLAVE!…SQUEAKY WHEELS DON’T ALWAY DESERVE OR NEED TO GET OILED!…HAVING REREAD YOUR 1:16 POST I GUESS THE REAL SUBJECT OF THIS FORUM IS TO PUT DOWN NORTHWEST EMPLOYEES!

By Observer

April 20, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

C-old The NWA employees don’t need any help in being put down. The ones who post this forum and the last have done a great job of making you look bad. I’m tired of talking to a dead tree so I’m out of here. Continue to stir the pot if that makes you happy. Seriously, I hope you get promotions and pay raises to your hearts desire.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

April 20, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

OBSERVER-THANKS!

By Gwen

April 20, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

I recently flew Delta to Europe and it was staffed by the rudest people I have ever encountered until I got to Paris and met a whole bunch of them. The crew was Air France and if you don’t think those people are rude, you must be a closet frenchman. Never again.

By M&A's always pay!!!

April 21, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this

C-old, you asked if I’m currently holding any airline stock, or if I’d recommend buying any- The answer is an emphatic “No” on both counts. I am generally a long term investor, still hold MCSFT that’s split 6 times since my original purchase (a rare situation, attributed more to luck, than serious thought). I’m not willing to accept the risks, either perceived or real at this time . As I’ve said before, I honestly feel that your industry is in for more tough times. And, I am not comfortable hedging against the risks either way. My last foray in airline stock was ‘05, when I did well shorting DAL. I have read “Black Hawk Down”, and am very proud of your nephew as well. Their story is awe inspiring, and their sacrifice I’m sure serves as a great example of courage under fire to the troops serving now. I’d like to apologize if you felt my last post marginalizes your work, or your opinion. I respect yours, as well as Rick’s opinion as someone serving in the trenches, and moving millions of people safely to the destinations each day. Airline employee’s on the whole have been beaten down exponentially since 9/11, on all fronts, and yet still have managed to keep the operation flowing. I’m not sure what changes I’d make if I were the ceo of an airline. I really admire Richard Branson, and respect the product he offer’s- as well as what Herb managed with LUV. In the airlines heyday, the airline ceo was a much coveted position, but, the modern day ceo’s position is in my opinion best summed up as thankless. I also have to say I respected Grinstein. He managed a hat trick that many people wouldn’t be able to accomplish, all the while avoiding the exorbitant salary which most ceo’s would probably demand. He reminded me of someone who had an opportunity to go back, and do things the way he wished he may have the first time around. I remember in business school studying someone named Benjamin Graham. One of the proponent’s of his “value investing” theory was that a company’s ceo should not earn more than 25 times that of the lowest salaried employee. He goes on to say other things re: ceo stock ownership, and how he thought they should voluntarily purchase a percentage of shares relative to their salary every year. Nowadays compensation committees are looking at performance ratio’s tied to p/e and market cap. Re: your statement that service and amenities are what keep’s customer’s coming back… I’ve taken, and read survey’s initiated by DAL, UAL, and Cont.’s marketing department to people in their frequent flyer program. Every time the results come back the same. It’s always the fare price that drives the majority of customer’s decisions. That mentality is the result of the loss of most of the on-board amenities that used to be enjoyed/included. I think I answered your question’s, and it was nice of you to share the stories of your children. I don’t envy anyone that currently depends on the airline industry as an employee to provide for their family, although I do appreciate the work they do very much.

By CVG4evr

April 21, 2008 6:44 AM | Link to this

Observer, why don’t you just do what your name implies….observe? All they’re trying to do is get us better working conditions. I can appreciate their stance. I didn’t see your attack on the anti-union posts. They’re just as closed minded as you say Rick and C-OLD are.

By Rick

April 21, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

Observer, if I’ve given you the impression that I care what you think, I SINCERLY apologize. If you had noticed in the previous forum, I believe I have stated perhaps on multiple occasions that my work ethic will be the same if I work for a non-union DL OR a unionized DL. I can adapt. I have yet to hear that from any of the anti-union people in here. There are several DL employees who disagree with me and C-OLD. Are they closed minded? I don’t think so. I doubt if C-OLD does either. I respect their opinions. I can’t say for sure but I think they (one of them, anyway) somewhat respect ours. If it’s any of your business, we’ve pretty much all agreed to disagree.

Thanks, CVG4evr.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

April 21, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

M&A - WHEN I READ YOUR POSTS I ALWAYS IMAGINE YOUR VOICE SOUNDS LIKE THURSTON DRISDALE III…REMEMBER HIM FROM “GILLIGAN’S ISLAND”…AND YOU KEPT IT UNDER 10,000 WORDS…AND YOUR PROBABLY RIGHT IN THE WAYS OF THE DOLLAR…I FIND IT HARD TO IMAGINE THAT THE PRICE IS THE DETERMINING AS YOFACTOR SINCE ALL AIRLINES PRICE THEIR TICKETS ABOUT THE SAME WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LOW COST CARRIERS WHO CAN ONLY TAKE YOU FROM “A” TO “B” WHAT I WAS TRYING TO SAY IS THAT IN THE NEAR FUTURE YOU WILL SEE A EMPHASIS ON CUSTOMER SERVICE AS A WAY OF DISTINGUISHING YOURSELF FROM THE OTHER CARRIERS…AND FROM READING THESE AND OTHER BLOGS…1/4 HATE NW 1/4 HATE DL 1/4 HATE BOTH AND 1/4 ARE MARGINALLY SATISFIED…AND I THINK THAT IF YOU READ ABOUT OTHER POSSIBLE MERGERS YOU WOULD SEE THE SAME…I’M A REAL FAN OF WILLIAM FAULKNER IF NOT FOR MY (…) EACH ENTRY WOULD BE A GIANT RUN-ON SENTENCE…HAVE A GOOD DAY,B-B-B-BO-YA!

By Passenger of both

April 21, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

I thought the forum title was “What do you think”. I didn’t realize it only referred to Northwest Air Lines activists. It should warn that customers, other airline workers, and anyone of a different mindset should stay off this private soap box. Okay.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

April 21, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

CVG4EVR - I FORGOT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR 6:44 POST…IF NW/DL MERGER GOES THROUGH IT WILL START OTHER CONSOLIDATIONS IN THE INDUSTRY ACCORDING TO MANY…I BELIEVE THAT IF THE DELTA F/A’S UNIONIZE THAT WILL MAKE THE FORCE THE OTHER DL EMPLOYEE GROUPS TO CONSIDER UNIONIZING…FOR THE GOOD OR BAD!

By Rick

April 21, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Passenger of both, you’re right. Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion.

Observer, I apologize.

By Retired widget

April 21, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

I retired from Delta several years ago but have kept in touch with the officers and staff, even the newer ones. The directors and officers have only one goal and that is to keep another American airline from leaving the scene. The opportunity to merge with Northwest is seen as a chance to save two sinking companies and mold them into one global giant with far better ability to survive. This might never be be possible again. This merger is seen as the prime way to go. Both companies have a very small chance to stand alone and other mergers would not accomplish what this one will. Despite his reputation inside Northwest, Richard Anderson was seen as the most likely of the available people to pull it off. Whether the company is unionized or not, and employee sentiment are far down the list of priorities. Survival is at the top of that list. Without survival unionization, pay cuts, staff reductions, and all other points become moot. There won’t be any jobs, employees, pay rates, or benefits. They are making every effort to deter that. They have far better insight into what’s going on than the rest of us, and in the end only their opinions count. Except for blowing off steam, and downgrading others, these public forums are totally useless. Thank you for listening. I won’t partake of useless dialogue. I hope for the best for all of you.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

April 21, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Who are the winners in the Delta-Northwest deal?

Losers?

Will this combination work?

What does the new company need to do as first steps?

As an air traveler,are you worried about how this will affect you?

Have your say… I DID AND I’M DONE.

By Jeff

April 21, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Most in Minnesota want this merger to go through. Once Northwest Airlines does leave, that will give other companies, Southwest, a chance to setup shop and we Minnesotans will have an opportunity to have a less expensive airline to choose from. So yes, please get Northwest out of here as quickly as possible.

By M&A's always pay!!!

April 21, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Without sounding contrite, I’d offer a robust,”Hear! Hear!”, to Retired Widget. His post reflects the only acceptable motive for pursuing a merger in this economic climate- “Survival”. As an air traveller, it does provoke thought, especially amid the rash of overdue safety inspection’s…

By Brian

April 21, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

I hope the pilots get this merger through. The ramp agents at Delta need a union and we would be happy to merge with the Northwest ramp union, the I.A.M. We can’t wait to be union at Delta. We need to be respected like we used to be. We want our pension back. We want our sick days back. We want many of our contracted jobs back. We need something to get back great customer service to you, the flying public. VOTE UNION, DELTA!!!!!!!

By Brian

April 21, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

I hope the pilots get this merger through. The ramp agents at Delta need a union and we would be happy to merge with the Northwest ramp union, the I.A.M. We can’t wait to be union at Delta. We need to be respected like we used to be. We want our pension back. We want our sick days back. We want many of our contracted jobs back. We need something to get back great customer service to you, the flying public. VOTE UNION, DELTA!!!!!!!

By Jon

April 21, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

I agree with “Brian”. Delta no longer takes care of their employees. We need a union. And it finally looks like we are going to get one. I would vote for any union right now. I voted “no” last time. I am voting “YES” this time!!!!!! “Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me”.

By Jon

April 21, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

I agree with “Brian”. Delta no longer takes care of their employees. We need a union. And it finally looks like we are going to get one. I would vote for any union right now. I voted “no” last time. I am voting “YES” this time!!!!!! “Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me”.

By Union Boy

April 21, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Read what the employees are saying at: www.deltaramp.blogspot.com

Please give us your comment!

By Grits

April 22, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

As a retired Delta employee, I am concerned about my benefits. However, I know that the airline industry must merge to survive. Another solution would be for all airlines to raise ticket prices to cover cost. It seems that that is not possible with all the competition. The airline industry must be the only one that charges less than it cost and expects to survive.

By Mechanic's Wife

April 22, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Union Boy, Thanks for the link. Your blog is excellent and makes some very good points. I especially like the parts about what happened to DL industry standard pay raises and how pilots are getting raises, Tech Ops execs got raises for changing their titles but employees - nothing. Really makes you think. Good luck. As a former IAM union member, I don’t believe they can get you everything but it’s better to have a fighting chance. It could get ugly to see what will occur when the companies try to merge union with non-union. Spooky.
Hubby is taking the package and we’re moving to where we want to live instead of a huge city. He’s still young enough to do something else and decide his own future.

By NW PLat.

April 22, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

Doug Nasty looking Steenland…wins MORE pay. WOW, THAT’s a SHOCKER!

Has anybody taken a look at that NWA CHAIRMAN BOSTOCK’s BIO…talk about somebody who should be banned from AIRLINES!

This guy is worse than having a HEDGE fund run the airline…WAIT, THAT’S what’s going on. NWA was/has been HIJACKED BY HEDGE FUND WELLINGTON CAPITOL.

As a NWA Plat. I will NEVER fly Delta! (the most provincial hillbilly airline in America)

By NW PLat.

April 22, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Doug Nasty looking Steenland…wins MORE pay. WOW, THAT’s a SHOCKER!

Has anybody taken a look at that NWA CHAIRMAN BOSTOCK’s BIO…talk about somebody who should be banned from AIRLINES!

This guy is worse than having a HEDGE fund run the airline…WAIT, THAT’S what’s going on. NWA was/has been HIJACKED BY HEDGE FUND WELLINGTON CAPITOL.

As a NWA Plat. I will NEVER fly Delta! (the most provincial hillbilly airline in America)

By NW PLat.

April 22, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

Doug Nasty looking Steenland…wins MORE pay. WOW, THAT’s a SHOCKER!

Has anybody taken a look at that NWA CHAIRMAN BOSTOCK’s BIO…talk about somebody who should be banned from AIRLINES!

This guy is worse than having a HEDGE fund run the airline…WAIT, THAT’S what’s going on. NWA was/has been HIJACKED BY HEDGE FUND WELLINGTON CAPITOL.

As a NWA Plat. I will NEVER fly Delta! (the most provincial hillbilly airline in America)

By WallStreeter

April 22, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

As a passenger/investor, here’s my take:

Delta pilots stabbed NW pilots in the back (cutting their own deal) because Delta and NW management thinks they can ram this through the DOJ with out the NW employees ok. They’ve enlisted TWO former Southern Senators Trent Lott/ and J.Breaux as lobbyist, both of whom were investigated for SERIOUS ethics violations (felonies, google them).

Delta will not survive with out NW. One only has to look at it’s balance sheet and the huge amounts of debt that is NOW due.

NW is in FAR better shape financially. I suspect that is why so many people on here and in the Atlanta Press keep saying ‘they need each other to survive” NOT TRUE.

DELTA…NEEDS NWA. NWA does NOT NEED DELTA. The SEC financials tells it all. One can’t lie about the numbers. Delta will not survive oil at these prices. I have a feeling NW pilots know this and will get the last laugh by preventing this and forcing Delta into bankruptcy…AGAIN!

By WallStreeter

April 22, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

As a passenger/investor, here’s my take:

Delta pilots stabbed NW pilots in the back (cutting their own deal) because Delta and NW management thinks they can ram this through the DOJ with out the NW employees ok. They’ve enlisted TWO former Southern Senators Trent Lott/ and J.Breaux as lobbyist, both of whom were investigated for SERIOUS ethics violations (felonies, google them).

Delta will not survive with out NW. One only has to look at it’s balance sheet and the huge amounts of debt that is NOW due.

NW is in FAR better shape financially. I suspect that is why so many people on here and in the Atlanta Press keep saying ‘they need each other to survive” NOT TRUE.

DELTA…NEEDS NWA. NWA does NOT NEED DELTA. The SEC financials tells it all. One can’t lie about the numbers. Delta will not survive oil at these prices. I have a feeling NW pilots know this and will get the last laugh by preventing this and forcing Delta into bankruptcy…AGAIN!

By Jeff

April 22, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

WallStreeter, I don’t know where you get your information but I have read many newspaper articles where Richard Anderson has stated that Delta has a very good “stand alone” plan. So, there you have it!!

By WallStreeter

April 22, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

Well, you must’ve MISSED the one (from Delta CEO saying that Delta is faced with no growth because of airport constraints at its HUBS, and being shut out of ASIA) last week! Moreover, CEOs can say what ever they like. It is the NUMBERS that are important.

And Delta’s debt is huge for the nxt 5 years. A company’s SEC filing is FAR more reliable than the mouth of a CEO.

By guest

April 22, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

WALLSTREETER You changed your name but everything in your post is the same, regardless of the name you use. I agree with you NW doesn’t need anyone. It can sink by itself.

By WallStreeter

April 22, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

By guest

April 22, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

WALLSTREETER You changed your name but everything in your post is the same, regardless of the name you use. I agree with you NW doesn’t need anyone. It can sink by itself.

That’s a pretty ignorant comment. WHY, would someone have a need to change their name on an ANONYMOUS blog?

P.S. Keeping thinking NW will sink before Delta. You folks had better hope and pray this merger goes through. You can believe anything you like…it won’t change REALITY. It’s about the books silly, THE BOOKS. Who cares about Delta/NW name…One financial enterprise is WEAKER than the other, and the FINANCIAL BOOKS of both companies indicate it’s DELTA.

By M&A's always pay!!!

April 23, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

Wallstreeter, If you do truly work on wall street- than I’m more concerned for who you work for vs. either of these two air lines. You have an obvious bias/agenda, and it permeates through your written word. The only thing you could say that may interest any of these folks is who you work for (anonymously of course), so that they may avoid doing business with the firm that obviously didn’t take much care in hiring you…

By M&A's always pay!!!

April 23, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

Here is a comment made recently by UAL ceo Tilton, “The path to sustainable profitability requires us to fundamentally overhaul every facet of our business,” said Glenn Tilton, United’s chairman, president and CEO. “The pressure of high energy prices and a weakening economy are a wake-up call that the pace of change must accelerate.” And this from an industry analyst-“We’ve got an industry that’s in trouble,” said Vaughn Cordle, chief executive and chief analyst at AirlineForecasts in Washington. “If oil prices stay anywhere near $100, $120 for the year … we’ll have a massive restructuring of the airline industry.” As I’ve said all along, for those on the fence re: a buyout oppurtunity from your airline, the time is right. Some analyst from the oil sector are predicting 150pbl to 200pbl by the end of this summer! The airline industry will be facing unprecedented challenges in the very near future, and the effect may be crippling… Current balance sheet number’s (which are already over a qtr. old), will reflect massive losses. And no matter how strong you think your company is, no airline has the financial strength to weather the storm that sits on the horizon. With fuel’s current price being as inflated as it is, hedgeing is a perverbial finger in the dike. And, the golden rule in the airline business still applies, fare increase=market share loss…

By M&A's always pay!!!

April 23, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this

This is from an analyst from within’ the oil industry, T. Boone Pickens has been described as a legend within the oil industry. I have seen him interviewed several times over the past couple of years. His predictions about oil prices have been very accurate.

In a recent interview on CNBC, Pickens made the following comment:

“If we do not get on the alternative energy bandwagon and if we don’t have a global recession, we could be sitting on $150 oil in two months.”

That could translate to 5.00 per gallon domestically- Garner your own truth’s/conclusions…

By The Truth

April 23, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

I am awaiting the news of Continental and United to merge to dwarf this so call merger of the bad Delta/NWA, then American/USAIR!! Then Delta would be right back where they are at. #3 and still struggling.

From a Continental/American flyer

By Retired widget

April 23, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

To The Truth Delta does not care one bit about being # 1 or #2 or #3. Their goal is survival. They will not worry about Co, UA, AA, US mergers. They are trying to survive too. Dwarf them if you will, but don’t put them down for trying.

By airline guy

April 23, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

You don’t call them “Northworst” Airlines because of their service

By airline guy

April 23, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

You don’t call them “Northworst” Airlines because of their service

By grounded

April 23, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Great post airline guy….that took a LOT of thought.

By CVG4evr

April 23, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

If I have to join a union to get better working conditions and better benefits, then so be it. It’s time to stop the arterial bleeding. I’m almost out of blood. I would be disrespecting my parents if I didn’t stand up for myself. If the end is near anyway then I’m going down fighting.

By The Truth

April 24, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Why does Delta keep bothering me about my frequent flyer miles!! I told u Delta, I will never fly you all again cause of your rude bag smashers in Minneapolis i encountered!! Now you with Northwest, I go out my way to fly American, Continental, and United now!! LEAVE ME ALONE DELTA, take the darn miles I don’t care!!!!

By oldtimer

April 24, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

To The Truth…….Are you bitter? Does your ego hurt? Nobody cares who you will or won’t fly on. Does that make you more bitter and mistreated? Nobody cares. You say “LEAVE ME ALONE” but you are the one doing multiple posting.

By JR

April 24, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Funny thing about airlines: I’ve noticed that perhaps being in an aluminum tube hurling through the air at 550 miles an hour does strange things to people’s thought processes. Funny how talk of air fares gets people all riled up yet no one seems to have the same level of emotion over absurdly high oil prices and the obscene profits that oil companies are making. That just seems a matter of course. Yet airlines lose money and must charge more. Oil companies are not losing money yet charge more and more. The outrage is misplaced.

By oldtimer

April 24, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

JR… your 12:23 is so true. The airlines are not the only ones going down the tube because of oil prices and a do nothing government. Many truckers are quitting because they can no longer afford the fuel. Major trucking firms will soon join them. Farmers can’t afford the fuel to produce their crops. Where do we get the bulk of our oil? There are millions of their people, terrorists and workers, who our liberalism invited into our country and who do you think will be buying our airlines, trucklines, farms, and businesses? We have already moved all major manufacturing to other countries. The value of the American dollar, once the strongest currency in the world, has fallen to the point that this week it takes $1.62 to equal one euro, the currency of 15 combined nations. Our presidency and congress are open to their election and leadership. Their religion is growing by leaps and bounds, especially among our minorities and inner city dwellers. We just might be living in the last days of a once world leading country, which is rapidly becoming a beggar nation and this certainly overshadows the price of an airline ticket or a possible pay cut. We need to enlarge our vision.

By The Truth

April 24, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Old timer, Its nice to know the industry and company I work for based in Houston has shut Northwest down after being unjustly fired there in 1999 as an airline mechanic and bleeding Delta dry!! I hate Frontier and Continental might have to suffer same faith as NWA with cheers, but it is darn good to know Ifinally got my revenge on NORTHWEST AIRLINE!! As posted earlier, Delta won’t be the biggest long, Continental/united is ready to merge and dwarf that union!!

By faye

April 24, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

I have fly with Delta many time and it doesn’t bother me at all, however with NWA I never flew with them. I don’t know if it good idea or bad idea. I do know one big thing. Those CEO isn’t worry about you complain about this and that. The only thing you should do is wait and see what happen. CEO need to start learn to accept less pay and start focus on how far will this take. Actually I do think Howard is right on the side of talk about money but remember money can not make you happy neither it not their money. So prepare to accept whatever happen later. I want all the airline to think twice and stop worry about $$$$ too much to be think they have what it take to be rich. EVERYONE PLEASE STOP COMPLAIN OR DON’T FLY WITH DELTA NO LESS THAN WHAT YOU ARE COMPLAIN ABOUT.

By grounded

April 24, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

The truth, I have two doubts bout your 1:21 post. 1st, I sincerly doubt that you were fired without just cause. 2nd I also doubt if you single-handedly brought turmoil upon the airline industry. Has anyone in your family thought of “intervention”? There are people out there who can help you.

By grounded

April 24, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

On 2nd thought, you may be responsible for the problems of the airlines. Is your name Bush?

By Rick

April 25, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

$11 million for 4 months!! Thats $686K per WEEK. What have you got after 10, 20, 30yrs at DL? If he has a CONTRACT I guess DL is LEGALLY BOUND to pay him YOUR money! Why wouldn’t he? There’s NO resistance.

By Chuck

April 25, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Richard Anderson, before eliminating 1000 jobs should eliminate 1000 incompetent Exec. and Sr. VP’s, some newer and some left over from the top incompetent Leo Mullin. Most comments deal with customer service and I am not surprised. When the airline was run by experienced professionals it was unusual to receive a complaint for a dirty airplane or a rude agent. The product changed when Leo named a former flight attendant as the top person in the department and continuing nowadays with a bus person and we see the results.

By oldtimer

April 27, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

Rick…..If his $11 million all came from Delta then whoever he worked for in the other 8 months didn’t pay him anything. No wonder he left there and took a paying job.

Chuck…. his statement of 1000 jobs being cut referred to the combined headquarter facilities. They won’t all be Delta folks. Some will be NWA folks. These are people doing needlessly duplicate jobs. I’m surprised that it will be that few. I would have figured more like 3000. I don’t like him or his puppy but that’s what we have to work with. I doubt that either will still be here at the end of the year.

By Rick

April 27, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this

The way I read the article, that’s the money he got AFTER he after he took over at DL. Do you think he got it in writing?? I thought he came there from United HealthCare. Richard doesn’t give me the impression he’d do any “pro bono” work. For anyone.

By the truth

April 27, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Continental Airlines, my airline of choice when i fly to NEw Orleans with American!! Now thats an airline. Stick thru tough times alone. Not a chicken pooh like Delta and Northwest who needs each other help and aid from state. Go Continental, American, and United!!! The standalones who fight thru trouble alone!!

By Puzzled Person

April 28, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

I noticed they are no longer calling this thing a Delta/Northwest merger. Now it’s referred to as a Delta buyout of Northwest. If that’s true guess where bulk of the reduction of 1000 headquarters jobs will be. UAL has given up on Continental and is courting Air West. Two more lines bit the dust last week, one being exclusively an international flight operator. Delta unbelievably picked this time announce plans to spend mega millions which it doesn’t have to reseat its 767 and 777 fleet, making the back cabin more of a cattle car. The only part that makes any sense to me is that they are finally raising ticket prices. This should have been done a long time ago. Airline operation is in a big mess.

By sandra gean

April 29, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

In response to the Email from By we are in trouble. As a Delta employee im very offended by your comments. And I am glad to know you will note fly Delta or NW anymore. Thank God for that we really don’t need your buseness and your nastynes> you should use a Bus from now on that;s where you belong

By mayor

April 30, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

reply to the Truth “Go Continental, American, and United!!! The standalones who fight thru trouble alone!!”

Lets see……United and American are both courting US Airways. United has been in bankruptcy as well as Continental (twice!) All of the airlines received federal aid after 9/11. Engage your brain before you put your mouth in gear, please.

By humbug

May 1, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

Hey, the Truth. How much do you actually know about the world or the airline business? Your statement, “Go Continental, American, and United!!! The standalones who fight thru trouble alone!!” pretty well answers that question. Have you checked the news lately or do you just run your mouth?

By Rick

May 1, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Sandra, you just need to let it roll off your back. I would imagine all airlines have their loyal passengers who despise flying certain other carriers. Chances are, if he or she did have a bad experience, it wasn’t your fault.

By ATLBased

May 2, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

I just voted a hardy “YES” to an AFA union for flight attendents at Delta Airlines.

By CVG4evr

May 2, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Way to go, ATLbased. We’re ALL going to need union protection working for King Richard. Good Luck!

By HollywoodBased

May 2, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

ATLBased—Smart move! We need to be unified now more than ever!

By delta ramp atl

May 2, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Im a delta employee for 25 years we are treated like crap and this company needs change..A union wud deff work for me. Delta keeps outsourcing jobs look at pbi and other cities that delta took good employees and gave to delta global..delta is not that great wake up fellow employees here at delta pilots have a union for some reason so should we….All of delta needs to wake up gate agents/res/ramp nwa has a point…

By delta ramp atl

May 2, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Im a delta employee for 25 years we are treated like crap and this company needs change..A union wud deff work for me. Delta keeps outsourcing jobs look at pbi and other cities that delta took good employees and gave to delta global..delta is not that great wake up fellow employees here at delta pilots have a union for some reason so should we….All of delta needs to wake up gate agents/res/ramp nwa has a point…

By ramper-nyc-delta

May 2, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

I work in jfk and were are getting a union…We want job security and bumping rights like union employees at nwa..They have a GREAT pension with the IAM and better work rules. DELTA fellow ramp check out the better rules and dont be fooled by the crap we have been handed. Look at what delta global has done screwed us over and closed down our cities and took our jobs…ILl be in washington to support union. pilots like there union why dont we get a union and try it out. Nwa gets the same amount of money that we do. My best friends work at nwa and they have a better contract and they have 40 cities with rampers. delta global employees were stealing at tpa intl ground handling continental airlines sure makes us look good. delta hs taken away almost all of our jobs lets get a union and finally fight for our lives here at delta

By NWA-RAMP TPA

May 2, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Good to final hear the truth from a delta ground crew. I have spoken to many in jfk/atl/cvg/fll/ and a couple in slc and they have said the same thing. They finally want to get a union and get treated better. They want job security and they are not falling for the delta tactics. We at nwa are good people and we all work good together with management/union. We fought to keep stations open for frontline employees and delta keeps outsourcing (NOT A GOOD THING) Delta ramp keep going a great good spreading the work finally we could all work together…

By NWA-RAMP TPA

May 2, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Good to final hear the truth from a delta ground crew. I have spoken to many in jfk/atl/cvg/fll/ and a couple in slc and they have said the same thing. They finally want to get a union and get treated better. They want job security and they are not falling for the delta tactics. We at nwa are good people and we all work good together with management/union. We fought to keep stations open for frontline employees and delta keeps outsourcing (NOT A GOOD THING) Delta ramp keep going a great good spreading the work finally we could all work together…

By nwa-ramp

May 2, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Way to go delta ramp/nyc ramp Get a union you will not be sorry…Im nwa dtw and its great to no that I can xfr to another city w/out being outsourced to delta global. A union contract is a good thing. Why do you think pilots have one. Also good job atl flt/attn getting a union, finally delta employees seeing a good thing..

By SLC WOKE UP

May 2, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

SLC FINALLY SAW THE NWA UNION CONTRACT AND LOOKS GOOD TO ME. IM OLD DELTA AIRLINES AND WE HAVE BEEN TREATED HORRIBLE BY MANGT AND ITS TIME FOR US TO WAKE UP AND GET A UNION. I FOR ONE HAVE SEEN ALL THE WORK SENT TO D-GLOBAL AND FED UP WITH IT. R.ANDERSON NEEDS TO GET RAMP BACK AND TREAT US GOOD. THERE COULD BE A WALK OFF THE JOB SOON DL/NW..IM GLAD THIS BLOG IS HERE CUZ THE TRUTH NEEDS TO BE TOLD/DELTAS NOT THE SWEET HOT APPLE PIE AIRLINE IT TRIES TO SHOW.——SLC-WOKE UP

By Rick

May 2, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Like I’ve said in the past, if a contract is good enough for mgmt, it’s good enough for us.

By SLC WOKE UP

May 2, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

RICK, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN GOOD ENOUGH FOR MANAGMENT. ARE YOU MANAGMENT. WE ON THE RAMP AT DELTA HAVE BEEN SCREWED OVER LIKE CRAZY/FOR YEARS. LETS GET WITH THE PROGRAM AND GET A UNION AND PRESERVE OUR SENIORITY/JOBS….STOP THE DELTA GLOBAL CRAP..FRONTLINE RAMP ARE IMPORTANT JOBS…DELTA NEEDS TO STOP OUTSOURCING OUR JOBS. DELTA DOENT CARE ABOUT US ANYMORE! MAYBE IN THE PAST BUT NOT ANYMORE DELTA GLOBAL IS SCREWING ALL OF US.

By ramper-nyc-delta

May 2, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

rick seems like old school delta hiding uder mgnt skirt. Not anymore union time here at delta..nwa is right about the union, seems like 80% of jfk is union set. were gonna organize. Delta has messed with us too long. Im with slc and we need to connect with cvg, even if merger falls apart we need a union and iam is perfect, since delta screwed us over with pensions iam will perserve ours….nwa has a great contract with job security….talk to any nwa employee to show you there contract book.

By nwa-tpa

May 2, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

iam143.org go to that union web site to oppose the merger from happening. sends emails to all state senaters. we all at nwa-delta dont want this to happen…

By Rick

May 2, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

SLC woke up, ask around. Scroll up and read some of my other posts. Start at the top. I’m just trying to help people I don’t even work with yet. What that comment means is: upper mgmt have their pay and benefits IN WRITING…..A CONTRACT. So, if a contract is ok for them, why do they say it’s not a good thing for us? You think they’d be willing to take a promise? Successful or disaster, they’ll get their money. Excuse me, they’ll get YOUR money.

By Performance Matters

May 3, 2008 6:42 AM | Link to this

“Delta Global took our jobs!”

Delta ramp in ATL: DGS is NOT in PBI I asked my DGS Business Partner Manager.

Delta does NOT GIVE Delta Global anything. DGS bids like every other contractor. BTW last time I checked they have not won every contracted city Delta has bid out.

ramper-nyc-delta: “Look at what delta global has done screwed us over and closed down our cities and took our jobs…” Yeah, a wholly owned subsidiary screwed you over and closed down your city….. Did not know they had the power! That comes from FINANCE not DGS via Supply Chain Mgmt.

“delta global employees were stealing at tpa intl ground handling continental airlines sure makes us look good.” Actually it does if you think about it. You/we (delta employees) get a bonus based on Delta financial targets. Guess what every dollar DGS makes goes towards Delta’s bottom line. Thats the beauty. You should thank CO for a portion of your paycheck.

SLC WOKE UP: “I FOR ONE HAVE SEEN ALL THE WORK SENT TO D-GLOBAL AND FED UP WITH IT.” You have seen everything? Wow… I have seen Delta outsource a lot of financially troubled cities in an effort to make them profitable. Seeing as you have seen everything… Perhaps you can quantify your statement with an ACTUAL amount of work sent to Delta Global!

Some final food for thought.

Per Delta’s own Performance Metrics:

DGS exceed’s Delta Ramps in the following categories

Aircraft Damage OJI Rates D-Zero Safety

All 4 of the above categories have a LOT of money attached to them that is spent needlessly.

So, in theory Delta has found someone that can do the job cheaper and with less liability than a Delta Employee.

I work in station where DGS is the ramp and we were the above wing. “Red Headed Stepchild” is how they feel but, having worked before that in a Delta staffed ramp station. I would put those DGS guys up against Delta Ramp anytime and I tell them as much. In my station we are “required” to watch DGS like a hawk from a safety point of view. What makes me laugh is I can find my near miss quota in 10 minutes of arriving in ATL what takes three weeks in my city.

I am embarrassed by the product that comes to my station from ATL. When I am doing safety observations I hear the DGS guys complaining about Load Messages never being right. Aircraft being flat stacked. I have seen it personally. “People in glass houses” (ATL RAMP) should not throw stones.”

Also, seeing as Delta has outsourced SO MANY stations and we are still meeting most of our performance targets for payouts every quarter I guess in the end with all the stations where they are our Business Partner, DGS in effect continues to help us financially as well.

Now that you may know something new and still feel DGS is horrible and they embarrass you.. Ask your Manager to keep your profit sharing checks as it came from SCABS!

All the above information was gained from sitting down face to face with my DGS Business Partner Station Manager (Stats off of the DL Intranet) and asking questions for clarification.

By Performance Matters

May 3, 2008 6:52 AM | Link to this

1 other question……..

Who is the largest Aviation Ground Handling Company in the United States?

By nwa-tpa

May 3, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Performance matters huh tell that to the delta global in tpa where the employees are in jail for stealing from customers luggage..Explain that. Do you even do back grd checks on the employees. Seems like the turn over rate is incred. Pay is crap performance is crap. Thats a fact) Also maybe you can hire english speaking employees from now on! I wouldnt doubt continental dumps dgs for what they did to them. Read the tampa news regarding it, made headline news.

By union time in atl

May 3, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

I totally agree with slc and jfk time to take a stance and get a union at this company. Stop the outsourcing to dgs and others. As far as out performing delata ramp and dgs its no comparsion delta ramp would win hands down with performance and pride and we stick around to stay with our company, We care unlike DGS employees that work there for a few months and get fired or dont show up for work. (mia a prime example)

By ATLbased

May 4, 2008 3:47 AM | Link to this

Thank you Delta for the 3% raise in July. I really (really, I really do…) appreciate it.

But, unfortunately, since you yanked it away 3 months ago, I no longer trust you to yank it again if there is a failed union vote.

In other words, as much as I love you Delta, I don’t trust your lying ass.

P.S. 3% is not really, (really) a raise…it is payback.

By ATLbased

May 4, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this

Thank you Delta for the 3% raise in July. I really (really, I really do…) appreciate it.

But, unfortunately, since you yanked it away 3 months ago, I no longer trust you not to yank it again if there is a failed union vote.

In other words, as much as I love you Delta, I don’t trust your lying ass.

P.S. 3% is not really, (really) a raise…it is payback.

By Performance Matters

May 4, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

NWA-TPA

Everybody has crooks man.. NWA has made the news in DTW and JFK in the last 5 years… SEVERAL TIMES! Same thing stealing. I believe your government employees at the TSA have been caught STEALING as well. Do a google search and see who, NW or DGS has more news on stealing. You may not like the answer!

Uniontime in ATL

Bring in a union. If you think that is the miracle go for it…. Looking at the seniority list in ATL there… Seems to be some heavy turnover on the DELTARAMP. Sorry I struck a cord. Like I said the first time “people in glass houses should not throw stones.”

By Cowboy

May 4, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

I read the comment by “Old Timer” about the welcome to the “Family” for NWA. I almost upchucked my breakfast. I too was welcomed into the “Family” 21 years ago and I found it to be “The Manson Family.” Too bad Delta is the name of the combined carrier, it would be nice not too have to hear the “Kool Aid Drinkers” anymore.

By Rick

May 4, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

A union is not a “miracle”. It’s merely a tool to level the playing field. If you have nothing to hide and you’re a man of your word, then you should have no problem putting your word in writing. Did you see Anderson at the hearing on the merger? You can find it somewhere (youtube?) on the internet. He was asked by a Congresswoman if he was going to be neutral in regards to the union elections. His repeated answers to yes or no questions were very evasive. Even the most die-hard anti-union employee should be wary of him after that. Talk of unionization….. 3% raise. Coincidence? Form your own opinion. He giveth, he can taketh away.

By ATL-CHANGE TO UNION

May 4, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

I TOO WORK DELTA RAMP AND ANDERSON SCREWED OVER NWA AND IM SURE HES ON HIS WAY TO SCREW US. I AGREE A UNION IS A TOOL AND WE NEED THAT TOOL. MY WIFE IS A TKT AGENT IN ATL (SHHH) SHE AGREES TIME TO UNIONIZE…TIME FOR A NEW DELTA. I DONT REALLY CARE TO MERGE WITH ANY AIRLINE BUT A UNION IS A MUST. 3% RAISE WHAT A SLAP IN OUR FACES……NWA HELP US GET THE UNION IN. PILOTS HAVE THEM AND THEY GET TAKEN CARE OF AND OUR FLT/ATTNS ARE VOTING ONE IN 2. (NEW DELTA) HUH!

By Performance Matters

May 4, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Rick,

Reasons why I DO NOT support the IAM

1). Corporate Jet that I would pay for out of my dues

2). Look at who they have on salary.. Bartender, Life Guard, Bus Driver.. All people I would pay dues to…

3). Part of my dues would go toward other lodges and “other corporate overhead.”

The IAM wants me to replace the US and UA employees they have lost in the last 5 years.

I want someone to come up with the DELTA ACS EMPLOYEES ORGANIZATION and WE negotiate for DELTA Employees and DELTA Employees ONLY!

The IAM will NEVER get my vote! The proof lies in their disclosures of expenditures!

They; Baffenberger and Co are just as CORRUPT as Anderson!

Ask ALL the UA and US Employees who paid dues for years only to get SHAFTED in the end. Hell there are EVEN NWA Employees left out in the cold.

By tex

May 4, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

performance matters- what a weak a*******comeback!!! your grasping at straws will lead even more to our side!!! btw-strike three your out!!!

By Rick

May 4, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Performance Matters, maybe there IS a corporate jet out there, don’t know. That’s beyond my control. I personally don’t have a problem supporting bartenders (already do), lifeguards, or my fathers profession, bus drivers. I pay about $48/mo. For that, I get 6wks vacation to your 4. 12 sick days/yr w/unlimited accrual to you 7/yr w/7accrual. 8hrs/mo OJI time w/unlimited accrual to your…? At my age, I appreciate having 2000+ hrs/sick leave and 2100+ hrs OJI time. The IAM has enabled us to keep NWA employees in 40 stations that I have bump priveleges to, should I need it. There’s a pretty good chance whoever you buy groceries or gasoline from has a corporate jet also. I would love to see your benefits improve at DL. Our contract is an AGREEMENT between NWA and its employees. A legally binding agreement. Kinda ironic, isn’t it? We have an agreement with the Evil Red Rudder but you can’t get one from the Garden of Eden, Delta. Go figure!

By airlinelifer

May 4, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Its funny to hear all this anti-union B.S. Delta rampers, why would someone NOT want to have a pension, why someone would NOT want to have an extra two weeks vacation, why someone would NOT want to have a chance to use thier seniority in case of a layoff instead of Delta telling you where they need you, not even giving you a choice of the 15 cities left! Why someone would RATHER pay higher medical and dental premiums, the list goes on and on. Richard Anderson is an outsider like Leo Mullin, the “**INSIDERS” like Allen and the previous executives are long gone and being replaced by lawyers and Wall Street hedgefund managers. DELTA EMPLOYEES WILL REGRET GOING UP AGAINST THESE GUYS WITHOUT REPRESENTATION.

By cvg-delta ramp

May 5, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

delta employees ignore performance matters , he/she must be delta excs trying to keep unions out.. or some delta frontline mangt suck up. cvg wants a union now too. Time to stick together even if the merger fails. 3% WOW 55 cents another slap in our faces then they will take it away in 1 year and shut another one of our stations…hand it over to some crap outsource vendor. UNION TIME AT DELTA FINALLY> CVG DELTA EMPLOYEES ARE READY.

By humbug

May 5, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

I go way back in the airline industry’s history and seen a lot of airlines come and a lot of them go. Can any of you point to one airline where being highly unionized has helped or saved one employee his job? Give me fact, not emotional pro union garbage. I’m just curious and don’t care a whit whether any company is unionized or not.

By Rick

May 5, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

FACT: NWA-union….DL-non union. FACT: NWA employees in 40 stations. FACT: DL employees in 15 stations. FACT: Thats a LOT of DL employees no longer working for DL.

The once proud and mighty DL is like an old Cadillac being parted-out.

DL employees can quote Diana Ross & the Supremes: “And there ain’t nuthin’ I can do about it”.

By CVG4evr

May 5, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

Someone said Richard Anderson was a wolf in sheeps clothing. He blends right in. The majority of ATL are SHEEP!! BAAAAAAA BAAAAAAAAAAA

By Performance Matters

May 5, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Funny to see a lot of “ignore performance matters”

Union folks scared? Those who fail to understand history are doomed to repeat those mistakes.

Call me a Managment Lackey.. I spelled it out. You WANT MY VOTE. I want an organization that works for MY RIGHTS. Not UA’s, Not US’s.. MINE…

The IAM is an organization that is out to get AS MANY members as possible. The more paying dues regardless of who employs them the fatter the bottom line.

DELTA AIRLINES ACS EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION an organization that FIGHTS for the rights of DL and DL ONLY Employees is better than the IAM who has NO LOYALTY to anyone GROUP!

If you think they do….. Why have members working for UAL, US, NW, AMW??? All different Companies.

By Rick

May 5, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

I don’t care what the IAM has done for members at other carriers. Their members voted on and approved the contracts they’re working with. For the past 19 or so years the IAM has gotten us better benefits than we would have recieved without them. And we haven’t had to carry a picket sign. Please tell me how being a union member has hurt me.

By Rick

May 5, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Maybe you should also ask why employees at UA, US, AMW haven’t voted the IAM out!

By ATL4EVER

May 5, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

The rumor mill at the G.O. is buzzing that IFS has so far overwhelmingly elected to NOT unionize. AFA is very disapointed in the number of “NON-Voes which counts as a NO towards the tally. NWA flight attendant’s welcome to your first non-union job!

By Gus-Locke

May 5, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

Hey Performance, Don’t even waste your time trying to talk sense into these 10%’ers. They’re obviously the 10% who come to work everyday and thinks it’s a b!@#$ session, while you’re out doing your job, and theirs! This whole union thing is just the NWA people that are scared to death that all those dues they’ve invested over the years was now just money down the tubes. And, they’re scrambling to try and stir things up whenever, and wherever they can! They realize they will soon be weened from the mother teet, and actually have to do some work for a change.

By airlinelifer

May 5, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

To Performance and Gus, I guess Southwest, one of the most unionized airlines “must” be an aberration.

By humbug

May 5, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

Gus-Locke…..good point.

ATL4EVER…..Are you serious? I hope so, but it’s just gossip till the announcement is made.

By looking good

May 5, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

I understand the AFA, IAM, and a couple more “groups” are already calling for a re-count or a re-vote at DL. They just don’t understand how anyone would vote them down. The big winners in this happening will be the NW FA’s. Welcome aboard, Y’all.

By Gus-Locke

May 5, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

airlinelifer, Southwest doesn’t compare because they’re not a “major”. They fly 1 airplane, domestic only, been union since day1, no meal service, no one’s knocking them, but it’d be an aberation to compare the 2. The real aberation will be the disapointment to all the union members that put up all those dues to campaign for Delta to unionize. More dough down the tubes, on the backs of people that apparently don’t mind how the people in the know really feel about the muckity-mucks that get the job done. Sr. union leadership is just as bad as the mgmt. of the company you work for, except, oh yeah, they really do care! And look what I have, and you don’t…like you think what you have is gonna be there for ever? Puhlease! I’ll take my chances representing myself by doing my job, and worrying about myself.

By The Truth

May 6, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

I am taking a last minute flight out to San Antonio from Minneapolis. I was driving until an airline saved ME. I was driving until i saw that cheap fare of $310 roundtrip and flying within 7 days!! Who is it, AMERICAN AIRLINES!! Northwest crooked garbage wanted over 1000 along with pitiful Delta!!! Boy i hope Continental and American form theat codeshare agreement!!

By looking good

May 6, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

The Truth……..It’s a hard life on a smart, hard working, self-centered person, isn’t it? If CO and AA were considering a merger, you’d be trashing them.

By Rick

May 6, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

We just don’t understand why you’re afraid to get your wages and benefits in a legally binding agreement. I’ve asked this question before to no avail: Why is it acceptable for Richard Anderson and upper management to have a contract but not YOU? $11 million for four months ought to throw up a red flag.

By airlinelifer

May 6, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Gus, If the shoe was on the other foot, and NWA was taking your company over,AND benefits would be cut, with NO PENSIONS, you would be cryin” a different tune! You hypocrite! I guess you have selective memory of last years USAir’s takeover attempt.

By oldtimer

May 6, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Rick……….Despite what you have heard, all of us at DL make that kind of money, except a few malcontented non workers.

By Rick

May 6, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Howdy oldtimer,

Not sure if I understand what you meant. If y’all are making Anderson type money, my compliments. I could put up with crappy benefits for that too.

I’m sorry to hear y’all have non-workers too. But I AM glad to hear somebody actually ADMIT it. Hope you don’t get in trouble.

By Gus-Locke

May 6, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

airlinelifer, believe it or not, I do feel for you. And Rick, and all the other NWA people that apparently have nothing “better” to do than post here all day and try and stir things up. Get a life! Who knows what oppurtunities you’ve missed since all you people ever do is sit here everyday and post how great things are for you since you work for a union. I’ve read back pretty far and it makes me wonder how you find time for airline work! It’s the same one’s over and over, are you on some union propoganda committee? do you work for your union, or NWA? Wow, if DAL does get a union, who do I see about getting the job where all I have to do is go online and harass the people we want to represent?

By The Truth

May 6, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Look, i have over 25,000 miles on NWA and 17,something on DL i have to use up before the catastrophy takes place. WHere should I go? Los Angeles no flying Sun Country this yr in July, Las Vegas in August annually uhm, USAIR the airline that had all Delta employees crying, New Orleans in October for football game, that’ll be between Continental and American. I am stuck with these miles. Oh well maybe i donate them!!

By Rick

May 6, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Gussy, if you consider yourself to be harassed by my posts, it is you that needs to get a life. You’ve read back pretty far but you still can’t tell if I work for NWA? Damn, you’re stupid.

By ATL local IAM

May 6, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Attn Gus-you seem to have enough time to sit here and chat.You must not have much of a life yourself.What kinda job you got,runnin wall bags at b-south or maybe sittin in the Intl bagroom drinkin coffee.

By Gus-Locke

May 6, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

Yeah, like I’m the nut-job whose written a million post trying to sell my opinion to the other whacko’s who think the union is the way to the promised land! IAM and Rick, your’e only reaching the fringe cases who drink coffee and whine, while I’m sweatin’ my ballsack off in a bin! Like I said, and I’ve apparently hit a nerve, welcome to the non-union DAL, take your cut paycheck, pull up your gurdle, and do your job!!! Oh yeah, and get behind me in seniority, I enjoy my xmas vac., i’ll listen to your b!@#$%^& and moaning, but you can’t have that! Union Whacko’s!!!

By oldtimer

May 6, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

VOTE WAS NOT EVEN CLOSE. AMAZING.

By OLD DELTA GUY

May 6, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

Gus-Locke, I’m taking four weeks of my vacation so I’m out of here. I welcome you to represent the real world in dealing with these clowns. I have to say you are doing an excellent job of it. If they are still around in four weeks I’ll join you.

By airlinelifer

May 6, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

The funny thing about Gus and Old is that they don’t or can’t back up any of their rhetoric. Not one of them have said, “This is whats so great about Delta’s benefits package.” Example: “pensions, Delta offers…” “medical and dental, Delta offers…” “sick days, OJI, Delta offers…” “when they lay you off, Delta offers…”. “vacation, Delta offers…”

I have a pension, and I want to keep my pension. Delta does’nt offer a pension.

My medical and dental plans are less expensive. My sick days (12 days/year)and they accrue, I dont lose them at the end of the year and can use them when theirs a medical emergency. Same with OJI acruals.

If I get laid off I can use my 19 years and bump into another of the forty cities NWA flys to. Delta lays you off and tells you were your needed.

Vacation , six weeks at Northwest, 4weeks at Delta.

Tell me Gus, if you think Delta is so great, this forum is perfect to prove me wrong about your “great Delta benefits package.

By CVG4evr

May 7, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this

Do you know the difference between the ATL ramp and the Special Olympics? Not much.

By IFLYRIGHT

May 7, 2008 1:19 AM | Link to this

Count me in on the “no” vote, sorry AFA/AFL-CIO. We should all send Pat Friend flowers for perpetuating the union threat, sucker’s! I’m w/Gus and O.D.G., people ought to just be worried about doin’ there own job, and not worrying about what other’s have! That’s to you airlinenolife-er! We welcome you to the big d ranch, please check your attitude at the door on the way out. P.S. This is no longer a merger, it’s a buy-out, get used to doin’ things the delta way!!!

By ATL local IAM

May 7, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

Gus,you seem so unhappy,why dont you just take the wonderful early out the company has offered you.I know several who are.It seems to me that you think you are the only guy that works out there.Maybe you need a break.Me,I’m gonna take a week of vacation,week 2 of the six weeks I get.As for your senority,can you beat 39 years?NWA has never offered a real early out.we are real top heavy in senority.

By Rick

May 7, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Gus, sorry I haven’t gotten back sooner. Been busy. I appologize for calling you stupid. You may not be. You’re just voicing your opinion just like me. Only difference is I can respect yours. I don’t have to sell my opinion to others who think a union is the way to go. They already think that. I work for NW and I’m on the shop committee. I work on the ramp and in the office. I don’t have a set time for lunch so when I get caught up I get my lunch and switch the computer over to see whats going on in the world/industry. Some days we’re busy, some we’re slow. Thats how I’m able to check out this blog. If another job is what you’re looking for, I’d recommend one that pays more than $18/hr. Congrats on your week of vac. at Christmas. 34yrs and I still can’t get it. What are you going to do with your other five weeks? oops I mean three…sorry. (c’mon, that was funny)

The great thing about this is we all get to vote. If the majority says no to a union, so be it. This will probably be the only say-so you have in your careers at DL. The people will have spoken and I for one can live with that. I won’t have any “b@#$%&” to listen to nor will I be “moaning”. But I WILL say I told you so. Be it a union or a Delta ACS Employee Org…I highly encourage some type of protection while working for Anderson. Thats free advice from experience. We’re not trying to be y’alls enemy. We’ll all be in the same boat, but it ain’t gonna be Mr. Woolman at the helm anymore.

By airlinelifer

May 7, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

Find out about the differences in benefits and work rules at Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines at:

deltaramp.blogspot.com

By blog

May 8, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Anyone can create a blog about anything and say anything without including truth, research, or factual info. Beware, and don’t accept that any of these three items are contained in the blog.

By CVG4evr

May 8, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

See what’s written there and do your own research. Everybody would love to have the benefits NW has. I know I would.

By Performance Matters

May 8, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

“Loving The Hate!”

It is not hard to find a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” the IAM.

Rick, I respect your position and I have ONLY known one other IAM Shop Steward with your mentality and outlook on the job. Pity, UAL Ramp ran him out to pasture.

I have worked with quite a few in my past airline career. Many felt performing their job duties from a “rolling chair” was good enough!

The customers pay our salaries not the IAM. Seems you share those thoughts with a strong desire for a better piece of the pie and I support that.

Good luck!

To everyone else with the “chip on their shoulder” regarding Delta and the Executive Team…. Focus on the customers and their baggage full-time. We all need more of the Shared Rewards and less gossiping.

By delta ramp----nyc

May 8, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

performance matters——your the one on here gossiping the most, we got your point now let others speak, im on ramp in nyc and im going for the iam…we have heard your views long enough, we dont care if your management or gate or ramp im delta ramp nyc and were tired of being treated like crap…iam will take care of us unlike delta is doing -(outsourceing to delta global) Unskilled non engligh speaking people. I no you get it….

By JetzSetz

May 8, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

By ATL4EVER

May 5, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

The rumor mill at the G.O. is buzzing that IFS has so far overwhelmingly elected to NOT unionize. AFA is very disapointed in the number of “NON-Voes which counts as a NO towards the tally. NWA flight attendant’s welcome to your first non-union job!

ATL4EVER, There is no way the G.O. can know this info because it is a SECRET ballot. Some FAs are probably telling the AFA when they call, that “yes” they voted when indeed they haven’t (to sort of get them off their scent, so to speak). And the reverse is true. Many FAs in ATL are paranoid and are keeping a very low profile about what in fact they are doing with their ballot. So basically, we’ll know when we know..on May 28th.

By JetzSetz

May 8, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

By ATL4EVER

May 5, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

The rumor mill at the G.O. is buzzing that IFS has so far overwhelmingly elected to NOT unionize. AFA is very disapointed in the number of “NON-Voes which counts as a NO towards the tally. NWA flight attendant’s welcome to your first non-union job!

ATL4EVER, There is no way the G.O. can know this info because it is a SECRET ballot. Some FAs are probably telling the AFA when they call, that “yes” they voted when indeed they haven’t (to sort of get them off their scent, so to speak). And the reverse is true. Many FAs in ATL are paranoid and are keeping a very low profile about what in fact they are doing with their ballot. So basically, we’ll know when we know..on May 28th.

By JetzSetz

May 8, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

OH! One more thing ATL4EVER—you can’t welcome NW f/a’s to “their first nonunion job” yet. Because they make up at least 35% of the combined f/a workforce, it will automoatically trigger another union vote. If that vote passes (and most likely it will..most NW f/a’s I speak with aren’t gaga over AFA but will take it over no union) for union representation, then the flying is kept seperate until a new contract for ALL f/a’s at the merged company is approved.

By JetzSetz

May 8, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

OH! One more thing ATL4EVER—you can’t welcome NW f/a’s to “their first nonunion job” yet. Because they make up at least 35% of the combined f/a workforce, it will automoatically trigger another union vote if this one fails. If that vote passes (and most likely it will..most NW f/a’s I speak with aren’t gaga over AFA but will take it over no union) for union representation, then the flying is kept seperate until a new contract for ALL f/a’s at the merged company is approved.

By ATL local IAM

May 8, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

JetzSetz is correct about the secret ballot.It is conducted by NLRB and they will not release anything till probably june1.As Far as voting is concerned,I would not be surprised if all the work groups on the property will get a chance to vote.Every one at NWA is represented by a union,from clericalto res to flight control.they could all have representation elections.

By Rick

May 8, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Performance Matters, I’m not sure if your mention of my mentality was an insult or compliment. You may not have liked the guy from UAL. If it was the latter, you’re the 1st one from DL to get my point. All I’m looking for is better working conditions/benefits for ALL OF US. I just don’t see anything wrong getting it in writing all legal-like. For me, it’s worked out pretty well.

As far as a chip on my shoulder, my wife and I lost approx. $12K in “a stock deal that went bad”. Our “dealer” was, well, you-know-who. That kind of money ought to leave a chip on anybody’s shoulder.

Had I known this rolling chair job was a 3yr deal, I probably wouldn’t have done it. Shoulda done some research, huh? I’d prefer to be out on the ramp full-time.

Look at the IAM (or DL ACS emp org) as an extended warranty policy. What a company feels you don’t deserve, you can purchace through another company.

By IFLYRIGHT

May 8, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

Based on my informal polling, ATL4EVER is correct, all the people on my trips have said they just threw out their ballots!

By JetzSetz

May 9, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

IFLY…If you’re going on your trips w/ the attitude you’ve shown on your postings here, then of course, your fellow f/a’s are saying they threw the ballot out. But it doesn’t matter…in the long run you will be AFA once NW comes over. Resistance is futile.

By ATL local IAM

May 9, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this

I think that we have some Delta managers or supervisors on this blog.

By Gus-Locke

May 9, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

ATL4EVER, IFLYRIGHT,PerformanceMatters,blog.O.D.G., I guess that since we don’t know what we’re talking about we must be ignorant- but so far, the ignorance is coming from the people that think DAL will be unionized- mark my words- that will NEVER happen! These people are fooling themselves to the point that this is going to be hilarious to watch. I only hope that the day after there defeat is announced, these people have the nads to step up and admit that they were on a huge Goebbels propoganda mission, and wont make work someplace miserable to be. These guys crack me up.

By Gus-Locke

May 9, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

IAM, Actually DAL mgmt. and Sup.’s are not allowed to blog during working hours- especially if it pertains to anything having to do with the union vote. They respect the rights of their employee’s, and are committed to the “process”. Unlike Rick, a self prolaimed shop steward, who uses his free time to try and sway anyone who’ll listen to how un-biased he is, and how great it is to work for such a great company. I have tried to get DAL supervision to talk about it, and they only refer you to a website, and say make up your own mind. Vs. all the IAM, AFA, Afl-Cio people who are so insecure about their future they’re out peddling their wares like snakeoil salesman! I’m suspicious of anyone that feels they need to sell me on their way of doing things. It’s condescending to have to read all these people tell me that DAL employees aren’t smart enogh to make their own minds up. And imagine if you work for someone and have a different opinion, step back and get in line, fill out this form, call this 800 number, press 1 for english, 2 for spanish…It’s another layer of beauracy, which translates to another layer of b.s.!I’ll pass! I’ve already thrown my ballot in the trash.

By deltadawn

May 9, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

We can’t all be union junkies.

By IFLYRIGHT

May 9, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Gus, I am a f/a and got my ballot last week. I didn’t even need to open it. Straight to the garbage. I went to my supervisor because someone illeagally wrote my name and address and FORGED MY SIGNATURE to get a blue card. Of course the AFA wouldn’t take my name off their mailing list, and called my house. Which I asked to speak to someone about how they got my name and number and no one could say. So, I called the DEPT. of LABOR, and they said that once the union has your name and signature, it’s very hard to get off the list, and that since the vote was already approved my efforts would be futile. I did submit a report of fraud, and they said that I was not the first to lodge a complaint. So, my point is if the AFA does win, there will be some problem’s that could arise due to tampering with the system. I’ve asked a lot of people at work, and some say the same thing has happened to them.

By IFLYRIGHT

May 9, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Gus, I am a f/a and got my ballot last week. I didn’t even need to open it. Straight to the garbage. I went to my supervisor because someone illeagally wrote my name and address and FORGED MY SIGNATURE to get a blue card. Of course the AFA wouldn’t take my name off their mailing list, and called my house. Which I asked to speak to someone about how they got my name and number and no one could say. So, I called the DEPT. of LABOR, and they said that once the union has your name and signature, it’s very hard to get off the list, and that since the vote was already approved my efforts would be futile. I did submit a report of fraud, and they said that I was not the first to lodge a complaint. So, my point is if the AFA does win, there will be some problem’s that could arise due to tampering with the system. I’ve asked a lot of people at work, and some say the same thing has happened to them.

By Airlinelifer

May 9, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Gus,

On May 6th, I compared Northwest’s benefits to Delta’s. Why did’nt you write down all the wonderful benefits Delta has?

By deltadawn

May 10, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

You union flunkies remind me of the snakeoil peddlers of the past. Their concoctions might not hurt you but they definitely wouldn’t help or cure any ailments either. Those peddlers were just trying to sell more of their product with no care about whether it helped anybody or cured anything. Today that snakeoil concoction is a union card.

By Performance Matters

May 10, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Rick,

My point was…. The Shop Steward I liked and respected was “sent to pasture.” The other guy who was “glued to his chair” was still around. SOB broke a bagroom door when he tried to close it on my tug. I had left a cart of city bags behind for his fat a** to download (his job by the way) as I was tired of busting my butt doing something I was NOT supposed to be doing! Seems the TV was more important to this shop steward and placing city bags on the belt was second..

Hence the bitterness to the IAM.

ATL local IAM,

Seems theres IAM, Delta Employees, Passengers on this blog as well!

So, your point is… Its okay for some and not for others?

By airlinelifer

May 10, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Why don’t you Delta apologist actually post something constructive? Like comparing the differences between your crappy benefits package with its frozen , social security offset pension, and higher priced medical and dental benefits. No layoff protection, no sick day accrual, no OJI accrual, 4 weeks max vacation. The truth hurts doens’t it! Crawl back to your cubicle, and drink some more of that delicious tasting kool-aid.

By deltadawn

May 10, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

airlinelifer, Your posts are no more constructive than any others. Your opinion, like several others, won’t be worth anything in a few months. Have a good life where ever you go.

By ATL local IAM

May 10, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Just so you know,my father was a Delta employee.At the time project 767 came out he was putting 2 kids thru UGA and Georgia State.In the 28 years he had at the time he had never been written up or punished.Becaues he failed to take the pay cut and get the button he was written up 4 times in 2 weeks until he took the pay cut and got the button.thats how your management and supervisors work.you guys live in lala land if you dont think the suits will stoop to any level to keep any union off the property.

By deltadawn

May 10, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

ATLlocalIAM, What pay cut and button do you try to attach to Project 767? I was there and I tell you in fact I didn’t contribute one cent due to reasons similar to your dad. I didn’t get a pay cut, nor did anyone I knew, but I was given a button which I still have. Nobody got a pay cut, nobody was pressured to contribute, and everybody got a button. I was not in management or a supervisor and I offer this as first hand knowledge and experience of the occasion.

By airlinelifer

May 10, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

DeltaDawn, Why don’t you answer the question about your Delta’s benefits package? You, old, & Gus post the same thing over, and over. If you had my benefits and you were about lose some more (and this merger is going to take away more benefits than when NWA was in bankruptcy), you would be concerned also. Tell us more about your frozen pension, tell us about your pension with a social security offset. Are you happy with the benefits your recieving? Your benefits package is inferior, but your either to proud to admit it or just to gung-ho about Delta. Answer the question about your benefits.

By deltadawn

May 10, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

I am well pleased with my retirement, benefits, health care, etc. I am retired and happy, but then I was happy when I worked at Delta for 35 years because I was well paid and treated fairly. Going by these posts I guess that I could have gotten rich and been treated like royalty had I only joined a union, which we turned down three times during my career. NE and WAL were going to force one on us too. Now it’s NWA. Same old story. I hope you have a happy life.

By JetzSetz

May 10, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

I’ve been here since the Project 767 days. I was just a couple years new at the time myself but I distincly remember some paranoid talk of mgt. knowing whether or not you contributed and maybe you better.(That’s not a reflection necessarily on mgt at the time but I do remember it.) I don’t know of anyone written up in Inlite..that sounds pretty off-the-wall, but again, I remember some peer pressure to contribute..which is fine, but like I said, being new, we weren’t making a lot. I don’t know about other depts at Delta but Inflite Svc has NEVER had a union election other than the one in 2001/02. So deltadawn which 3 times did you turn down a union? WAL never triggered another vote because their FAs (nor any other emp. group)did not make up at least 35% of the combined group so the union was just dissolved. You didn’t have to turn anything down. It was automatic. So unless you’re leaving something out, I am beginning to doubt your credibibility. Finally, since you are retired, why do you care whether FAs vote for a union or not and why is the DALRC sending letters to Mr.Anderson asking for their retirement in writing? If you haven’t visited their site, you should check it out.

By JetzSetz

May 10, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

I’ve been here since the Project 767 days. I was just a couple years new at the time myself but I distincly remember some paranoid talk of mgt. knowing whether or not you contributed and maybe you better.(That’s not a reflection necessarily on mgt at the time but I do remember it.) I don’t know of anyone written up in Inlite..that sounds pretty off-the-wall, but again, I remember some peer pressure to contribute..which is fine, but like I said, being new, we weren’t making a lot. I don’t know about other depts at Delta but Inflite Svc has NEVER had a union election other than the one in 2001/02. So deltadawn which 3 times did you turn down a union? WAL never triggered another vote because their FAs (nor any other emp. group)did not make up at least 35% of the combined group so the union was just dissolved. You didn’t have to turn anything down. It was automatic. So unless you’re leaving something out, I am beginning to doubt your credibibility. Finally, since you are retired, why do you care whether FAs vote for a union or not and why is the DALRC sending letters to Mr.Anderson asking for their retirement in writing? If you haven’t visited their site, you should check it out.

By JetzSetz

May 10, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

deltadawn- one more thing. So you got yours (retirement which included healthcare) but you don’t care about us who are a little younger than you and not yet retirement age? We don’t get h.care any longer and our pensions were frozen. Sorry, but you’re coming across as pretty self-serving to me.

By deltadawn

May 11, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

Maybe I do come across as self-serving, but aren’t you? I do care about you folks and am very glad that I got out before things started going downhill. My comparison of simply selling union membership and selling snakeoil is still a valid comparison. I truly hope that things in the industry get better for you folks but don’t put too much faith in the snakeoil. Any pressure to contribute to Project 767 was strictly, as you said, “peer pressure”, but not at the level exhibited in this forum, or the one before this one. There was none from management. My “good old days” are gone except in memory and I shudder at the fact that these are the “good old days” for your memories, but they are. I’m tired of this prattle so I sign off with this—- Live a good and thankful life.

By JetzSetz

May 11, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this

deltadawn writes: Maybe I do come across as self-serving, but aren’t you?

No. Your accusation is unsubstantiated. That you would even cast such an aspersion on a fellow Delta “family member” from where you sit in the comfort of your retirement is unconscionable especially in light of the bumpy road that we once again find ourselves on. Yes, I’m concerned about what will happen, not only to myself, but to my fellow employees as well, as we hit $126/oil and a slowing economy w/ a merger that is the largest ever attempted. While you are safe and snug with your unfrozen pension and paid healthcare, I won’t have such a luxury to look forward to. I don’t say this out of jealousy or bitterness but just to highlite your own myopic self-centered approach all in the name of shouting down the “evil” unions of which you won’t even have to be a part. Pardon me while I get ready for work..to do my best to bring customers back to Delta, part of which will continue to fund your paid healthcare— which I, nor my family, will never receive.

By Skipjack

May 11, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Delta Dawn,

I’m with you. The union is a cancer. If it comes, and this time I think it will, I’m glad that I’ve built skillsets that I can take and go elsewhere.

By Rick

May 11, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Gus, I’m not trying to sell anybody anything. All I’ve done here is post a comparison of benefits. I’m not one of those union-at-all-costs people. I’m pro-employee and pro-benefits. Period. I won’t let a union vote determine wether I have a happy life or not. If I could sell a union to DL, I wouldn’t be working for an airline.

Performance Matters, yeah we have some slugs here too. We just give them all the rope they need to hang themselves. I do doubt, however, that the IAM made him lazy. Thats usually a trait your born with.

JetzSetz, I do agree some of them are self-centered. Had they put all their anti-union energey towards helping their co-workers in the cities that were out-sourced, there’d be a lot more people who helped build and make DL successful still working for them. My definition of “family” is different.

By Performance Matters

May 11, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Rick,

It was the union.. I knew some folks non-union who went to work for UAL PT and their work ethic changed.

UEX had a game they played in the city bagroom. Put dollar bills on UAL bags. Each time the bag went around the belt add a dollar. I think the record was $10 before they ran out of $1’s. Our senior guys told the newbies… Don’t do any more work than you have to. You are not helping us tell UAL we are understaffed. 4 guys and 5 cans to a destination in the local bagroom… Understaffed??? I don’t think so. To them… Reading the paper was more important than loading bags into cans… I did this for 4 years and it drove me nuts! Thats why I am anti IAM. They make employees lazy and unproductive. Its easy to see why NW is being sold.. As mentioned earlier.. Unions are cancers they are hard to rid the workplace of once they are in there.

Anyone who thinks the IAM is going to get them everything they lost is delusional….. Everything is negotiable and the bad news is…. It’s on management’s time table…

A contract at DL could take years.. If you want your pay and benefits frozen GOVERNMENT LAW until a contract is in place.. GO FOR IT!

By IFLYRIGHT

May 11, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Hey Delta Dawn, Don’t forget the old saying, only a fool argues with a fool! Like I’ve seen written many times before, these people are DESPERATE, and SCARED, and who can blame them? They’re gonna have the shock of a lifetime when they get to work and actually have to do something, and then when they fail their drug test, they won’t have a union to cry to. Y’all just please quit your whinning, and get ready to work! I will not carry your load. And guess what, I’m not interested in how you used to do things at NWA, and how much better everything was, and how you got screwed by Cheechi, Anderson, Steenland, and then Anderson again, because none of that matters. All that matters is if you aren’t happy please leave! We’ve all taken our lumps, and don’t need a pity party to make everything better again, or, a union for that matter! These people are hilarious, if this merger doesn’t go through it will be only a matter of time before they’re in worse shape than we’re in, union or not!

By IFLYRIGHT

May 11, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

P.S. Delta Dawn, BTW, please enjoy the reirement you EARNED, through working on xmas, birhtdays, holidays, and all that. Don’t let any of these miserable squakers try and degrade your career in any way! You can count on the true delta employee’s to carry on our proud Non-Union tradition, and give the flying public the best available service of any of the American flag carriers! Stand proud, and for your independant rights as a non-union employee, who’s willing to stand on their own two feet and do what’s right!

By airlinelifer

May 11, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

Do any of these Delta apologist actually work in a department that has a possibility to go union, or are you retired, or in management.

By JetzSetz

May 12, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this

IFLYRIGHT— I’ve also worked on Christmas, holidays and birthdays…actually as a flt. crew member been AWAY for many of them. Deltadawn has nothing over on any one else in that dept. I’m not degrading their career, I’m degrading his/her attitude. You sound either like a person with a VERY low IQ or you’re playing the “part” of a Koolaid-drinking, lockstep, cultist Deltoid. Maybe you’re doing it for laughs. If not, I can see that YOU are scared. Why else would you be on this blog? After all, since Delta has the upper hand in the union vote going on now, don’t you have something else to do with your time?

By ATL local IAM

May 12, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Best available service.If you go to the dot web site Delta has twice the misconnect luggage and over twice the customer complaints as NWA.Yall also killed a dog.I am really looking foward to to moving up to your standards

By ATL local IAM

May 12, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Best available service.If you go to the dot web site Delta has twice the misconnect luggage and over twice the customer complaints as NWA.Yall also killed a dog.I am really looking foward to to moving up to your standards.check march results.

By ATL local IAM

May 12, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

What this all comes down to is people are afraid of change.People on this blog use the common excuses as to why we do not need a union when not a one of them have ever been in one.This is not about slugs,we all have them union or not.Its not about the old days, they are gone and its a whole new ball game.What this is about is a voice in your future and the future of your company.Common sense tell us that there is safety in number and the larger the number the bigger the voice.You get 3% now but at some point the airline will price most people out of flying,loads will drop and were will the company go to save money.the employees and bankruptcy.They will not be happy till the farm allmost all the work out and those that are left get $10 a hour.We need to be conerned with farmout and RJ’s.The airline business as we know it is dead and gone.The suit have contracts that allow them to get bonus based on profits.You think they care about you.They are in this to line their pockets and those of the shareholders/investors.I am not going to tell anyone to vote union or not,that is somthing you will have to decide yourself when the time comes.All I can stress is that you be open minded insread of being closed to change.Look into the pros and cons and make a informed decision.This can affect your future, your family and your airline.

By justice

May 12, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Most of the posters in this forum need to grasp and accept the fact that they have no future in the airline industry. Electronics, textile, banking, steel, real estate, automobile, and most other major industries have already moved to foreign locals and left millions of American workers unemployed. The airline industry is rapidly approaching that point, not by choice but by necessity. Look who your company is contracting your heavy maintenance, customer service, interior redesign, etc. All foreign, because there’s no longer American companies to do it. Upper management knows this and they are getting all they can because they know it will not be available to them after the sellout. The fastest growth areas in our society are dope dealing, welfare, mail fraud, and politics. You folks might look there for your future. This post presents a dark future but every word of it is fact. Now you folks who love to belittle others can start trying to pick it apart with your infantile ranting.

By CVG4evr

May 12, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

IFLYRIGHT, I’m not sure but I think the pilots are union. So much for your “proud non-union tradition”. You must be a blonde!! HA HA HA

By Frozentundra

May 12, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

justice

What do you do for a living?…my guess Dope Dealer

By justice

May 13, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Nope, I sell koolaid to those other folks. I’ll be selling it to you soon, and you’ll love it.

By mayor

May 13, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

For those of you, poor misguided employees that think the retiree’s healthcare is still free, think again. It was zero when I first retired in 2005 (as was yours). Now, I pay about $400 a month for healthcare, which I believe is more than employees do. My retirement is as good as frozen as it will never increase but with increases in healthcare, it sure goes down.

The time when DL gave you a handshake is long past. Those of you that weren’t there, believe me, it really happened that way. We trusted management and in turn, they treated us well. I hate to see it, but it may be time for a union, even though I voted no, twice, when the TWU tried to organize us.

So, current employees, in no way are you subsidizing the retirees. Besides, you should give us some kind of respect for the work we put in over the years but I guess that’s a thing of the past, also.

I don’t remember any pressure over “Project 767”, either. I think it may have been mostly overzealous middle managers and that’s all. Maybe some peer pressure as well.

Whether DL becomes union or not, I still welcome all of you at NW to DL.

By the truth

May 13, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

I got back from San Antonio last night on American a great airline and I was talking to some of my former co wrokers at NWA who is still working there after 10 yrs. They are not happy about merger and I forgot these people used to be my friends! I sure hate what you DELTA is putting my former co workers and friends through right now!! I remember when USAIR was about to gobble u suckers up and you all were crying bloody mary but now its OK. Combning airlines in my opinion will not help anyone including Continental, American, and United!! Thats why they are smart enough not to go through with it!! Although my industry is the reason for everyone’s hard luck and now I am sorry about that after seeing my old friends and co workers, mergers will not solve it!!

By mayor

May 13, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

To the truth…..

Big difference between a US/DL merger and this one. I don’t think US would have had any trouble with closing or downsizing DL’s hubs or laying off many Delta people. All Doug Parker wanted was the DL name and the international routes and to be CEO.

I don’t see any of that happening here. Of course, with your “extensive” knowledge, you would know best.

By the truth

May 13, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

to mayor

Look, my former co workers and firends used to make 20 an hour, now they make 17!! They made scarifices and now this is their repayment. Not knowing what the future holds. You people down south make less than people n North. Delta will start wages from the south econmy and in minneapolis u can’t feed your family with that. I make 31 an hr avg working and that is not impressive. So how u expect them to live off 13 an hr wat ou all make there. What you all at Delta need to d ois stop flying people around on your bad buddy passes. Treat your customers with respect and not disrespectful!! Thats why you lost someone like me as a customer. Look I already have to go t oLos Angeles possibly in 2 weeks and who do u think i will take!! As long as Delta still employ that rude bagsmasher they will never see my service. I think what he did to me and my fiancee is worse than that JetBlue pilot making that man sit on toilet from NY - LAX

By Red Raider

May 13, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

How sad to read all this garbage, Delta used to be the number one company in the United States to work for (1989)When I worked there. It was a priviledge to be hired back then and they only took the cream of the crop. You were told “you will never get rich at Delta but we will always take care of you”. I signed on in 1989, rose from the bottom of Delta to an upper level position. Now after roughly fifteen years of lowering hiring standards in every department you read about these clowns going back and forth on “who gets what?’ when both airlines are bleeding losses of millions of dollars a day. Thank God I left on my own terms in 2002 and have never looked back……Ron Allen killed the Delta family, Leo buried it and now it is all over but the crying. Here’s a clue, why not try to get your service levels back to where they were in the 1980’s and your reputation back for Service Excellence to the customer? If you put yourself back in the number one spot and elevate yourself above the pack the profits will come and your life will get better. The short bus should arrive for you soon.

By Rick

May 13, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

The profits may come, but I doubt if we’ll see much of it.

By delta ramp atl

May 13, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

delta dawn you setteled for less for not getting some balls and getting a union, due to people like you many jobs have been outsourced and jobs given away, a union only helps keep jobs in america and not outsourced to crap companys like delta global which pays 9.00 if that and get crap employees…go back to retirement and be happy for all you have done. we need a union now at delta nwa people are right……delta-ramp-atl

By delta ramp atl

May 13, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

delta dawn you setteled for less for not getting some balls and getting a union, due to people like you many jobs have been outsourced and jobs given away, a union only helps keep jobs in america and not outsourced to crap companys like delta global which pays 9.00 if that and get crap employees…go back to retirement and be happy for all you have done. we need a union now at delta nwa people are right……delta-ramp-atl

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 13, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

HUMBUG-REGARDING YOUR 3:35 MAY 5TH ENTRY. I WORK WITH AN EQUIPMENT SERVICE EMPLOYEE (I THINK YOU CALL THEM RAMP AGENTS OR RATS)…WHO WAS FIRED TWICE FOR HAVING UNACCEPTABLE LEVELS OF ALCOHOL IN HIS SYSTEM…HE HURT HIS BACK ABOUT 20 YRS AGO AND THE PAIN PILLS DIDN’T HELP HIM FALL ASLEEP AT NIGHT…A CO-WORKER SUGGESTED A SHOT OF BRANDY…AND THAT BECAME A GLASS AND THAT BECAME A BOTTLE…HE DIDN’T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT HE DIDN’T MISS WORK HE WASN’T LATE HE JUST WREAKED OF ALCOHOL IN THE MORNING… HE WAS A FUNCTIONAL ALCOHOLIC…THE FIRST TIME HE TRIED TO STOP ON HIS OWN WITH LIMITED SUCCESS AND HE CAME BACK TO WORK AFTER A FEW WEEKS…THE SECOND TIME HE WAS GONE FOR 6 MONTHS…AND I GLAD TO SAY THAT HE HAS BEEN DRY FOR OVER A YEAR…THE UNION GOT HIS JOB BACK…NOW,SOME AND MAYBE YOU MIGHT SAY THAT HE SHOULD HAVE STAYED FIRED…BUT I BELIEVE ALCOHOLISM IS A DISEASE…AND SOMEONE SHOULDN’T BE FIRED FOR A DISEASE…I DON’T THINK NORTHWEST WOULD HAVE TAKEN HIM BACK FOR A SECOND TIME WITHOUT THE UNION…I SURE YOU HAVE KNOWN SOMEONE LIKE THAT AT DELTA…THIS INDUSTRY IS HARD ON PEOPLE AND EQUALLY HARD ON MARRIAGES…I HOPE THAT PERSON WAS GIVEN A “THIRD CHANCE”.I HOPE THAT DELTA WAS COMPASSIONATE TO THEIR NEEDS…I’VE ONLY KNOWN 3 PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN FIRED…THE ONE I’VE MENTION AND 2 OTHERS THAT REMAIN FIRED!…LIKE RICK SAYS WE DON’T LIKE SLACKERS…AND AS THE CREAM RISES TO THE TOP THE WHEY SETTLES AT THE BOTTOM…AND THEY USUALLY HANG THEMSELVES.

JUST GOT BACK FRO ATL…GOT MY VARSITY FIX…THE OLE BLOG HAS GOTTEN INTERESTING..THE MAYOR SOUNDS LIKE A UNION SUPPORTER…THE TRUTH SEEMS TO HAVE SWEETENED UP AFTER SEEING HIS OLD FRIENDS…BUT I WISH HE WOULD LIGHTEN UP ON THAT DELTA BAG SMASHER…I ONCE HAD A BAG CART BLOWN OVER BY A DELTA L10-11…I DRUG IT FOR ABOUT 20 FT…I COMPLETELY DESTROYED ABOUT 20 BAGS…THEY LOOKED LIKE SOMEONE TOOK A BLACK AND DECKER BELT SANDER TO THEM (ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE CLOTHES)…THE LETTER WAS REMOVED FROM MY FILE AFTER A YEAR THANKS TO THE UNION.

By atl-ramp delta

May 13, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

gus-locke regarding throwing away your ballot..Think about delta outsourcing reservations to india like they have non-union can do that. delta outsourcing ramp cities/non union can do that. Unions have a contract to follow and airlines have to sit down and work them out just like delta pilots. wake up idiot. Time for delta to become a real airline we are getting a union, by the way alot of mgnt will be out the door soon think about that. Was said in washington by steenland and anderson the saviors

By 767 FO

May 13, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

FROM A FELLOW UNION MEMBER F/O 767 ATL——FOLLOW YOUR GUT WE AS PILOTS NO THAT A UNION IS THE WAY TO NEG/ A FAIR CONTRACT. DELTA HAS SCREWED OVER MANY GRD WORKERS AND RES CENTERS, MY SONS WAS OUTSOURCED IN PBI……ATL-RAMP KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GET YOUR UNION IN, IF THIS MERGER FAILS CONTINUE TO GET YOUR UNION IN COULDNT HURT YOU.

By Rick

May 13, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

WB C-OLD. getcha 3 dogs walkin’?

By ATL4EVER

May 14, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

blah, blah ,blah, blah,blah. this post just regurgitates the same old crap over and over and over, by the same tired few! as i’ve said many times to same ole people get a life! are you kidding me? your propoganda agenda is obvious, and since all you union guys are on the clock while you write this trash, i think it’s fair to say your’e being paid by your company to further the plight of your tired a!@ union. 767f/o, if you’re really that concerned about our welfare- why don’t you talk to your local alpa rep and organize a grass roots co-op w/the 120 people, and the f/a’s to organize OUR OWN union! put up or shut up- i’m not so dead set against a union, just this broke down, corrupt, bunch of nut jobs at the iam/afl/cio/afa!

By Gus-Locke

May 14, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

ATL4ever, You hit the nail right on the head! I’d vote twice for our own union, but, I just can’t bring myself to vote for the org. that spawned Hoffa et. al. 767F/O- Maybe you might step down from your 275-325k ivory tower and help out the people that really need it! A Delta union with no ties to teamsters, iam, afl-cio, etc. would get in quicker than you could say Ron Allen!

By mayor

May 14, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

C-OLD, at one time you wouldn’t have heard that from me but I think that if you went for that handshake from management, now, you better check to see how many fingers you have left when you take your hand back….oh, and check for your watch and jewelry, also.

the truth——why are you so down on the employees having the perk of non-revenue travel? It doesn’t take any seat away from you and if you REALLY worked for an airline, you would be supporting your friends in their ability to travel for free. As for buddy passes, those are a revenue stream for Delta and also do not take anything away from you. Quit being so bitter. BTW, the most I ever made at DL, in 33 years, was $20 an hour.

One other thing…..not everyone that works for Delta lives and works down south. They also work at ORD, SLC, LAX, SFO, SEA, etc.

This merger will probably go thru, no matter what we on here think of it or whether or not DL goes union. Might as well make the best of it or EVERYONE will be out of a job. I would like to see the “handshake” come back but I’m afraid that’s long gone. Over the years, I’ve heard many horror stories of the Teamsters, TWU, etc., so you’ll excuse me if I’m slightly reluctant when it comes to unions. It does sound, tho like the IAM doesn’t do business like those others so it might not be a bad deal for the employees.

Bye, bye from retiree land.

By ATL4EVER

May 14, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

before you nut job’s say i’m lying about corruption, here you go,”Jackie Presser (August 6, 1926 – July 9, 1988) was an American labor leader and president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters from 1983 until his death in 1988. He was closely connected to organized crime, and allegedly became president of the Teamsters based on the approval and support of the Cleveland mafia. From 1972 until his death, he was also an informant for the Federal Bureau of Investigation concerning mafia influence in the Teamsters union”Gee, is this who you’re proud to say represents you, and your way of life?

By ATL4EVER

May 14, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

oh yea, forgot to mention, a google search with the words union corruption netted over 621,000 results! here’s just one site soley dedicated to afl-cio corruption, http://www.nlpc.org/olap/aflcio/index.htm. like i said, a delta union would be fine- but i’m not puttin’ my money behind these crooks!

By mayor

May 14, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

to FO 767,

Are you one of those “fellow union members” that were all set to throw the non-contract employees under the bus during BK? You guys talk a good union line but when it comes right down to it, you’re just in it for yourselves. Don’t try to be a martyr…it doesn’t suit you.

By Gus-Locke

May 14, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

I just googled “IAM Union Corruption” and her’s what I got-Results 1 - 10 of about 16,500 for iam union corruption. Keep it goin’, say no to these corrupt “traditional organization’s”, and say yes to a Delta frontline/underwing union!

By IFLYRIGHT

May 14, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Hey CVG4evr- I have just read some of the recent posts re: union corruption. And I was wondering if you saw the court case where a TWU member disagreed with his local and was beaten severely in the parking lot of his place of employment? Or, the case (documented, just check the link in the post from ATL4Ever) where the woman was threatened with rape for retaliation against something she blogged about and was illeagally traced back to her? These people who you think are making such great cases for a union don’t want their dirty little secret out. I’d rather be docked pay, or even fired before I had to be afraid for my life to go against the grain. Please think about that, and do the research before you come back with one of your snappy little retorts about how lillywhite these unions are…And it couldn’t possibly happen to you, right?

By Wing nut

May 14, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

I am an A/P certified mechanic 32 years. I started as a mech.’s helper, worked as a shop sup., and am now just settling a few things before I retire. I’ve read alot of the post on this site, and agree that a union at Delta for mech.’s is probably overdue. Leo Mullin’s drew my final straw. But, like someone just recently said, I to, cannot bring myself to get behind one of the current union’s vying to get my vote. Just purely on the basis of stories from friends at other airlines that talk about how they’ve seen people threatened because they would not agree with some issue or another. It just comes down to pack mentality, and me knowing my history, rarely do I agree with the pack. I would fully support a union formed by Delta Mechanic’s, and agree again with the guy who wondered why the pilots never offered some form of assistance in this matter. As always, it comes down to “me”, and what can I get for myself. I know several pilots, and the one’s that were around when I first started were a different breed. They came from military roots, and were happy to not have to perform collateral duties, and only had to fly. And, for twice the pay! This current crop of pilot’s would probably help out if we offered to pay 20% interest on the funds we’d need to borrow for all the legal fee’s and other costs. Oh well, this is my first and last post, just thought I’d put my 2 cents in. Good luck to everyone involved in this mess! Even you pilots out there!

By Wing nut

May 14, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

I am an A/P certified mechanic 32 years. I started as a mech.’s helper, worked as a shop sup., and am now just settling a few things before I retire. I’ve read alot of the post on this site, and agree that a union at Delta for mech.’s is probably overdue. Leo Mullin’s drew my final straw. But, like someone just recently said, I to, cannot bring myself to get behind one of the current union’s vying to get my vote. Just purely on the basis of stories from friends at other airlines that talk about how they’ve seen people threatened because they would not agree with some issue or another. It just comes down to pack mentality, and me knowing my history, rarely do I agree with the pack. I would fully support a union formed by Delta Mechanic’s, and agree again with the guy who wondered why the pilots never offered some form of assistance in this matter. As always, it comes down to “me”, and what can I get for myself. I know several pilots, and the one’s that were around when I first started were a different breed. They came from military roots, and were happy to not have to perform collateral duties, and only had to fly. And, for twice the pay! This current crop of pilot’s would probably help out if we offered to pay 20% interest on the funds we’d need to borrow for all the legal fee’s and other costs. Oh well, this is my first and last post, just thought I’d put my 2 cents in. Good luck to everyone involved in this mess! Even you pilots out there!

By Wing nut

May 14, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

I am an A/P certified mechanic 32 years. I started as a mech.’s helper, worked as a shop sup., and am now just settling a few things before I retire. I’ve read alot of the post on this site, and agree that a union at Delta for mech.’s is probably overdue. Leo Mullin’s drew my final straw. But, like someone just recently said, I to, cannot bring myself to get behind one of the current union’s vying to get my vote. Just purely on the basis of stories from friends at other airlines that talk about how they’ve seen people threatened because they would not agree with some issue or another. It just comes down to pack mentality, and me knowing my history, rarely do I agree with the pack. I would fully support a union formed by Delta Mechanic’s, and agree again with the guy who wondered why the pilots never offered some form of assistance in this matter. As always, it comes down to “me”, and what can I get for myself. I know several pilots, and the one’s that were around when I first started were a different breed. They came from military roots, and were happy to not have to perform collateral duties, and only had to fly. And, for twice the pay! This current crop of pilot’s would probably help out if we offered to pay 20% interest on the funds we’d need to borrow for all the legal fee’s and other costs. Oh well, this is my first and last post, just thought I’d put my 2 cents in. Good luck to everyone involved in this mess! Even you pilots out there!

By IFLYRIGHT

May 14, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

Wingnut, You only have to push the post button once, and then be patient! I agree with all you said though. I am a west coast f/a and being exposed to all the former WAL people out here know exactly what you’re talking about. Good Luck in retirement, and thanks for giving us safe planes to fly!

By Wing nut

May 14, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I’m sorry about that. I just recently switched to Vista, and thought the slowness was being caused by my OS. I will not post anymore/ just continue as a casual observer.

By IFLYRIGHT

May 14, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Here is a comment that was written by a labor lawyer which specifically adresses the union issue vey clearly for flight attendants in a current case just heard in a court of law! Excerpt-Not knowing the background facts (Did Delta ever discuss this site with the flight attendant? Were there any prior warnings about similar conduct? Past examples of other similar conduct handled the same way?), it does seem like Delta handled this situation a little ham-handedly (I’m sure they didn’t mean to make this woman a poster-child for the AFA’s organizing campaign). But the claim that a union contract would provide some terrific protection to her not available because of her non-union, “at-will” status is just not true. And a link to the whole post-http://laboringattheinstitute.blogspot.com/2004/12/correction-on-delta-flight-attendant.html. No trickery here, just plain hard facts! Read it, and then decide if a union will benefit you in all the way’s some would like you to believe!Make up your own mind, don’t let someone sell you something they can’t really promise.

By Gus-Locke

May 14, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

IFLYRIGHT, Wow! That is all about the f/a that got fired for wearing her uniform in pictures on a plane, and posting them to her blog. It is very interesting that the attorney felt very strongley that her status as a “at will” employee had no bearing on the degree of punishment, and further, that had she had union rep. the outcome would have been the same. So, your saying that even though if she were in a union, sh’e still get fired? Rick and CVG4EVR, and all, say it isn’t so! What about that wonderful umbrella of protection your so fond of teaching us about? IFLY, thanks for researching the FACTS, and sharing! I can’t wait to see what all the union jackboots are gonna write about this one. They’ll be spinning this better than HRC or Barrack Osama Bin Obama!

By The Truth

May 14, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

wow Northwest giving me a free trip due to over 25,000 miles. continental reported my trip to New Orleans and now they giving me a free trip!! Delta 20,000 so i should report Continental trip to those idiots too to mooch off them also!!

By ATL4EVER

May 14, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

it’s funny how it only takes 2 minutes and a computer to research the real life problem’s of a union. the underbelly is the part that they hate for you to bring up, because what can you say about their past, and their current way of doing things…

By 767 f/o

May 14, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

ATL FOREVER—FROM 767 F/O I AM HELPING MY SONS TO MOVE FWD AND WORK WITH THE IAM, I MADE A GOOD CHOICE IM MY IVORY TOWER, SEEMS LIKE YOUR VERY BITTER ABOUT SOMETHING BUT LISTEN TO SOME OF THE THOUGHTS FROM FELLOW UNION REPS, YOU WILL BE GONE SOON ENOUGH LIKE OTHER STATIONS DELTA HAS SCREWED OVER. IAM DOES HAVE ALOT TO OFFER, PENSIONS UNLIKE DELTA GIVES YOU, DONT BE A BITTER BAGGAGE HANDLER GET YOUR UNION GOING AND SAVE YOUR JOBS…I HAVE SPOKEN TO ALOT OF GREAT NWA EMPLOYEES AND THE GARBAGE YOUR READING ABOUT PEOPLE GETTING BEAT UP SOUNDS LIKE DELTA GARBAGE TRYING TO SCARE PEOPLE AWAY. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK FOOLISHLEY….

By mayor

May 14, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

to the truth..

“wow Northwest giving me a free trip due to over 25,000 miles. continental reported my trip to New Orleans and now they giving me a free trip!! Delta 20,000 so i should report Continental trip to those idiots too to mooch off them also!!”

I’ll say one thing….you’re certainly fluent in gibberish. Why don’t you do ALL of us a favor and go away? BOTH sides are tired of hearing your drivel.

By ATL local IAM

May 14, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

To atl4ever After reading your 12:35 blog where you point out that since a few are corrupt all are.Does this mean my italian wife is a mobster because she is italian.If one white person is a bigot then all white people Are bigots?You are very narrow minded.How many atlanta local IAM people do you know.I guess since Jimmie Hoffa is dead we should all be dead also.Get your own union.The company will eat you alive like they did AMFA everywhere.

By ATL local IAM

May 14, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

To atl4ever After reading your 12:35 blog where you point out that since a few are corrupt all are.Does this mean my italian wife is a mobster because she is italian.If one white person is a bigot then all white people Are bigots?You are very narrow minded.How many atlanta local IAM people do you know.I guess since Jimmie Hoffa is dead we should all be dead also.Get your own union.The company will eat you alive like they did AMFA everywhere.

By ATL local IAM

May 14, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

To atl4ever After reading your 12:35 blog where you point out that since a few are corrupt all are.Does this mean my italian wife is a mobster because she is italian.If one white person is a bigot then all white people Are bigots?You are very narrow minded.How many atlanta local IAM people do you know.I guess since Jimmie Hoffa is dead we should all be dead also.Get your own union.The company will eat you alive like they did AMFA everywhere.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 14, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

I AM NOT A UNION REP….I DONT KNOW ANYONE WHO’S BEEN BEAT UP OR THREATEN TO BE RAPE…I LIKE TO DO MY JOB GOOD AND FAST AND HELP OUT MY FELLOW EMPLOYEES …I’VE GOT 3 OR 4 PERFECT ATTENDANCE PASSES (THEY HAVE A HIGHER BOARDING PRIORITY)…I’VE LIVED IN MSP FOR 19 YEARS AND WAS LATE JUST ONCE DUE TO SNOW (PRETTY GOOD FOR SOMEONE THAT’S SOMETIMES CALLED “GOOBER” BY HIS CO-WORKERS)…I HAVE LUSTED IN MY HEART ON OCCASION (NOT UNION RELATED)…I’VE NEVER NEEDED UNION REPRESENTATION…I’VE ARGUED WITH MY SUPERIORS BECAUSE I THOUGHT THE CUSTOMER WAS RIGHT…I’VE HEARD THE IAM’S GOT A PLANE BUT I HAVEN’T SEEN IT…DOES THE IAM HAVE CROOKS…MAYBE…NWA AND DELTA DOES…DO I MISS THE $48.00 UNION DUES A MONTH…NOPE…I’VE GOT 2 EXTRA WEEKS VACATION…IF I WERE SICK OR INJURED ON DUTY WOULD I BE IMMEDIATELY CONCERNED…NOPE…GOT OVER 2000HRS IN EACH…I COULD BE OUT OVER A YEAR BEFORE I NEED TO WORRY… I HAVEN’T LOOKED BUT THERE’S PROBABLY A LEAST ONE WEBSITE DEVOTED TO THE EARTH BEING FLAT (DO NOT BLINDLY BELIEVE IN EVERYTHING YOU READ ON THE INTERNET…ANTI OR PRO UNION)…DONT BELIEVE ME…DONT BELIEVE IFLYRIGHT…BUT DO LISTEN…AND AT LEAST HEAR THE UNION OUT…OR ARE YOU AFRAID IT MIGHT GET BACK TO YOUR MIDDLE MANAGER (WHO MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE GONE AFTER YOU IF YOU DIDN’T CONTRIBUTE TO “THE SPIRIT OF DELTA”)…MY FRIEND WHO IS NOW A MANAGER AT DELTA SAYS SHE WAS TOLD THEY BETTER GIVE WHEN SHE WAS A PEON …I’M GLAD IT’S MOSTLY AIRLINERS OR RETIREES MAKING ENTRIES…I’M TIRED OF PASSENGERS GRIPPING ABOUT THE PRICES AND THEIR MILLAGE…LIKE MY OLD BUDDY RICK SAYS “WE’LL BE FINE EITHER WAY” BUT WE PREFER A UNION…AND IF YOU UNDER THE WING NEGOTIATORS DON’T GET WHAT WE GOT…SHAME ON YOU..IN THE EVENT WHERE IS NO UNION AT THE NEW DELTA…PLEASE TRY TO GET THE BEST OF BOTH!…BY THE WAY WHO ARE YOUR NEGOTIATORS AND HOW CAN WE APPROACH THEM TO VOICE OUR CONCERNS?

By ATL4EVER

May 14, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

I’m gonna borrow a page from wingnut, and choose not to go crazy on this site like all the “regulars”. Because they say the same garbage over and over, and over, and over. I’m not in mgmt. at Delta- I’ve never been in mgmt. at Delta, I’ve never applied for mgmt. at Delta. I’m not a kool-aid drinker, I am as ready for a union as the next guy- I just don’t trust what the current crop is saying. Action’s speak louder than words, just take one minute and google either AFA corruption, AFL-CIO corruption, Teamsters corruption, TWU corruption. Spend 5 minutes on any of those links and tell me all those documented cases are out of the ordinary. It’s just a classic bait and switch where you go from the fryin’ pan into the fire. And, I’m choosing the fryin’ pan for now. Like I said, 767FO, you are typical. First I have a sneaking feeling you are not legit. You say your a 76fo in ATL? What is the first marker on the northside of ATL? If you are legit, than you are the one that should be ashamed- Alpa threw everyone non-contract under the bus in bk (including your son…), and now you have the balls to sit here and say I’m uninformed- Yeah right. Now, if you really were sincere about helping your son, or sons, or whatever you’d educate them on the pitfalls of the IAM. Maybe you ought to direct them to a website like-http://www.unionfacts.com/cardcheck/unionMythsFromUnionMouths.cfm. Here’s a snippet from an article on that site you may find relevant. Union officials claim coercion stifles pent-up demand for unionization on the part of employees. To that end, the AFL-CIO commissioned a survey from Peter D. Hart Research Associates to suggest that tens of millions of Americans wanted a union but were unable to join one. The AFL-CIO has refused to release the underlying data to the public.

But poll after poll shows a different picture. A March 2007 Opinion Research Corporation poll found that 64 percent of workers say they would prefer their present job to be non-union. An August 2006 Zogby poll found that, given the opportunity to vote to join a union, a plurality of employees (40.4 percent) said they were “definitely against” joining, while another 17.8 percent said they were “probably against” joining. Given that another 7 percent were “not sure,” that left only about one in three employees who would actually lean toward joining—and even then, those who were “definitely for” joining were the smallest group, at only one in eight. That’s 1 in 8…Gee, I wonder why? All you people out there that are so high and mighty about your union that’s great, but, to those thinking about it, do research, don’t take these knuckleheads word that all is great! If you’re really serious, let’s start our own thing. I’ve quoted facts, and backed them up. Please check it out for yourselves.

By airlinelifer

May 14, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

In June I’ll have twenty years at Northwest Airlines. To tell you the truth, I was excited when I first heard of this merger, but the more I found out about Delta AirLines, its benefits package and work rules, the more concerned I became.

It’s funny how these executives say the merger is all about “addtion and not subtraction.” They will not tell you that they will use the price of fuel, the recession, LCC competition and a host of other excuses to start cutting back. This is not a scare tactic, its the facts. You are not dealing with airline employees that have moved up thru the ranks, but corporate lawyers that have considerable experience in trying to create a “virtual airline”, were many departments will be contracted out permenently . This is I why Delta employees should consider having union representation , specifically the ramp(because thats the department I work in at Northwest).

Here’s a comparison of benefits between Northwest Airlines and Delta AirLines ramp employees:

6 weeks vacation vs. 4 at Delta

Fixed medical costs. If there’s an increase, their is a set amount and time frame.

40 cities where my department is staffed vs. 15 cities Delta staffs ramp employees.

No cap on sick days (accruable) vs. 7 days PPT at Delta. (I have over 1500 hours of sick time, and would recieve full pay while I am out due to a serious illness).

No cap on OJI time, (I have over 1000 hours of OJI, and be would recieve full pay while I am out due to a on the job injury).

Definitive rules on equal distribution of overtime.(IF the company needs overtime due to operational needs, overtime will be called out first to the employees with the least amount of overtime worked).**

Definitive caps on the amount of PT staff in any given station.

Difinitive contract language on layoff/displacement rights. In case of layoff I have 5 days to choose a city and “Exercise my Seniority” and bump a junior employee. The cities, the employees names and the employees seniority dates are all listed on the Northest’s employee websight. It’s stressfull enough getting layoff papers, at least I have a choice of where I’m going to work. Delta tells you were your going to go, you have no say in the matter. A Delta employee with 20 years is laidoff and cannot use his seniority to bump a junior employee and work at a city close to their homes not having to travel cross country to hold on to his or her job.

My company pension is frozen, but has NO Social Security offset, my new union pension is company funded with NO Social Security offset, the union will negotiate increases to our pension.

And all of these benefits were negotiated by my union on my behalf.

PS Remember DELTA GIVETH, DELTA CAN AND WILL TAKETH AWAY.

By Rick

May 15, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

Gus, both of our airlines have terminated employees. Union and non-union. From what little I know about the F/A in question, she posted a photo(s) of herself, in a DL uniform, presumably on a DL A/C. I don’t know what her work history was like. With limited info, it (in my opinion) seems termination was a bit harsh. But it was a DL uniform. Perhaps a warning and suspension would have been more appropriate. Is that the way DL takes care if its “family”? She had no recourse. Maybe the fact that she didn’t have access to union lawyers made the decision to fire her so easy. I wasn’t involved with the case and don’t have any facts so I shouldn’t comment beyond that.

As I’ve said previously, we’re not here to keep the crappy people employed. We don’t like ‘em, we don’t want ‘em. When I say we I mean my co-workers and the reps, up to and including the president of our District 143. What we are here for is to make sure the punishment is equal to the offense. Even for you, Gus. I don’t know of anyone who was fired unjustly. I’ve had to escort several people (2 are friends) out of the secured area when they were terminated. Their actions did them in. Commit enough offenses and…see ya.

Go out and do your job and you’ll enjoy better benefits more than the “umbrella of protection”.

So, you Googled IAM union corruption and got 16,500 hits, huh? Thats a lot. I Googled “corporate greed” and got 999,000 hits. With the D.O.J and the D.O.L. scrutinizing a unions every move nowdays, I don’t think you’ll find corruption as rampant as it was. Corporate greed is a greater threat to your career and future.

ATL4ever, I don’t consider what I post to be propaganda. Simply putting info you may not have access to out there for people to make their own decisions. Thats what we do in a union, we vote. Majority wins. Our company or our union doesn’t make our decisions for us.

By delta-nyc

May 15, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

atl-forever is a delta IDIOT, TYPICAL ATL SOUTHERN REDNECK, nyc is ready for a union and we really like the iam benifits….delta has taken away so much from us , we need a future—-pension——etc, iam is the way to go…..good job nwa for helping us out…..

By CVG4evr

May 15, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

IFLYRIGHT, No I didn’t read or hear about the case you mentioned. If you read Rick’s May 14, 12:08 post, he explains the process in a union is voting. It’s my understanding that’s the way it is at all unions. I don’t think when they vote on an issue the result has to be unanimous. He may have been trying to pick a fight with the wrong person. I really don’t think someone got a beatdown simply because they disagreed with their local. That sounds like a Delta management tactic.

I certainly never said any union was lily-white. The only company I can think of that’s close to lily-white is Chic-Filet. If I remember right, you live in Calif. Have you ever made a purchase at Wal-Mart? They employee illegals. If you answered yes, then you support corruption. If you like doing research, do some on Anderson, your Savior. Let me know if you find anything lily-white.

By JetzSetz

May 16, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this

IFLYRIGHT, are you the gentleman out of LAX who sends out the anti-union emails? You failed to provide a link to the reasons a union contract would expedite and create less financial burden on the FA awaiting the outcome of a legal proceeding based on just cause termination.

Here is the link. http://laboringattheinstitute.blogspot.com/2004/12/delta-stewardess-case.html

I will summarize the poster’s (a FA)excellent response here:

*First, and perhaps the most practical issue, is expediency. A terminated flight attendant would have remedies through the contractual grievance process, a much speedier process than remaining fired while a case wends through the legal system.

Second, since the grievance process is essentially private, it provides more opportunities for a settlement to occur. Whether through an ADR process, or through a non-precedential or no-cite resolution, neither party is as concerned with the rest of the industry watching the outcome of the case. Additionally, remedies can be crafted that would be beyond what a judge could or would award.

Third, money. Whether needing to hire a private attorney outright, or getting one to agree to a contingency fee arrangement, it’s an expensive proposition. All AFA contracts provide for legal representation throughout the grievance procedure at no additional charge to the terminated flight attendant.

Unfortunately, individual remedies come with a high pricd tag, whether in terms of time and/or money. While unions cannot totally alleviate this price tag, they can certainly help lessen their impact. Not an academic bias, just thoughts from someone who has been on both sides of the table.*

By mayor

May 16, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

In truth, “the truth” was probably fired from NW because of bad grammar and inane drivel.

By IFLYRIGHT

May 16, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Jetset, Yes, I’m west coast based, and former western. I was in a union! Were you? I am speaking from FIRST-HAND experience? Are you? You’re post response was typical. Here’s another thing said at that post which I’d say sums the whole thing up the BEST. “This may sound a little shrill, but I get a little sensitive about the academic bias in favor of organized labor (especially when it is based on the empirically false notion that unions provide greater protection than individual remedies for workplace problems).” The experts say, FALSE NOTION , NOT ME!!! BTW, your post from that site was written by the girl that lost her job. Her bias is obvious, and now that she’s fired, she doesn’t have alot of time to do much else. Are we gonna see you blogging in your delta uniform if we get a union? An no, I’m not emailing anyone w/union info. ATL4EVER, keep up the good posts. We get to see firsthand how these pro-union people try and twist their rhetoric and only come off looking pathetic, for trying to sweep their dirty little secret’s under the rug. That guy from NYC sounds like he’d be the first one in the parking lot with a baseball bat if he found out you voted against his organized thuggery!!! Nice job!

By Pago Flyer

May 16, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

The ramp is already 80% black, what more do they want!!

By tex

May 16, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

IFLYRIGHT- it seems that it is the opposite of what you claim!!

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 16, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

WOULD SOME DELTA EMPLOYEE EXPLAIN TO ME HOW DELTA AND IT’S EMPLOYEES DECIDE WHAT BENEFITS THEY RECEIVE?…I GET THE IMPRESSION THAT SOMEWAY A GROUP REPRESENTS THE EMPLOYEES…OR ARE YOU SAYING DELTA EMPLOYEES SHOULD START THEIR OWN UNION THAT DOESN’T COLLECT UNION DUES AND REPRESENTS THE EMPLOYEES OR DOES DELTA SEND OUT A QUESTIONNAIRE AND ASK WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU?…IS IT TRUE 4 WKS MAX VACATION?…HOW MANY PAID HOLIDAYS DO YOU GET?…IS IT TRUE NO SUPERVISORS JUST LOW MANAGERS WATCHING EVERY MOVE TRYING TO MAKE A NAME FOR THEMSELVES?…NWA SUPERVISORS ARE UNION AND MOST ACT AS A BUFFER BETWEEN YOU AND THE LADDER CLIMBERS…WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU HAVE A SHORT TERM ILLNESS?…DO YOU HAVE A GREAT SHORT TERM DISABILITY PROGRAM? HOW MUCH DID PEOPLE PLEDGE TO “THE SPIRIT OF DELTA”…COULD YOU DO A DOLLAR A MONTH…OR MAYBE JUST $5 A YEAR CAUSE WE MAY WANT TO DO THAT AS A SIGN OF UNITY?…YOU GOT GREAT PASS PRIVILEGES BUT, CAN YOU EVER GET ON A PLANE?…DOES EVERY PERSON IN THE SAME CLASSIFICATION WITH THE SAME SENIORITY MAKE THE SAME PAY?…CAN MEN WEAR THEIR HAIR OVER THEIR COLLAR OR HAVE BEARDS?…DO YOU RECEIVE COMPANY PAID STEEL-TOED SHOES?…OR SAFETY GLASSES?…ARE YOUR UNIFORMS FREE?…HAVE YOU RECEIVED YOUR 3% PAY RAISE YET?…YOU’LL PROBABLY MAKE MORE MONEY THAN US WHEN YOU DO!…WHEN THEY GIVE YOU A RAISE CAN THEY IMMEDIATELY TAKE IT BACK?…CAN YOU BUMP TO ANY OF YOUR 15 STATIONS IF YOU GET LAID OFF…IS IT BASED ON SENIORITY?…CAN YOU TRANSFER AT WILL?…PLEASE TELLS US NORTHWEST EMPLOYEE’S WHAT WE HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD WITHOUT A UNION?…I THINK WE’VE JUSTIFIED THE $48.00 A MONTH…THE 5TH AND 6TH WEEK VACATION TAKES CARE OF THAT!…A MANAGEMENT TEAM THAT RESPECTS AND VALUES YOUR OPINION…SOME DELTA EMPLOYEE’S ENTRIES MAKE ME QUESTION OTHER DELTA EMPLOYEE’S ENTRIES…WHICH ONES OF YOU ARE MANAGERS?…LET’S DISCUSS MORE OF THE BENEFITS FROM THE DELTA POINT OF VIEW?…I’M TIRED OF UNION BASHING AND WANT TO HERE WHAT I HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TO!…I WANT TO HEAR HOW WELL YOU AND YOUR BOSS’S GET ALONG…DO THEY STAND UP FOR YOU?…DO THEY GIVE YOU PRAISE?..WHEN YOU DO SOMETHING WRONG DO THEY PAT YOU ON THE HEAD AND SAY “DON’T DO THAT ANYMORE!”…DO THEY DO THAT MULTIPLE TIMES?…TELL ME HOW WELL EVERYONE WORKS TOGETHER?…HOW EVERY ONE PULLS THEIR WEIGHT?…WHAT’S IT LIKE TO WORK IN A PLACE WERE EVERYONE IS HAPPY?…THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO HEAR NOW?…YOUR RIGHT US NWA PEOPLE ARE TO NEGATIVE…WE NEED CHEERING UP WE NEED SOME DELTA CHEERLEADERS TO STEP UP AND MAKES US FEEL GOOD ABOUT THIS MERGER…AND TAKE OUR MINDS OF UNIONIZING AND WORRYING ABOUT BEING STAPLED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SENIORITY LIST…YOU’VE MADE ME AFRAID I MIGHT GET BEAT UP ANY MOMENT OR RAPED! IFLYRIGHT WILL YOU GIVE ME WHOLE CAN OF COKE AND LOTS OF ICE WHEN YOU SERVE ME ON YOUR FLIGHT..AND EXTRA PRETZELS I LIKE THE EXTRA PRETZELS…DO YOU HELP THE GATE AGENTS WITH WHEELCHAIRS OR HELP THE CLEANERS CROSS SEAT BELTS?…DO THE PILOTS TREAT YOU FOR MEALS ON YOUR OVERNIGHTS?…IT’S SURE GOING TO BE GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU…HOW WELL DELTA TREATED WESTERN PEOPLE…SO WE CAN FEEL SECURE IN VOTING ” NO ” FOR THE UNION…I KNOW YOUR NOT A MANAGER…BUT IF YOU ARE I THINK,NOW, I GET IT…I SHOULDN’T BE AFRAID OF YOU…THANKS FOR OPENING OR EYES…AND LIKE THE BAND “WAR” SAYS…”WHY CAN’T WE BE FRIENDS,WHY CAN’T WE BE FRIENDS”…PEACE AND LOVE TO ALL!

EXCEPT THAT MEAN “OLE” NYDELTA GUY HE’S JUST A D.Y.U.T.!

DAMN YANKEE UNIONIZING TROUBLEMAKER!

By concerned citizen

May 16, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

I have read all the posts in this blog and have read nothing constructive. Seems most posters are lower rung employees, occasional passengers who have received less service than they expected, and a few who have no idea of the subject. Both companies are terminally ill and led by an upper management that would just as soon pull the plug and walk away. An analyst of S&P states,”There are significant risks in the costs and operational challenges of the merger which Delta and Northwest executives hope will generate 1 billion dollars annually in higher revenues and lower costs by 2012”. First, since they have no control over fuel costs we all have a pretty good idea where these lower costs will come from. Second, nobody really thinks these executives will be involved till 2012. Who will be next? Based on the animosity this blog contains I doubt that the joining of the two workforces will help the health or life of the merged company. It’s a really sad situation and I sincerely hope that success sneaks in because so many workers livlihood is in jeopardy.

By JetzSetz

May 16, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

IFLYRIGHT, Your posts are very mean-spirited. If you came from Western, then you have a lot of audacity taking on the attitude that NW people need to shut up and we “don’t want to hear, that’s the way we did it at NW”. I saw that posting of yours from a week or so ago. I’m an RD and I heard that over and over and over again from the Western people when I transferred after the merger. I’m sure you were probably one of the ones. I had to have patience as you should. It’s only natural to slowly phase into another airline’s culture. Having been in the place they will soon be (being taken over by another airline), you should be a little more empathetic, but I can see that’s not in your nature. Secondly, how do you know that post was from the fired f/a? Even if it was, is she not entitled to an opinion? Has the person you quoted ever been a f/a? ever been in her shoes? I thought you yourself said the company didn’t handle it in the best way. Now, you’re turning on her. I’m sorry but you have no credibility with me because of the nasty attitude you bring to all of your postings.

By old timer

May 17, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

To make everybody on this forum happy let’s just call the whole thing off.

The NWA people don’t want to join a crummy outfit like DAL and the DAL folks don’t need the friction they would bring.

Then each company can go broke seperatly.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 17, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

HERE’S SOMETHING POSITIVE AND UPBEAT…NEAL COHEN IS LEAVING NWA (SAD! )…BUT AS ONE OF THE TOP FIVE EXECUTIVES AT NWA HE WILL RECEIVE AN EXIT PACKAGE VALUED AT $4.1 MILLION…$2 MILLION IN STOCK (THAT WILL BE 2.5 MILLION IN DL STOCK)…$1.36 MILLION IN SEVERANCE…$795K IN PENSION BENEFITS…AND $21K WORTH OF AIR TRAVEL ( BETTER THAN “WHEEL OF FORTUNE”)…HE REJOINED NWA IN MAY OF 2005…3 YEARS SENIORITY…I WISH I COULD JOIN HIS UNION! IF THE OLD TIME DELTA EXECUTIVES THAT SO MANY OF THE RETIREES SPEAK FONDLY OF AND INSTILLED SUCH AN ADMIRABLE SINCE OF FAMILY DID THIS TO THEM AFTER COERCING PAY CUTS AND OUT SOURCING SO MANY OF THEIR JOBS…I THINK YOU WOULD ALREADY BE IN A UNION!

By old timer

May 17, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

Hey C-OLD. He has to get something to live on, after all he did sell you 3 years of his time. Don’t you wish you had signed on as an executive instead of whatever you signed on as? I wouldn’t be surprised to see Anderson put him in a senior executive chair on the DAL side of the fence.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 17, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

OLDTIMER - REMEMBER WHEN WE STARTED WITH THE AIRLINES…YOU ACTUALLY HAD A CHANCE TO GET ADVANCEMENTS…SO HYPOTHETICALLY WE COULD HAVE WORKED OUR WAY UP HE LADDER…I HAD A SERVICE MANAGER INTERVIEW 20 YRS AGO…I CAME AWAY FROM THE INTERVIEW WITH THE FEELING THEY WERE LOOKING FOR A HATCHET MAN….I TOLD THIS GUY…THAT I BELIEVED IN POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT AND THAT YOU SHOULD GO AROUND POINTING OUT THE GOOD THAT THE EMPLOYEES WERE DOING INSTEAD OF POINTING OUT EVERY LITTLE MISTAKE…I ALSO TOLD HIM THAT IF HE WAS “LOOKING FOR A HATCHET MAN DON’T CALL ME!”…I NEVER HEARD FROM HIM…IF MY FEELINGS WERE CORRECT I WOULD HAVE HATED IT… UNDER THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCE I WOULD HAVE LOVED IT…THAT WAS 20 YRS AGO YOU HAVE TO HAVE A LAW DEGREE FROM A PRESTIGES COLLEGE NOW…NOT AN ART DEGREE FROM GA. STATE.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 17, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

OLDTIMER - BY THE WAY 6MO PT/RAMP… 6 MO F/T CLEANER…9 YRS F/T RAMP… 21 YRS F/T AGENT…6 CITIES IN 5 STATES!

I’M A REAL LOSER!

By old timer

May 17, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this

C-OLD - your bio is more varied than mine. I was 35 years in one department, one city, one state. I also attended Ga State- no degree.

By Multi-Merger Survivor

May 18, 2008 2:06 AM | Link to this

There is a lot of HATE and ANGER going on in this blog. I am a 43 year survivor of mergers and acquisitions. NAL/PAA/DAL. Wake up..it is going to happen. Everyone needs to be realistic and find the best way to work together. You can fight it, and hate it…but if we don’t work together, we will fail as an employee group. Want a union?..fine, vote for one. But, unify as a group.

By Multi Merger Survivor

May 18, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this

Pay attention ! Do you think that the “Powers That Be” are not reading this blog?

There is a lot of HATE and ANGER going on in this blog. I am a 43 year survivor of mergers and acquisitions. NAL/PAA/DAL. Wake up..it is going to happen. Everyone needs to be realistic and find the best way to work together.

If we don’t unify as a group, the company will have a voice, and we will have NONE.

DAL/NWA will be the Largest Airline In The World !! And the empolyees have no unified voice ?? Think about that for a moment.

You can fight it, and hate it…but if we don’t work together, we will fail as an employee group.

Want a union?..fine, vote for one. But, unify as a group, one way or another.

Stop bickering, and join together. ATL GO is loving the bulls—t that is going on on this blog. It divides us, it does NOT unite us! DAL/NWA.employees…. UNITE and CONQUER !!!

By Gus-Locke

May 18, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

I FOR ONE ENJOY READING ALL SIDES TO AN ISSUE. WHETHER IT BE FOR OR AGAINST THE UNION. I ALSO AM TIRED OF ALL THE HATE, ATL4EVER, RICK,CVG4EVER, NYC,IFLYRIGHT…I DON’T KNOW HOW THIS WILL ALL TURN OUT, BUT, IT IS INTERESTING TO READ ALL THE DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEWS.MULTI MERGER SURVIVOR, YOU SEEM TO HAVE THE MOST WELL ROUNDED POINT OF VIEW YET. AND THE PEOPLE I JUST CALLED OUT, I CHALLENGE YOU TO POST ANYTHING WITHOUT MENTIONING THE WORD UNION FOR 2 WEEKS. AND I CAN ALMOST GUARANTEE THAT THAT WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE. C-OLD YOU KIND OF REMIND ME OF A GUY THAT WEARS TIE DIE, DRIVES A MICRO BUS, AND MIGHT HAVE FOLLOWED THE GREATFUL DEAD AROUND FOR A WHILE. DON’T TAKE THAT THE WRONG WAY, IT’S NOT MEANT AS AN INSULT! I’LL QUOTE RODNEY KING,”CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?”

By Observer

May 18, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

This is to multi-merger survivor.

You sound like some kind of nut who thinks the tree is attached to the nuts and that the nuts control the tree.

Your statements “UNITE and CONQUER !!!”, “Do you think the Powers That Be are not reading this blog”, “The company will have a voice and we will have NONE”, and “Wake up. It is going to happen” just don’t fit with “Everyone needs to be realistic and find the best way to work together”.

By Rick

May 18, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

First of all…C-OLD, I hope someone from DL actually takes the time to answer your questions. I’m curious also. You want to cheer us up? Put your artwork back in the bins.

Concerned Citizen…thanks for you support. You have my vote to run this new airline. I agree, I doubt if current exec’s will be here in 2012. They’re walking around with their parachutes strapped on waiting on the right moment.

oldtimer…calling this thing off wouldn’t be a bad or a wrong decision. Don’t know if I’d call either outfit crummy. Put the obvious differences aside, and get someone to run it who wants to build build a successful airline instead of just emptying the coffers into their own pockets, we all could make a bunch of money.

Survivor…your last paragraph sums it all up. Unfortunately, it’ll

p.s. 5 cities, 4 states in just 34yrs.

By Rick

May 18, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

I guess the AJC hung-up on me.

Survivor, unfortunately your comments will fall on many deaf (no pun intended) ears.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 18, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

GUS-LOCKE - I DRIVE A ‘98 DODGE CARAVAN…STILL SPORT A MODIFIED “BEATLE” CUT PARTED DOWN THE MIDDLE…LIKE LOTS OF DIFFERENT MUSIC FROM THE ALLMAN BROS. TO MILES DAVIS TO HANK WILLIAMS SR…I’M A CHRISTIAN…I DON’T VOTE ANYMORE…I HAVE GUNS BUT NO AMMO…AND MY BEST FRIEND AT WORK IS GAY…I’M A MULTI MERGER SURVIVOR (SO/RC/NW)…EVERY MERGER I HAVE GOTTEN MORE THAN I HAD BEFORE THE MERGER…IN THE PAST WE DIDN’T HAVE THIS MEDIA…MY WIFE OF 29 YRS HATES ME SPENDING TIME ON THIS BLOG…NO I DON’T DO THIS AT WORK…BUT THEIR IS NOWHERE ELSE TO VOICE…WITH THE RC/NW MERGER I WAS IN DTW AND I WAS IN THE MAJORITY (RC)
…LITTLE CHANGED…IT STILL FELT LIKE RC…IF YOU WORK IN THE MAJORITY STATION WELCOME YOUR NEW CO-WORKERS AND DON’T EXPECT THEM TO BE ABLE TO REMEMBER EVERYONES NAME FOR A WHILE AND IF THEY SEEM TO STICK TOGETHER DON’T ASSUME THEIR BEING ANT-SOCIAL…PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR SHOES…MINORITY PEOPLE DON’T SAY “WE DID THIS AND WE DID THAT”…PEOPLE HATE THAT…IT’S LIKE GOING TO A NEW SCHOOL…YOU HAVE TO LEARN WERE YOU STAND…SOME PEOPLE WILL GRAVITATE TO THE NEW PEOPLE…THAT’S ME…I LIKE TO PUT PEOPLE AT LEASE…IT’S NOT FUN OR COMFORTABLE BEING “THE NEW KID”…PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR SHOES… LUCKILY THEIR ISN’T ANY PLACES WHERE WE WILL BE MESHING 2 EQUAL GIANT SIZE WORK FORCES….IN MSP WHEN RC/NW MERGED IT WAS DONE WRONG…THEY HAD PEOPLE MEETING PLANES AND THEY DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO OPEN THE DOOR…I IMAGINE IT WOULD BE FRIGHTENING TO A DELTA GATE AGENT TO OPEN AN A330 DOOR WITH NO TRAINING OR FOR A DELTA RAMP CREW TO PARK A WHALE FOR THE FIRST TIME…IT WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE EAL AND DAL MERGING IN ATL AND MIXING THE WORK FORCE THE FIRST DAY..RICHARD IF YOUR READ THIS I KNOW YOU HEARD THE STORIES AND I HOPE YOU HAVE GLEANED A LESSON FROM THAT MERGER…I REALLY DO THINK THIS WILL WORK…I PREFER REPRESENTATION…DID’NT USE THE “U” WORD…IT’LL BE TOUGH …I HATE LEARNING NEW COMPUTER SYSTEMS…BE PATIENT WITH ME…IT LOOKS AS IF THE OTHER CARRIERS MAY HOLD OFF MERGING…IF SO WE MAY BE THE BIG GUY FOR AWHILE…WE NEED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT…FOR THE MAY ALLOW FOREIGN MERGERS SOMEDAY…AND IF THEY ALLOW THAT WE HAVE THE AF/KLM PARTNERSHIP WE WANT HAVE TO MERGE TO KEEP US GOING …IF OR WHEN WE MERGE WE NEED TO COME TOGETHER QUICKLY…THERE WILL BE A EFFORT TO BRING US ON BOARD AND CUSTOMER SERVICE WILL BE EMPHASIZED…THERE WILL BE MORE GROWTH INTERNATIONALLY AND A LOT WILL BE LINKING ASIA WITH S.AMERICA…THATS WHERE THE A LOT MONEY WILL FOUND…I LOOK FORWARD TO THE CHALLENGE…I’VE ONLY GOT A FEW YEARS LEFT…AND DELTA GOES TO A LOT OF CITIES IN EUROPE I WANT TO TRAVEL TO WHEN I RETIRE..LIKE I SAID ONCE BEFORE “THE GOOD LORD HAS NEVER GIVEN ME ANYTHING I HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO HANDLE ,AND WITH ADVERSITY COMES GROWTH”…MSP-NO SNOW GREEN GRASS SUNNY WITH NATURAL AIR-CONDITIONING TIME TO BAR-B-QUE…ENJOY YOUR SUNDAY!

By oldtimer

May 18, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

C-OLD (I hope you don’t mind me addressing you by your first name).

Your 3:05 post has to be the best one I’ve seen. You sound like a class person who speaks from honesty and experience.

We of the South, naturally, think living here and working here helped mold you into the type person you seem to be.

Thank you for bringing something of quality to this blog.

By mayor

May 18, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

C-OLD, I like your style.

When the DL/WA merger took place, DL sent “transition” teams to SLC to help smooth things out. Of course it helped that there were already some of us from DL working there, previously, but not many (only 30 DL in the whole station prior to the merger)Once the transition teams went home, we still pulled our weight in helping everyone get on board.

Even though I’m retired, I feel I can say “Welcome Aboard!”

By Rick

May 18, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

If he only picked up hitch-hikers!

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 18, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

HERE IS SOMETHING THAT CAN UNITE US ALL!…IT’S FROM TODAY’S PIONEER PRESS ARTICLE THAT SAYS NWA IN MINNESOTA IS NUMBER 1 AT SOMETHING…PLEASE CLICK ON TO THE FOLLOWING LINK…IT DOESN’T COST ANYTHING THING AND IT’S NOT A GOING TO CRASH YOUR COMPUTER…JUST DOUBLE CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS…

http://extra.twincities.com/car/ceo/default.htm?appSession=65691379378371

TRUST ME CLICK ON THIS!

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 18, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

CRAP…I JUST TRIED THE LINK AND IT DIDN’T WORK ON MY COMPUTER…ANYWAY IT SAYS NWA CEO IS THE HIGHEST PAID MINNEASOTA CEO…TOTAL COMPENSATION FOR THE RECENTLY COMPLETED FISCAL YEAR…$27,060,055.00…1,396.8% CHANGE IN 1 YEAR…YES…THAT WOULD BE THE YEAR THAT HE TOOK US INTO BANKRUPTCY AND BACK…JAPANESE CEO’S SHOULD LEARN FROM THE U.S. CEO’S…NO MORE DISEMBOWELMENTS !

By old worn out ramp guy

May 19, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

On 4/03/2008 The upper level of management at Delta gave themselves some stock.Some of you probably know this but I just found out about it. Dick Anderson-275000 shares Ed Bastain-154000 Mike Campbell-v/p human resouces-68000 Glen Havenstein-v/p network-68000 Lee Macenczak-v/p marketing-579000 Ken Khoury general counsel-54900 Stevie Gorman v/p operations-55000

At the current price of stockthis comes out to $5,036,000.Nice Bonus.

WHAT KIND OF BONUS HAVE YOU GOTTEN!!

By old worn out ramp guy

May 19, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

The stock award was only 10-12 days before the merger was announced.That was pretty good timing.The more money the compay makes the more money they make.Think about it.

By OLD DELTA GUY

May 19, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Just dropped by for a minute to “catch up”. C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY..Rick is never going to forget that you didn’t pick up a hitch-hiker, is he?

Old worn out ramp guy.. One of the reasons Delta is in the mess it’s in is that not one of the executives that you mentioned have any knowledge of, or experience at, the “Old Delta”. They have been deprived of conscience, loyalty, or accepting good employees as an asset instead of an undue expense. I think a golden parachute is much more important to them than job performance. It was Ron Allens idea to ignore the Delta execs and bring in outsiders who could get him a seat on their companies boards. mayor.. we both have some good memories, dont we? I sure am glad that we are not there now. Has anyone else noticed a sharp decline in the hate and union/nonunion antagonists posting? Could we be coming together as one group instead of two? That would be great and bring about more give and take on a constructive level.

By mayor

May 19, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

OLD DELTA GUY….

It was easy for Ron Allen to manipulate the board at that time…..it was just a bunch of rubber stampers…..the sorry part was when the searched “all over” for a replacement and the best the could do was Leo Mullin?

Probably the biggest mistake Grinstein ever made, in my estimation.

By The Truth

May 19, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

INTERESTING

BATON ROUGE, La. — Fifty-four passengers were evacuated from a plane at Baton Rouge Metro Airport after the right engine caught on fire while the plane was taxiing for take-off.

Airport spokesman Ronnie Pickard said no one on Delta Flight 4320 to Atlanta was injured Sunday.

Pickard said the regional jet was taxiing from the gate for about three minutes when the right engine blew out and caught on fire.

Delta ferried another plane in from another airport and was able to fly the passengers on to Atlanta.

By Rick

May 19, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

I got this link in the e-mail. It shows a DL 777-200 being assembled in time lapsed photography.

www.nmedia.com/777-200LR_boeing.wmv

By Greg

May 20, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

I couldn’t disagree more with the person complaining about Delta. My last flight was great! Left on time, arrived on time, the flight attendants were great. I had a very good sandwich on my flight. The passengers on the other hand are some of the problems. The guy sitting next to me jerked all of the seat pocket materials including the safety card (faa required) and literlly threw it in the overhead so he could stuff his newspaper and magazines in the seat pocket then proceeded to put both feet up on the bulkhead wall! Didn’t even bother to replace the materials after the flight.

By Greg

May 20, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

I couldn’t disagree more with the person complaining about Delta. My last flight was great! Left on time, arrived on time, the flight attendants were great. I had a very good sandwich on my flight. The passengers on the other hand are some of the problems. The guy sitting next to me jerked all of the seat pocket materials including the safety card (faa required) and literally threw it in the overhead so he could stuff his newspaper and magazines in the seat pocket then proceeded to put both feet up on the bulkhead wall! Didn’t even bother to replace the materials after the flight.

By alapsgr

May 20, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

My wife and I recently made back cabin flights to MIA and return on Delta. After what we have been reading we were totally amazed at the quality of our flights. The ticket agents, gate agents, flight attendants, and cockpit crews were very friendly, nice, and made for a very enjoyable experience. Both flights were within 15 minutes of schedule and the wait for our bags was less than 5 minutes. The only negatives were 2 or 3 passengers who were not pleased with anything. Their main gripe was the price of drinks, and that they didn’t bring their own. Good job Delta.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 20, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

RICK - HAVE YOU EVER LOOKED UP EXTREME 747 LANDINGS ON YOU TUBE?….TRY IT…CHECK OUT THE KOREAN AIR FLIGHT AND THEN SEE IF YOU CAN SEE THE 747 FREIGHTER THAT ABORTS T/O AND DOESN’T “GET’ER STOP”…

GREG AND ALAPSGR…I WORK FOR NWA AND AM GLAD PSGR’S NOTICE HOW OTHER PSGR’S ACT…WE IN THE BUSINESS THINK MOST CHECK THEIR BRAINS AT THE CURB…BUT I LIKE TO THINK THAT SOME PEOPLE GET ANXIOUS WHEN THEY HAVE TO FLY…I THINK THE FEAR OF HEIGHTS IS THE MOST COMMON PHOBIA…AND OUR BUSINESS IS ALL ABOUT HEIGHTS…BUT THEN AGAIN SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST RUDE…NOT ONCE DID YOU MENTION MILEAGE AND PRICE…I’M SURE YOU WERE A PLEASURE TO SERVE!…PLEASE KEEP ALLOWING ME TO BE A CONSUMER…FOR WITH WHATEVER SERVICE OR WHATEVER INDUSTRY YOU ARE IN I MY SOMEDAY NEED…HOPE YOUR NOT DOCTORS OR LAWYERS!

By Rick

May 20, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

C-OLD_HIPPIE….yeah I’ve seen some of those. Reminds me of the old saying “those who think pilots are overpaid have never landed in a thunderstorm”.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 20, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

SCARY HITCHHIKER GUY!

By Union Boy

May 21, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

Wait until the industry is re-regulated. If you think you’ve heard complaints about ticket prices, you aint heard nothing yet.

Re-regulate the industry Congress!

Its the only thing thats going to save the airline business.

By OLD DELTA GUY

May 21, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

MAYOR….Re your May 19 1:17 pm post. In our world today, when nobody trusts anybody but their dog, what is seen as “rubber stamps” was actually cooperation and teamwork with only these goals. 1-Make Delta the best company in the world to work for and see the employees as an asset. 2-Make Delta the most financially sound, and consumer friendly company in the world, and 3-Make a profit for the stockholders. Only toward those goals were “rubber stamped”. Every one of the execs had a long history of promotion through the ranks. Ron Allen only knew leadership through manipulation. Some execs refused his manipulation and left before him and others were preparing to hang it up. He wanted to bring in outside “professional executive” level people. The directors got fed up with him so he had to go. He left with a bundle, but nothing to compare with his successors. He was a Leo wannabe. Please, don’t try to polish him up. His tarnish goes to the bone. Where did you work way back then?

By borodawg

May 21, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY: AFTER GETTING HALFWAY THRU YOUR FIRST POST OVER A MONTH AGO, I became thankful for the scroller on my mouse. It’s considered rude or bad form to use ALL CAPS.

I only hope that the merger is good for both DL and NW as companies and the workers at both. It sounds great on paper for the traveling public; more destinations, etc. I’ve had great service from DL for years and, like a couple of the latest posts, have had more bad experiences with other passengers than with the agents and F/A’s. I’ve had decent service on other airlines too; but being a DL FF I see quite frequently how well they perform overall. Yes, it’s a business and it’s based on supply and demand. Businesses exist to make a profit. I will not begrudge any airline making a meager profit while ExxonMobile, Texaco, Sunoco et al make obscene billions in profits in one quarter; and receive billions in govt welfare while doing so.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 21, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

BORODAWG - I ADDRESS THIS BEFORE IN THE FIRST AJC BLOG…WHO EVER DECIDED THAT CAPS ARE RUDE DIDN’T NEED READING GLASSES…THERE ARE TIMES WHEN MY WRITING MAY BE SARCASTIC AND LONG WINDED…BUT IT IS EASIER FOR SOME OF US TO READ AND A LOT EASIER FOR ME TO TYPE DUE TO MY 1973 CLAYTON CO. EDUCATION…I PREDICT THAT WHEN THE GEN-XERS START USING READING GLASSES IT WILL BECOME ACCEPTABLE TO USE UPPER CASE…I COULDN’T AGREE WITH YOU MORE ABOUT THE OIL COMPANY’S PROFIT AND WELFARE…

p.s. - i could use all lower case.

By "M&A's"always pay!!!

May 21, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

The article that best sum’s up Mr. Allen’s demise at delta can be found here- http://www.cfo.com/printable/article.cfm/2990648?f=options happy reading!!!

By "M&A's"always pay!!!

May 21, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

The article that best sum’s up Mr. Allen’s demise at delta can be found here- http://www.cfo.com/printable/article.cfm/2990648?f=options happy reading-

By borodawg

May 22, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Great link, M&A’s. I just got back from a trip ATL-Lansing, on NW. Not a very good experience. Gate agts in ATL were not necessarily rude, but seemed indifferent (I’m always greeted with a smile by DL agts). Flew the old, dirty, and fuel guzzling DC9s on all legs; incredible. In-flt was uneventful to DET but, again, indifferent attitudes. Stopover in DET was a disaster. Mech problem with the DC9 but the agts were either out-of-the-loop or didn’t care to inform the psgrs about how long the delay would be; practically refused to offer backup info, etc. I arrvd Lansing 4hrs late. I just found the attitudes less friendly and helpful than I almost always get at DL.

By OLD DELTA GUY

May 22, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

“M&A’s”always pay!!!

Re your May 21 11:04 PM post.

Thanks for that reference. That’s almost exactly as I remember it.

By mayor

May 22, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

OLD DELTA GUY..

Re, your 3:16 post.

I was talking about the board of directors, not the execs. There were many of those execs that probably should have been promoted ahead of Ron Allen and for sure put in place ahead of Leo.

I think Ron Allen’s problem was that he got power hungry and it just went to his head.

BTW, I worked in cargo and ops in ORD, SHV and SLC.

By mayor

May 22, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

“By ATL local IAM

May 12, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Best available service.If you go to the dot web site Delta has twice the misconnect luggage and over twice the customer complaints as NWA.Yall also killed a dog.I am really looking foward to to moving up to your standards”

I’d be willing to bet that NW has had a dog or two killed over the years. In this case, it was an unfortunate ACCIDENT and the customer has been compensated for their loss.

By "C"BERRY

May 23, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

TO ALL THAT POST HERE. DO A GOOGLE SEARCH ON RON ALLEN AND LEO MULLIN. RON ,ESPECIALLY, AFTER BAILING WITH MILLIONS, SITS ON ALL OF THESE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS. IT’S HARDER TO FOLLOW LEO, BUT IT’S PRETTY MUCH THE SAME. ONE OF RON’S MAIN PROBLEMS WAS HE COULDN’T KEEP HIS PECKER IN HIS PANTS. YOU CAN’T SAY THAT HERE. I JUST DID!! LEO ONLY DID ONE GOOD THING, AS I REMEMBER. HE STARTED THE DELTA “FORUM” FOR ELECTED EMPLOYEES IN ACS. WE EVEN GOT TO MEET WITH THE BOD AND INPUT IDEAS. IT DID ALOT OF GOOD.

GRANTED, DELTA IS NOT THE SAME, BUT IT CAN STILL BE NUMBER ONE. IT WON’T BE EASY TO REGAIN “THE PREMIERE” AIRLINE IN THE WORLD STATUS. IT CAN BE DONE WITH ALOT OF HARD WORK, AND NO ONION. THE WORD UNION IS WHAT BRINGS A TEAR TO MY EYES.

By Rick

May 23, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

C-BERRY, in your opinion whats the trend been the last, say, 7-10 years at DL? Promises fulfilled or promises broken? Just curious.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 23, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

“C”BERRY - DO YOU STILL WORK AT DELTA OR ARE YOU RETIRED?…BECAUSE I ASKED OVER 30 QUESTIONS IN MY MAY 16TH 6:26PM ENTRY…AND HAVE YET TO GET ONE QUESTION ANSWERED!…WHAT DO YOU MEAN IN YOUR 4:24 ENTRY ” HE STARTED THE DELTA “FORUM” FOR ELECTED EMPLOYEES IN ACS “?…YOU SHOULD BE WILLING TO ANSWER SOME OF MY QUESTIONS UNLESS PERHAPS YOU ARE MANAGEMENT…AND IF YOU ARE THIS WOULD BE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW US “ONIONIST” WHAT WE HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TOO!

By Delta 1

May 24, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Attn: C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY. In ref to your May 23 6:34 PM post and others: We at Delta choose to ignore questions from you NWA folks mainly because you don’t really want answers, you just want to nitpick and twist any answers around to suit your devious situation. Your questions will be accepted once, and if, you join us.

By "C"BERRY

May 24, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

I THINK IT’S LONG PAST TIME TO CLEAR

SOMETHING UP. THIS IS FROM MY

OBSERVATION ONLY. I WAS A WILLING

PARTICIPANT IN DELTA’S “PROJECT 767.”

IN MY STATION I SAW OR HEARD NO

INTIMIDATION CONCERNING THE PROJECT.

THE EMPLOYEES HAD JUST RECEIVED A

VERY NICE, AND UNEXPECTED, RAISE.

THREE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS WERE SO

GRATEFUL THAT THEY STARTED THE

PROJECT. AS I RECALL IT COST ME ABOUT

THE EQUIVALENT OF THE RAISE FOR ONE

YEAR. AS I RECALL, THAT WAS APPROX.

$700.00. NOT ALL PARTICIPATED, BUT

ALL BENEFITTED. THERE WERE NO

REPERCUSSIIONS FOR NON PARTICIPANTS!!

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 24, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

“C”BERRY - YES I UNDERSTAND THAT…I REMEMBER THE TWO US OF HAVING THIS CONVERSATION ON THE EARLIER SITE…I
WOULD LIKE SOME ANSWERS TO SOME OF THOSE QUESTIONS…AND AGAIN WHAT DOES “ELECTED EMPLOYEES” MEAN?

DELTA 1 - I’VE WORKED WITH PEOPLE LIKE YOU…GO AHEAD TREAT US LIKE RED HEADED STEP CHILDREN…THAT’S THE DELTA SPIRIT…YOU’VE GOT IT SO MUCH BETTER THAN US…TELL ME HOW 12 SICK DAYS A YEAR , THAT YOU CAN’T ACCRUE IS BETTER THAN THE 2000 HRS I HAVE ACCRUED…OR TELL ME IF I’M WRONG!

TO ALL DELTA EMPLOYEES: I KNOW THIS IS NOT THE WAY ALL OF YOU FEEL…FOR SOME HAVE ALREADY WELCOMED US ABOARD …AND TO THOSE WITH WHOM I HAVE HAD MEANINGFUL DIALOGS…I WON’T LET THIS “MEAN” SPIRITED DELTA EMPLOYEE CHANGE THE WAY I FEEL ABOUT YOU…AGAIN I’M IN AWE OF YOUR SINCE OF FAMILY…AND ONLY WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOW THAT FEELING…BUT I GUESS YOU ALSO HAVE BULLIES AND PEOPLE THAT HATE YOU IF YOU DON’T THINK LIKE THEM!…I GUESS I NO LONGER LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY!

By Delta 1

May 24, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

“C”BERRY…Folks who have not experienced it simply can’t comprehend employees doing it for their company. So many of them just can’t accept that we were not forced to take part by management, or that we were not punished if we didn’t give a bundle. I’m proud of what we did.

By Delta 1

May 24, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY.

THANK YOU. YOU JUST PROVED MY POINT.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 24, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

OBSERVER - DID YOU CHANGE YOUR NAME TO DELTA 1….

“C”BERRY - FOLKS WHO HAVE OVER 2000 HRS SICK PAY AND 2000 HRS OJI PAY IN THE BANK CAN’T COMPREHEND EMPLOYEES FEELING THAT 12 DAYS A YEAR ARE BETTER…MAYBE YOU HAVE A BETTER SHORT TERM DISABILITY AND BANKED OJI AND SICK LEAVE IS NOT NEEDED…IF THAT’S IT MAYBE DELTA’S BETTER…I’M JUST TRYING TO UNDERSTAND NOT PICK A FIGHT!

DELTA 1 - WITHOUT A UNION AND OUR COMPANY BEING BOUGHT BY YOUR COMPANY SOME HAVE A LEGITIMATE FEAR THAT THEY WILL BE ASK TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT AND BE PLACED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SENIORITY LIST…I DO NOT SHARE THIS BELIEF…WHATEVER THEIR FEAR , YOUR FEARS ARE OBVIOUSLY GREATER!

By DAL ATL MECH

May 25, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

Due to all the better working conditions, benefits, and msnsgement control at NW, I think you people would be crazy to be sucked into a company like Delta. Our benefits, pay, working conditions, and job security are way below yours. Our managers are nasty, overbearing, and vengeful and we have no safety net. You won’t like working for Delta, but maybe if you folks do come you could bring your unions in and help to upgrade our plight. We don’t have the guts or intelligence to do it ourselves. If I had nearly 3 years accrued time off like you, I’d use it to job shop. I’m on your side.

By IFLYRIGHT

May 25, 2008 2:56 AM | Link to this

Why are there so many NWA people all of a sudden so interested in this board? Don’t they have a similar thing going on at the star trib? It’s funny how they throw around words like fear, when after all, they’re the one’s who go out of their way to write on this site 10 times a day! Instead of wasting your time, trying to convert us ignorant, corn-pone, hillbillies, why don’t you focus on something positive like figuring out what to do with the extra 45.00 a month you’ll be receiving on top of your pay raise after the “merger”… We know how great things are at NWA, and we think you’re the top o’ the heap on the pay and benefit scale, in fact I think I now know more about yours than my own, so, thanks for all your time and energy, we’ll consider all that, but for now, Buh-Bye…Oh yeah, in case you mis-read, Buh-Bye again!

By DLEMP

May 25, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

What did Eastern, Trans World, Braniff, Pan Am, National, Northeast, Western, and several more airlines have in common?

They were all heavily unionized and they all no longer exist. Think of the many thousands of their employees who joined the ranks of the unemployed and had to start their lives over, and the many millions in dues that their unions lost. Northwest is following in their footsteps and will soon be gone too.

“Organized labor” leaders are losing their potential dues paying base and are getting pretty desperate to keep their gravy train jobs. What good did it do the employees of these airlines to support them? I came from one of them to non-union Delta with the same fears and concerns expressed in this forum. They were unfounded fears and concerns. I’m happy and employed.

By DLEMP

May 25, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

I left one point off my last post. It was that my 12:48 AM post was tongue in cheek and was meant to simply satisfy what you NW posters wanted to read.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 25, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

IFLYRIGHT - I THINK YOU CAME INTO THIS POST AT THE HALF WAY POINT…THERE WAS ONE BEFORE THIS ONE…BEING A SECOND GENERATION AIRLINE EMPLOYEE AND HAVING WORN 3 DIFFERENT UNIFORMS IN MY CAREER I HAVE ALWAYS HAD AN INTEREST IN AVIATION…LONG BEFORE THE ANNOUNCED MERGER BETWEEN DELTA AND USAIR I HAVE BEEN LOOKING INTO MERGER SCENARIOS AND HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT THE DL/NW WAS THE BEST…I CAME TO THIS WEBSITE BECAUSE IT’S DELTA’S HOME TOWN AND MY HOME TOWN’S NEWSPAPER’S WEBSITE..IT’S ASHAME YOU KNOW MORE ABOUT MY CONTRACT THAN YOUR OWN…I GUESS THAT WHY NO ONE ANSWERS MY QUESTIONS…BE ASSURED THAT FOR EVERY ONE THAT POSTS THERE ARE MORE THAT ARE READERS…WE BOTH CAN BE SARCASTIC AND WE BOTH DIFFER ON OPINIONS AND WE BOTH HAVE A RIGHT TO BE ON THIS BLOG…WHO WINS THIS DEBATE WILL BE DETERMINED IN THE FUTURE LONG AFTER THIS BLOG HAS DISAPPEARED…IN THE WORDS OF ALL THE FORMER SOUTHERN AIRWAYS FLIGHT ATTENDANTS “HAVE A NICE DAY!”.

P.S. - THE AJC BLOG HAS MORE WRITERS THAN ALL OTHER BLOGS AND THUS MORE OPINIONS THAN ALL THE OTHERS THAT I READ WHICH INCLUDE SLC/DTW/CVG/DCA/MEM AND BOTH TWIN CITIES NEWSPAPERS COMBINED…I’M NOT JUST ONE DIMENSIONAL I ALSO READ ABOUT THE DAWGS,BRAVES AND THE FALCONS!

By JetzSetz

May 25, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

C-Old: Don’t pay any attention to IFLYRIGHT. She’s a web board pot- stirrer. There’s always one. My guess is she has issues in her life that have not been dealt with properly. One of them being, like it or not, she will be a member of AFA within the next 2 years. More than likely it won’t be this week; it will be in a year or so when another vote is held with NW FAs voting as well.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 25, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

JETZSETZ - IFLYRIGHT A WOMAN!…FOR SOME REASON I PICTURED HER AS A MALE… LIKE A STATED EARLIER…SOME PEOPLE WRITE BUT THE MAJORITY READ…I DON’T WANT HER OPINION TO BE THE ONLY ONE EXPRESSED…THAT IS THE ONLY REASON TO ADDRESS HER RESPONSE!

By Cracker fan

May 26, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

THE SKY IS BLUE. Now you and your puppet can pick that statement apart and give us your self-appointed expert opinion of how it can’t be true and unbiased because it was made by a Delta person, a passenger, or a opinionated outsider.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 26, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

CRACKERFAN - IN 1859 JOHN TYNDALL DISCOVERED THAT WHEN LIGHT PASSES THROUGH A CLEAR FLUID HOLDING PARTICLES IN SUSPENSION,THE SHORTER BLUE WAVE LENGHTS ARE SCATTERED MORE STRONGLY THAN THE RED,SO ACTUALLY THE SKY IS CLEAR AND OUR EYES SEE IT AS BLUE…A DOG WILL SEE IT DIFFERENTLY…YOU HAVE TO HAVE HUMAN LIKE EYES TO SEE IT AS BLUE…REREAD THIS BLOG AND YOU WILL SEE THERE ARE SOME CRITICAL DELTA EMPLOYEE’S…BUT I’M SURE YOU WOULD SUGGEST IT IS NWA PEOPLE PRETENDING TO BE DELTA PEOPLE …BY THE WAY WHO IS MY PUPPET?

By Cracker fan

May 26, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

“…..when light passes through clear fluid holding particles in suspension…” Does that mean that we see and breathe fluid? You are also an expert on a dog’s sight. I’m amazed that, with your knowledge and airline experience, you are still a ramp tramp. You have probably turned down many promotions to preserve your highly anti-management philosophy. Rant on if it makes you feel better.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 26, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

CRACKERFAN - THE ATMOSPHERE IS DEFINED AS THE GASEOUS FLUID SURROUNDING THE EARTH…WAS A RAMP RAT BUT NOW I’M A CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT…I GOT TIRED OF GETTING FIBERGLASS IN MY REAR LOADING BAGS WHILE SITTING IN THOSE OLD DC-9’S…YOUR 9:46 ENTRY WAS PRETTY GOOD AND IT DESERVED A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH…I’M PRETTY SURE DOGS SEE IN BLACK AND WHITE…BUT I DIDN’T GOOGLE THAT…AGAIN WHO IS MY PUPPET?

By Rick

May 26, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

C-OLD, some people just can’t carry on a dialogue. There are only a couple of them on here who exibit any logic. And you know who they are. Hell, I’m still waiting for an answer to my question. Good luck on all yours.

delta 1, you say “we at delta”. Were you chosen to speak for all the employees?

cracker fan, welcome to the blog. You’re apparently new here. FYI, C-OLD does work the ramp AND he’s intelligent. Had you gotten here sooner you’d realize that.

By Rick

May 26, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

DLEMP, another thing they had in common is they knew what the risks were. They decided they had had enough and were going to make a stand. They stood for what they believed. They had a backbone. You can’t blame the union for mis-management of a company. There’s a lot of non-union people that have been out of work. Who you gonna blame that on?

By Cracker fan

May 26, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

Rick. I’ve been here for a while. You would know that if your eyes worked as good as your mouth. C-OLD should have stopped for you.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 26, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

RICK - HE GOTCHA ON THAT ONE…BUT YOU GOT ME ON THE HITCHHIKING EPISODE..WILL I EVER LIVE THAT DOWN?…DO YOU THINK YOU’LL MOVE BACK TO ATL SOMEDAY?…MY 2 KIDS HAVE MOVED FROM MSP…I’M HOPING TO FINISH UP IN ATL IF THIS MERGER STILL GOES THROUGH…I MAY MET SOME OF THESE FINE FOLKS SOMEDAY…

CRACKERFAN - IS YOUR NAME IN REFERENCE TO THE ATLANTA CRACKERS? OR ARE YOU A FAN OF THE BAND “UNCLE CRACKER”?

By Rick

May 26, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

Well, Crack fan, I didn’t recall seeing your name. My bad. Do you hide behind any other names?

C-OLD, I still think the whole I-75 thing is funny. And no, as long as I remember, you’ll remember. As far as getting back, we wouldn’t mind it. Her Daddy’d be kinda proud if she retired from DL also. Neither of us want to get too far from the grandkids, though.

By IFLYRIGHT

May 26, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

**CRACKER, I THOUGHT IT WAS HILARIOUS HOW YOU CALLED THESE NWA GUYS OUT, AND THEY’RE COMEBACK CONSIST OF, I STILL CAN’T GET AN ANSWER FROM ANYONE ABOUT ANYTHING. OR, THEY LIKE TO SAY, IF YOU’RE AGAINST THE UNION, YOU’RE EITHER MGMT. OR YOU’RE CRAZY! RICK TOLD C-OLD WE’RE MORON’S, YET HE DOESN’T KNOW HOW TO SPELL “EXEBIT”. HEY RICK, YOU’RE RIGHT WE ARE DUMB, SO WHY DO YOU POST ON HERE EVERYDAY? YOU GUY’S ARE ON A TRANSPARENT MISSION, AND IT’S PITIFUL! GET A LIFE, GO BOTHER SOMEONE ELSE, YOU AND C-OLD’S ORGANIZING EFFORTS REMIND ME OF THE PEOLPE WHO COME AND KNOCK AT MY DOOR TRYING TO PANDER THEIR RELIGION TO ME. BETTER YET, KEEP POSTING, YOU’RE BOTH JUST IRRITATING THE DELTA PEOPLE TO THE POINT OF US REJECTING YOU VS. REJECTING THE UNION… JETSETZ HAS ALREADY CONCEDED THE FIRST ROUND, I’D BET THAT THE MAJORITY OF NWA F/A’S WILL HAVE A CHANGE OF HEART ONCE THEY’RE AWAY FROM BIG BROTHER, AND CAN HAVE SOME PEACE FROM THE PEOPLE LIKE THE ONE’S ON THIS SITE.

By DLEMP

May 27, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

This forum has been a losing attempt at serious intercourse because meaningful relations never had a chance to get established. C-old southern airways guy did occasionally write a good post but kept slipping back into his pro union/anti mgmt/answer my questions garbage. Old Delta Guy made a lot of sense but got tired of the childish replies so he withdrew. I think I’ll follow his lead and do the same. You folks continue to enjoy cutting each other up if you like. NWA folks, accept that we have no intention to answer your questions when you don’t really seek answers. Goodbye.

By C-Old_Flight Attendant

May 27, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

Do C-OLD ,Delta-Guy,IFLYRIGHT,Cracker, and all those regulars, EVER GO TO BED ??

Do you not have a life? Your comments are appreciated…but not every 10 minutes.

I enjoy reading this blog, but I am so over these people. We get it…shut up !!

Especially if you are retired. Find a hobby !

By C-Old_Flight Attendant

May 27, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this

To C-OLD ,Delta-Guy,IFLYRIGHT,Cracker, and all those regulars….. DO YOU EVER GO TO BED ??

Do you not have a life? Your comments are appreciated…but not every 10 minutes.

I enjoy reading this blog, but I am so over these people. We get it…shut up !!

Especially if you are retired. Find a hobby !

By 43 years..and still here

May 27, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this

To C-OLD ,Delta-Guy,IFLYRIGHT,Cracker, and all those regulars….. DO YOU EVER GO TO BED ??

Do you not have a life? Your comments are appreciated…but not every 10 minutes.

I enjoy reading this blog, but I am so over these people. We get it…shut up !!

Especially if you are retired. Find a hobby !

By oldtimer

May 27, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Looks like maybe you need a life. You have been enjoying (your words)input but don’t do any output until now. You can’t even decide on one name to sign in as. That’s dumb. You stole part of C-Old’s name. What does “but I am so over these people” and “We get it…shut up!!” address? Hope you find time to write as well as read.

By Rick

May 27, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

iflyright, I don’t recall insulting the morons of the world by comparing you to them.

Have you ever mis-spelled a word? I have. Only I don’t have a problem admiting it. Part of being human. You’d probably do well in a spelling bee, huh?

C-OLD_Flight Attendant/43years..and still here??? The same 3 posts in 6 minutes but you criticize others for posting “every 10 minutes”? 1:08am, 1:11am & 1:14 am. “DO YOU EVER GO TO BED”??

By MORONS OF THE WORLD

May 27, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

RICK——YES YOU DID. We have you listed as one of us and are proud to have you. IFLYRIGHT is still having his/her application considered, but it doesn’t look like he/she will make it. He/she has too much intelligence for us to be comfortable with. Keep up the good work.

By tex

May 27, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

it seems that it will be a very long time-if ever until the important questions of rick and c-old are answered!!!

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 27, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

RICK - PLEASE NOTE THAT IFLYRIGHT MISSPELLED PEOPLE “PEOLPE” IN HIS/HER 11:32 POST…DOES THIS MAKE UP FOR YOU KNOW WHAT!

TO ALL - I’VE HAD A WONDERFUL LIFE…I’VE LIVED IN MSP FOR 21 YEARS I HAVE A WONDERFUL FAMILY AND LOTS TO BE THANKFUL FOR…I’VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF RETURNING HOME…I SEE A CHANCE WITH THIS MERGER…I FEEL OBLIGATED TO TELL YOU HOW I FEEL AND THE EXPENSE OF ALIENATING SOME OF YOU…YOUR RIGHT MY QUESTIONS ARE POISED TO SOLICIT A RESPONSE AND THE LACK OF ANSWERS MAKES ME THINK I’M RIGHT…THE ONLY RESPONSES I’VE READ DEAL WITH LAZY WORKERS,LYNCHINGS,MY $48.00 AND CORRUPTION…PLEASE REREAD AIRLINELIFER’S MAY 14TH 10:41 POST… I KNOW THE NWA PART IS RIGHT..IS HE LYING ABOUT THE DELTA PART…HE MUST BE…BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE A NO-BRAINER TO ME…AND IF WE MERGE AND DELTA REMAINS NON-UNION IT WILL EFFECT ME AND YOU…I’AM WRITING FOR SELFISH REASONS AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT “FOR YOU”…YOU MAY DISAGREE WITH ME AND CALL ME NAMES AND SOME OF THOSE I DESERVE…MY MAIN MESSAGE THROUGHOUT THIS BLOG SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORE CONSISTENT “THIS IS NOT YOUR OLD DELTA”…I’M HAPPY FOR WHAT YOU HAD I WISHED I WOULD HAVE HAD IT,AND IF DELTA REMAINS NON-UNION I HOPE WE HAVE IT AGAIN.

By oldtimer

May 27, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY. Your 4:40 post is one of your best. I think its the type DLEMP was referring to in his/her earlier post and the type we need more of on this forum. Your obsession with the union has brought on a lot of the negative comments. The majority of old Delta folks don’t give a tinkers dam if the new company is union or not. But when you step on a dogs tail he will react. That’s what we did. You folks did a lot of reacting to us too. Do you think it possible for us to interact with each other instead of reacting to each other? I know that your pal Rick is going to post that Delta people have been lieing and that we think of ourselves as dogs. That’s just what he does. More stuff like your last post will bring some fresh air into this thing, and who knows, it might help. We will welcome you back home.

By Performance Matters

May 27, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Anybody who thinks that the Delta as we all know it today will be there at the end of the merger is delusional. Anybody who thinks the IAM is going to save jobs is delusional as well. US Airways continues to outsource IAM jobs. If you think the IAM is going to change that… Think again…. It is all about the mighty dollar. The Execs have them and the rest of us don’t.

It’s your choice if you want to pay dues for “advertised” job protection or, you want to go it non-union.

There is a reason why about 9% of the private industry is unionized these days… Unions don’t have the teeth they had back in the depression.

Personally I think Delta will become a union shop eventually. I also think within 5-10 years Delta will have “outsourced” everything. Not to DGS as the IAM pumpers would have you believe but to ARAMARK, COMAIR, SKYWEST, SERVICEAIR.

The problem lies within our economy and our government. Big money rules the day! There is no glamor and no long term career opportunity in the airline industry. Many of you have been doing this for 20 plus years. I have been in it for 15 years and I have seen many changes some good but, most were not to the advantage of the employees.

I am anti-union for a reason and that is I have seen the “promises” and studied the history of the industry. I have watched as many of my friends faithfully pay their dues and show loyalty to the Company only to get “let go” in the end!

In a union seniority rules. The 20+ year guys like C-OLD Southern Airways Guy have a lot at stake. Folks with less than 10 years will be the first to fall when downsizing commences and that is per the union.

Look at who Delta is targeting for the package. 10+ years of experience and you are being shown the door… The reverse will occur with a union….

If you want to make a long term career out of the aviation industry… Non-union may be the way to go!

By Airlinelifer

May 27, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

I decided to walk over and introduce myself to my “future” Delta coworkers. I think face to face meetings are more productive than dealing with some of the characters in this “soap opera” forum.

We discussed the differences in benefits, and those benefits that are unique to each company. Pensions, 401K’s, insurance, O.T pay, vacation, sick time /OJI time accrual were some of the subjects talked about.

These discussions will lead to better relations between employees, and a clearer understanding of the issues at hand.

By JetzSetz

May 28, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

IFLYRIGHT: I haven’t conceded anything…I just can’t be on this site as much as you are. I asked you some questions that you never answered about 2 weeks ago. Again, I don’t have the time (or desire) to go on this site as much as you do.

By MikeinMemphis

May 28, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

We can argue Union or not all day long…..So I’ll give you my reasons for being Union. I’m a southern boy ,love living here and am very proud of it,so early in my career I didn’t know alot about unions,other than they took $40 a month out of my check.The company paid all my health/dental insurance,family included,I had a company pension,I’ve seen some guys get their jobs saved by the union I didn’t think deserved it and have seen some wrongly fired returned to work with backpay,so if you get a good mans job back its worth 3 slugs returning to me because they will do theirslves in sooner or later.My company has done nothing but take from me the last few years,and I’m fed up with the ceo bonuses and stock….without a union I doubt I would still have a full time job much less a pension plan.I don’t like paying for my health care,but when i see what other corporations are doing,I guess i’m lucky….so before you make up your minds about voting at least look into the IAM pension….I just wish we had got into it a lot sooner….30 and out with a livable wage would be a great thing to look forward to,other than a questionable pension that will probaly be handled by the PBGC before its over…I know a contract is not a fix-all,but it’s something knowing what you do have…I wish we didn’t have to have any Unions,but it’s a cruel world and it’s only getting worse and will continue as long as we have greed,and Lawyers running our corporations and mainly our airlines,because it not about people anymore it’s about the dollar!So I’m looking forward to meeting you DL guys and adding a little Southern to this Union!

By nobody

May 28, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Take the time to read the article on the AJC about the NY lawyer suing Delta and then read the comments along with it. Interesting.

By oldtimer

May 28, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

MikeinMemphis…Everything you mentioned was part of our life at Delta but that’s changed. Folks like you and C-old can have an impact, and you both have a Southern background which is a plus.
It’ll be a battle, but we’ve all fought battles before, haven’t we?

By IFLYRIGHT

May 28, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

CUE CHORUS FROM THE WIZARD OF OZ, DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD, THE WICKED WITCH IS DEAD! AFA WAS VOTED DOWN BY OVER 80% OF F/A’S AT DAL… SORRY RICK, C-OLD, JETSETZ, AND ALL THE OTHER UNION WHACK-O’S THAT POST HERE TRYING TO SWAY THE VOTE! SAVE YOUR BREATH- THIS IS NOT RHETORIC, IT IS FACT! NO UNION FOR DAL F/A’S. AS A FORMER WAL EMPLOYEE, I CAN SAY THAT I AM RELIEVED TO NOT HAVE TO DEAL WITH AFA AND THEIR SELF IMPORTANT BOTTOMLESS PIT OF GARBAGE. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NWA F/A’S TO GET THEIR CHANCE TO VOTE, AND WATCH AS THEY FREE THEMSELVES FROM THE SAME BURDEN’S. MAYBE C-OLD AND RICK CAN RECOMMEND A BLOG I CAN GO TO TO HARASS THEM FOR A WHILE-

By ATL4EVER

May 28, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Nice work DAL flight attendants, I predict the same thing will happen for 120. It’ll be nice when things settle down and all we have to think about is just doing our job!

By Gus-Locke

May 28, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

I WRITE IN CAPS SO C-OLD WILL BE ABLE TO READ THIS W/OUT HIS READING GLASSES. I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO HIT CAPS LOCK. SINCE APPARENTLY THE DAL FA’S HAVE VOTED DOWN THE AFA, DOES THIS MEAN YOU AND RICK ARE GONNA BE LEAVIN’ THIS POST? I’VE GOTTEN USED TO READING YOU AND RICK RANTING ABOUT HOW GREAT YOUR LIFE IS WITH THE GOOD OLE UNION. IT LOOKS LIKE THE RUMOR MILL AT THE G.O. IS PRETTY RELIABLE. THE LATEST IS THAT THE RAMP IS LEANING HEAVILY TOWARDS NOT UNIONIZING AS WELL. IN THAT CASE, C-OLD, I GUESS YOU SHOULD START PREPARING FOR THE ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS YOU NEVER SEEM TO GET ANSWERED FIRST HAND. I SUSPECT YOU AND RICK WILL BE MORE THAN SATISFIED WITH JUST STILL HAVING A JOB. AND HAVING TO TOIL AWAY YOUR DAYS IN A NON UNION SHOP. ONE DOWN, AND ONE TO GO! AND DITTO TO ATL4EVER, NICE JOB DAL FA’S! I’M STARTING TO GET THAT OLE DELTA PRIDE BACK.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 28, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

GUS - THANKS FOR THE CAPS…HOWEVER,I DIDN’T REALIZE HOW MUCH BETTER IT IS WHEN YOU USE BOLD LIKE IFLYRIGHT DID…IF CAPS ARE SCREAMING…BOLD MUST BE BOASTING.. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL ANTI-UNIONIST!

…I JUST WATCHED “OUR DELTA” DVD AND IT WAS TRULY INSPIRING…I SAW ROBERT D** TELL HOW EASY IT WAS TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH UPPER MANAGEMENT…I HEARD RICHARD ANDERSON SAY “…WHEN YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYEES ,HAVING A DIRECT RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM THAT’S NOT FILTERED THROUGH A UNION THAT MAKES A LIVING BY COLLECTING DUES AND INSTEAD,MOTIVATED BY A COMPANY THAT WANTS TO DO RIGHT BY IT’S EMPLOYEES,IT’S MUCH BETTER FOR THE EMPLOYEE’S IN THE LONG RUN,BECAUSE WE’LL RESPOND EVERYDAY TO THE ISSUES WE HEAR ABOUT ON THE LINE…” I KNOW THAT IT WAS FOR THE DELTA FLIGHT ATTENDANTS AND I KNOW JOANNE SMITH TALKED ABOUT YOUR “40 CHANGES MADE IN PAY AND BENEFITS”…I GUESS I CAN UNDERSTAND WHY YOU VOTED IT DOWN NOW…I ALSO UNDERSTAND IT’S STILL A BIG SECRET…SO I WONT ASK YOU TO NAME A FEW…BUT YOU KNOW ME…I’D LIKE TO ASK A FAVOR OF ONE OF YOU… COULD SOMEONE SUGGEST ADDING BACK THE TWO WEEKS OF VACATION BEFORE WE ARRIVE ON THE SCENE…I’D HATE TO GO BACK TO 4 WEEKS MAX…PLEASE…PRETTY PLEASE…THEY WONT BITE…IF YOU THINK I’M BEING SILLY AND I’M WRONG …COULD YOU JUST ANSWER THAT QUESTION…4 WEEKS MAX …TRUE OR FALSE?

HEY ONE MORE THING…THERE’S SOME COOL VIDEOS OF RICHARD ANDERSON HIMHAWING AROUND ON THE “NEUTRALITY QUESTION”ON YOUTUDE…IF ANYONE IS INTRESTED.

IFLYRIGHT - WERE YOU ON IT!…YOU’RE ONE OF THE BEAUTIFUL “PEOLPE” ON THAT DVD…AREN’T YOU!…”HAVE A NICE DAY!”

RICK - SCARY!

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 28, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

IFLYRIGHT - THE “WIZARD OF OZ” CHROUS OF THE CLASSIC JUDY GARLAND MOVIE WAS TELLING…AS MY BEST FRIEND AT WORK…THE GUY I HAVE LUNCH WITH EVERYDAY…WOULD SAY ” BEGONE BEFORE A HOUSE FALLS ON YOU!”… :)

By tex

May 28, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

to all you gloaters-be careful what you wish for. as for the ramp vote-dont count your chicks!

By Rick

May 28, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

C-OLD, you never owed me anything. I knew why you couldn’t stop (I didn’t have Bud Lite).

Hey, thanks for pointing out IFLYRIGHT’s spelling error. If criticizing me for the same mistakes he makes allows him to feel superior to others, let him have it. Maybe somebody will find you “calling him out”…well, “hilarious”.

oldtimer, you were actually the one I was refering to in my May 26 post. I consider anything anyone posts on here to be their opinion, to which they’re entitled to. Just like mine… neither right nor wrong, just opinion. Please refresh my memory where I’ve accused anyone of lying.

Gus-Locke, if what I’ve posted here has harassed you, that wasn’t my intent. If I were to fill your mailbox with literature or constantly leave phone messages at you home, yeah, I would agree, that’s harassment. But a blog? Open to the public? Sorry, I didn’t consider it harassment.

All C-OLD (I think I can speak for him) & I have tried to do here is show you the benefits we’ve recieved. Weren’t trying to “sway” anyone…just giving you info to form your own conclusion. He and I will both back your right to not want/like a union. We’re all gonna be in the same boat. I would hate for our group doing all the rowing while others enjoy the cruise. The same words R.A. is speaking to you….we’ve heard at NW. And you probably have heard what happened there. Union or not, our work ethic will not change. As you may know by now, I can be an A-hole at times and, if opportunity presents itself, I will say I told you so. Hopefully I won’t have to.

As far as the F/A vote…the people have spoken. The majority don’t want it and the wants and desires of the few should not be imposed on the many. Ever since I’ve been in the union thats the way it worked. Majority rules.

Good luck to us all.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 28, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

IFLYRIGHT - DID YOU EVER FLY THOSE ARGENTINA ROUTES ?

By MikeinMemphis

May 28, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

I have been reading this blog and several others since before the merger was announced.I consider myself an informed person,but I need some help,DL, guys we are in this together now.Can you please explain why some are so anti-union? There are some things I really don’t like about the union,but its like anything else in life the good out weighs the bad.I know Rick and he’s right,he can be a a**hole sometimes,but he’s a good guy that does the best job he can,you don’t always have to agree with the union and Rick will tell you when I don’t the Union leadership hears about it,same goes for management.I am not a shop steward,nor am I a “company” man,all I belive in is fairness.As for the Union,I can only state that a union is only as good or bad as its membership,if we get a Union in you as members have to make it work. I believe my voice is heard how about you? So I would really like to hear from some of the anti-union people please.Lets have a real dialogue.

By Rick

May 28, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Mike, they don’t answer questions.

By oldtimer

May 28, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

I’ve enjoyed about all I can stand of this so I hereby withdraw from future participation, but nothing is guaranteed, is it Rick? C-OLD, Rick, it’s been fun sparring with you. “C”BERRY, thanks for your help.
Have fun folks, and may you who come on board build some of the good memories us old timers have. I also think the next f/a vote will not be nearly as close as this one, but nothings guaranteed, is it Rick?

By tex

May 28, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

iflyright-regarding your may28 3:08 rant-the results are in from your full frontal lobodomy-IT WAS A SMASHING SUCCESS!!!

By IFLYRIGHT

May 29, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

I THINK CVG4EVER AND JETSETZ IS STILL TRYING TO PRESS FOR A RECOUNT, DON’T WORRY GIRLS, THEY ONLY RECOUNT IF IT’S A CLOSE MARGIN. THIS WAS A BLOW-OUT! AND C-OLD I’M NOT MGMT., NEVER HAVE BEEN MGMT., NEVER WILL BE MGMT. I’M A COMMUTER, AND IN THIS DEPT., IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO DO BOTH. I AM A FORMER UNION MEMBER, AND AM HAPPY TO BREATHE A SIGH OF RELIEF AFTER THE BIG NEWS. I THINK PART OF THE PROBLEM IS AFA RECRUITS PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD ISSUES AT WORK, OR LIKE JETSETZ, ARE JUST NOT HAPPY IN GENERAL. SO, THEY’RE BEING REPRESENTED BY PEOPLE AT WORK THAT ARE PARANOID (THE CONSPIRACY THEORIES WILL BE FLYING FOR WEEKS, HANGING CHADS, I BLAME “BUSH”), OR DID SOMETHING WRONG AND FEEL THEY GOT SCREWED IN THE PAST (THEIR GUDGE IS USUALLY PAINFULLY OBVIOUS), LET’S JUST SAY THEY’RE USUALLY NOT THE MOST SAVORY BUNCH OUT THERE. IF YOU SAW ME AT WORK, YOU’D NEVER REALIZE I WAS SO ANTI-UNION. I HEAR PEOPLE OUT, AND JUST NOD MY HEAD, AS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE SILENT MAJORITY. THIS FORUM ALLOWS ME TO SPEAK MY MIND, AND I AGREE, SOMETIMES SOMEWHAT RUDELY. BUT, I PROMISE NOTHING LIKE THE STUFF I AM FORCED TO LISTEN TO AT WORK. SOMETIMES WE HAVE NO UNION PEOPLE ON TRIPS, AND THOSE GO VERY SMOOTHLY. BUT, WHEN JUST ONE GETS ON BOARD (PROBABLY LIKE CVG4EVER), AND GET’S OBNOXIOUS, EVERYONE JUST ACTS AGREEABLE AS TO MAKE THINGS GO SMOOTHLY. LEAVING THEM WITH THE IMPRESSION WE HATE DELTA, JUST SO WE CAN ATTEMPT TO BE FRIENDLY WITH THE PAX. THAT’S BEEN THE REAL CHALLENGE, TRYING TO GLOSS OVER THE UNION INNUENDO, SO OUR LIVES, AND,THEREFORE THE PAX AREN’T AFFECTED BY ALL THE HATE THEY SPEWED IN THE BRIEFING ROOMS, OR ON BOARD DURING TRIPS. THEY ONLY WANT TO TELL YOU WHY YOU NEED THIS AND IT’S ALWAYS THE END ALL/SAVE ALL. LIKE I SAID, BEEN THERE , DONE THAT- GOT THE TEE SHIRT, WORE IT ONCE, WASHED IT, IT SHRUNK, NOW IT’S IN THE RAG BAG. WITHOUT GETTING INTO ANOTHER PHILOSOPHICAL CHESS MATCH, I WAS IN A UNION FOR 10 YEARS (WAL), AND IN THE END WHAT DID I HAVE TO SHOW FOR IT. BASICALLY, THE SAME THING EASTERN HAD, PAN AM HAD, TWA HAD, AND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON. LOOK AT USAIR, THEY STILL OPERATE AS 2 ENTITIES INSIDE ONE ENTITY BECAUSE THEY CAN’T AGREE AMONGST THEMSELVES ON WHAT’S FAIR! THAT’S UNION VS. UNION VS. CO. AND THATS ONE OF THE DIFFERENCES, NOW YOU’LL BE PART OF THE COMPANY, WITH NO LOYALTY/AGENDA TO ANYONE BESIDES YOU AND YOUR COMPANY. I WILL WELCOME ALL THE NWA F/A’S, AFTER ALL, I’M SENIOR TO OVER 90% OF THEM, AND I’LL GLADLY HELP THEM ANYWAY I CAN. AND SINCE I’M A WEST COAST BASED F/A, NO, I DON’T GO TO ARGENTINA. I LIVE IN PARADISE ON EARTH, HAWAII. SO THE ONLY TRAVELING I REALLY DO IS MY COMMUTE TO AND FROM WORK. THAT IS ALSO WHY SOMEONE COMMENTED ON THE HOUR OF MY POST. HOPE APPRECIATE THE CAP’S AND BOLD!

By JetzSetz

May 29, 2008 2:52 AM | Link to this

IFLYRIGHT: Wow! What a diatribe! At least you finally admitted you’re rude. You SEEM, from your posts,to have a lot of anger buried deep inside of you. You say I’m “not happy in general” which is the farthest thing from the truth. (Notice when I mentioned your being angry, I used the word SEEM, rather than making a declaration about someone I don’t know as you did me. But that’s a sign of someone with anger issues.) I have a great life and have much gratitude for my blessings. Just because I believe in having an “insurance policy” with my job doesn’t mean I’m unhappy. Two more points of interest: 1. Your claim that 80% of DL FAs rejected AFA is false. Do you not understand basic math or have trouble reading? The number was 60% 2. And not so fast on your Wizard of Oz song.This isn’t exactly over yet. There will be another vote once NW comes over due to the fact that they make up at least 35% of the combined group. Only IF that vote fails can you truly celebrate.

By NWAf/a

May 29, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

IFLYRIGHT

Your 12:20 AM article was very interesting and makes makes me look forward to the move. You sound like a nice person whose experienced a lot and knows what life and work are all about. Unfortunatly some at NWA see their only responsibility is to impress and worship their union masters and cause trouble for the company. We have tolerated them thusfar, but no more! Thank you for this article.

By Rick

May 29, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

oldtimer,

I feel safe saying that I guarantee Richard and other execs will get what’s in their legally binding contracts.

Hate to see ya go.

By DELTA1

May 29, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Rick—- You are going to have to accept the fact that upper management, whether they work in a company or in a union, aren’t governed by the same things that regular employee or members are. It just does not happen. Get over it, son.

By Jane wisconsovik

May 29, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Let’s look at the just completed vote for Delta flight attendant union affiliation. A total of 5,306 voted. A total of 5,253 voted NO. A total of 53 voted YES. A total of 8,494 did not vote knowing that a non-vote would count as a a NO vote. 53 desire a union and 13,747 don’t. When the NW flight attendants join in the vote we expect that difference to grow by at least 5,000. Welcome to a non union situation ladies and gentlemen.

By IFLYRIGHT

May 29, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

NWAF/A- THANK YOU FOR THE COMPLIMENT, I KNOW FIRSTHAND WHERE YOU’RE COMING FROM, AND HOPEFULLY IT WONT BE LONG BEFORE YOU TOO CAN BREATHE A SIGH OF RELIEF. THE OLE AXIOM, THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER, DEFINATELY APPLIES HERE, AND UNFORTUNATELY , YOU WILL MOST LIKELY END UP BEING EXPOSED TO PEOPLE LIKE JETSETZ. DON’T WORRY, AFTER ALL THIS UNION STUFF IS OUT OF THE WAY, I THINK YOU’LL REALLY ENJOY THE SCHED. SYSTEM, AND OVERALL TRIP QUALITY. I SEE WHERE NWA HAS AN ONLINE SCAB LIST WITH PICTURES, AND INSULTS, NICE! GEE C-OLD, GEE RICK IS THAT THE GOOD HONEST WAY YOU HANDLE YOUR DIFFERENCES WITH PEOPLE THAT DON’T AGREE WITH YOU AND YOUR UNION? HERE’S THE LINK, http://exnwa.com/scabs.htm I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE AT DAL TO CHECK THIS OUT, LIKE JETSETZ SAYS I’M ANGRY. WELL YEAH, WHAT RIGHT DO THEY HAVE TO PERSECUTE SOMEONE FOR BEING CONCERNED ABOUT TAKING CARE OF THEIR FAMILY?! IT’S RIDICULOUS THAT IT’S EVEN LEGAL, WHERE’S THE ACLU, WHEN PEOPLE REALLY NEED THEM? WOW RICK, THE CEO HAS A GUARANTEED CONTRACT. SO, SHOW ME ONE CEO IN ANY FORTUNE 500 COMPANY THAT DOESN’T. DELTA1 SPELLED THAT OUT FOR YOU, BUT NOW WE’RE GONNA HEAR YOU DRAW COMPARISON’S TO SOMEONE LIKE C-OLD AND RICHARD ANDERSON? LET’S SEE, A ART HIST. MAJOR FROM GA. SOUTHERN, VS. AND UNDERGRAD, POST GRAD, AND J.D. THEIR EACH CHOOSE DIFFERENT PATHS BY THEIR OWN FREE WILL- NOW ANDERSON IS A CEO, AND C-OLD SLINGS BAGS. C-OLD, NO OFFENSE, BUT IT DOESN’T TAKE A HUGE SKILL SET TO PERFORM YOUR JOB ON A DAILY BASIS. I’M IN THE SAME BOAT, YOU CAN TRAIN SOMEONE IN 4 WEEKS TO DO MY JOB, THEREFORE THERE’S NO CRITICAL SHORTAGES OF F/A’S OUT THERE… JETSETZ, THE MORE YOU INSULT ME THE BETTER I FEEL, I KNOW I’M HITTING A NERVE WHEN YOU COME AT ME WITH YOUR TYPICAL UNION RESPONSES. CHECK OUT THE LINK, TELL ME ABOUT HOW WARM AND FUZZY THAT MAKES YOU FEEL.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 29, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

DELTA1 - I HAVE ALWAYS SAID UNIONS ARE BIG COMPANIES TOO!…HAVING SAID THAT I’M MORE LIKELY TO GET THE BUSH “TRICKLE DOWN” EFFECT BY THE UNION THAN THE COMPANY…TAKE THE TWO WEEKS EXTRA VACATION…I’LL PAY MY UNION DUES AND YOU TAKE YOUR 3% RAISE AND I STILL MAKE ACCORDING TO MY CALCULATIONS .11 CENTS A HOUR MORE THAN YOU.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 29, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

IFLYRIGHT - ACCORDING TO THAT UNION I’M A SCAB ALSO…THEY THREW NAILS IN OUR PARKING LOT…I KNOW SOMEONE WHO WAS VERBALLY ASSAULTED WHILE GETTING GAS AT THE SERVICE STATION…ART MAJOR NOT ART HISTORY…GEORGIA STATE NOT GEORGIA SOUTHERN…CUSTOMER SERVICE NOT RAMP… THAT LINK IS TERRIBLE I AGREE…ARE YOU HAPPY!

By Delta 1

May 29, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

IFLYRIGHT

I followed your suggestion and visited the website http://exnwa.com/scabs.htm. It has to be the most low class scum filled website I have ever seen. How can any intelligent person like those you mentioned condone such garbage? Do you think maybe they are afraid their name and picture might be added to the site? I hope it is posted on every bulletin board at Delta so that any in our midst who think a union might be great for us can see what a garbage pile they support at NWA. WE THANK YOU IFLYRIGHT.

By Delta 1

May 29, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY,

Don’t know about the 11 cents. I’m salaried $4400 a month. Maybe that’s more than 11 cents less than you, But you can’t compare peaches to oranges.

By MikeinMemphis

May 29, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

Thats correct IFLYRIGHT exnwa.com is a AMFA sight…..these guys were the very militant people who thought that they were too good for the IAM and that the Ramp,Passenger Services,and fleet service were holding them back from the wages they deserved.Please don’t hold it against all of the Northwest Mechs.There were some really good guys that I counted as friends that lost jobs because of AMFA ,which is not a union ,but a association i.e. Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Assoc. Now ,can you please tell me why you are so anti-union?

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 29, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

DELTA 1 - SINCE NO ONE WILL EXPLAIN THE WAYS OF DELTA TO ANYONE FROM NORTHWEST I’M NOT SURE WHAT YOU MEAN BY SALARIED…HERE THE ONLY ONES WHO ARE SALARIED ARE MANAGERS…I’M AN AGENT AND YOU MAKE A GOOD DEAL MORE THAN ME AT $4400.00 A MO…SO EITHER YOU ARE A MANAGER…OR YOU HAVE SOME SORT OF LICENSE…MY CALCULATIONS WERE BASED ON A DELTA AGENT IN ATLANTA WHO TOLD ME THAT THEY MADE $18.30 A HOUR I FIGURE THE 3% WOULD MAKE THAT APROX.$18.85…YOU $25.38 …NO IT’S NOT PEACHES AND ORANGES… CARE TO TELL ME WHAT YOU DO?…RICK AND I HAVE BEEN OPEN AND FORTHRIGHT BUT YOU GUYS ARE SO SECRETIVE…IF THINGS WERE THAT MUCH BETTER WHY AREN’T YOU USING YOUR INFORMATION TO CONVINCE US THAT WE SHOULD BE GLAD THAT WE WONT HAVE A UNION ?…I SUPPOSE NO ONE WILL ANSWER THAT QUESTION EITHER!

By MikeinMemphis

May 29, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

To:Jane wisconsovik your numbers are very wrong… of 13000 eligible voters 5375 votes cast 5306 in favor of a union 69 against needed 6691 to recieve a 50% +1 missed getting the union by 1385 now add NWA’s 8000 f/a’s to the mix and I see the writing on the wall!

By IFLYRIGHT

May 29, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

SO, MIKEINMEMPHIS, YOU’RE WRITING THIS AWFUL EX NORTHWEST AIRLINES SITEhttp://exnwa.com/scabs.htm. OFF AS BEING AMFA… HUH, WELL THEN WHY DON’T THEY CHANGE THE NAME TO EXAMFA.COM? THESE ARE BLATANT EXAMPLES OF WHY I DON’T WANT TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR YOUR COMPANY’S UNION. IF I WERE A LAWYER, I’D LOVE TO FRY THE PEOPLE THAT BLATANTLY HARRASS THESE PEOPLE. IN FACT, I WILL BE WRITING MY CONGRESSMEN DEMANDING THAT THEY TAKE ACTION AGAINST THOSE WHO PERSECUTE “SCABS”, AND WILL OFFER A LINK TO THIS VERY WEBSITE AS AN EXAMPLE OF UNION THUGGERY! THIS IS DESPICABLE, AND UN-DEFENDABLE, AND I LIKEN IT TO DOMESTIC TERRORISM! APPARENTLY, THIS WEBSITE HAS BEEN UP FOR YEARS, WHICH MEANS THE REAL HATE, AND ANIMOSITY STEMS FROM THE “LOYAL” UNIONISTA’S WITHIN YOUR OWN COMPANY. TO ALL THOSE DELTA EMPLOYEE’S BUYING INTO THE ANTI DELTA RHETORIC, BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR FINAL DECISION, I URGE YOU TO GO TO THIS SITE, AND JUST IMAGINE THAT YOUR UNION IS GETTING READY TO STRIKE, THEIR STRIKE FUND IS UNDERFUNDED, SO, YOU’LL HAVE TO GET 3 PART-TIME JOB’S TO KEEP YOUR HOUSE, AND CALL YOUR CHILDREN AWAY AT COLLEGE AND TELL THEM THEY HAVE TO COME HOME BECAUSE YOU ARE WALKING OUT ON YOUR JOB! THE AFA WAS SO UNDERFUNDED, THEY HAD TO FALL UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE COMMUNICATION WORKER’S. THAT’S WHY THEIR NOW AFA-CWU! SO THEY HAVE A CRACK MGMT. TEAM. PAT FRIEND EARNS OVER 100,00.00 PER YEAR (ACCORDING TO FORM LM-2), SO, HER KIDS WILL BE AT HARVARD, WHILE YOURS ARE AT THE LOCAL “JUCO”, AND SH’E THE ONE WHO’S PUSHING THE STRIKE- SO AFTER MONTHS OF BEARING MANY HARDSHIPS, YOU NOW DECIDE TO CROSS THE PICKET LINE. WHAT HAPPENS, YOU GET PHYSICALLY THREATENED IN THE PARKING LOT, THEY HARRASS YOUR FAMILY AT HOME BY CALLING YOUR HOUSE (THAT’S RIGHT THEY HAVE YOUR HOME NUMBER), THEY THROW GARBAGE AT YOU, AND THEN THEY PUT YOUR PICTURE ON THE INTERNET AND LABEL YOU A SCAB FOR LIFE! THAT IS WHY I DON’T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH YOUR UNION MIKE, RICK, C-OLD,JETSETZ,CVG4EVER, NYCRAMP,TEX, AND ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE WHO FEEL WE’RE THE IGNORANT ONE’S BECAUSE WE WONT SUBJECT OURSELVES TO THIS KIND OF TREATMENT. http://exnwa.com/scabs.htm.

By IFLYRIGHT

May 29, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

**OK MIKE, SO NOW YOU KNOW ONE OF THE REASON’S I HATE UNION’S. THIS SUMS UP WHY I DON’T WANT TO JOIN AFA.

The AFA as an independent entity no longer exists.

This new campaign is not a campaign to join a union by flight attendants for flight attendants. Why? The Association of Flight Attendants (“afa”) is no more. The afa is now a tiny part of a larger union, the Communications Workers of America(“CWA”). Who does the CWA represent? Mr. Telephone man. That’s right, the people that come to your house and fix your telephone. The CWA also represents the people that sit behind desks in call centers. That is those people that are still left in the United States. The CWA does not represent those jobs that it let get outsourced to India, but we digress.

Signing an authorization card for the afa-CWA means that you want to belong to a large multi-class and multi-craft union. The sheer size of the CWA means that the afa is a small minority and will have a correspondingly small voice in directing the larger union.

Currently, the trend in our industry is for workers to be represented by smaller independent unions like AMFA or PFAA. These are unions that represent only a single craft or a single craft at a single company. By subjugating itself and becoming a small part of a large union, the afa became an example of where representation in our industry is not heading. Once again, the afa did the wrong thing at the wrong time.

The afa-CWA is too inept to seize initiative, even in organizing.

Speaking of doing the wrong thing at the wrong time, we think that it is a little odd that the afa-CWA is announcing its campaign now. If the afa-CWA really had its act together, it would have started its campaign early this year when the “Finding a Better Way” concessions were announced. At that time, we were mad. The company was caught disingenuously telling us that a pay cut was really not a pay cut when we all could plainly see that it was. Leo’s departure and the bankruptcy - proof pensions were still fresh on our minds. Yet, at the time we were most ripe for the taking, where was the afa-CWA? Where were the activists with cards?

It missed the golden opportunity to organize us. This inability to capitalize on this gift from Management is just another in the string of tactical blunders characterizes the daily operation of the afa-CWA.

The afa-CWA cannot guarantee wages or work rules for its current members.

Our activists ignore the blunders of the afa-CWA. To them, it is a panacea that will solve all of their (our) problems. They do not see the afa-CWA as inept. Our activists will say that a union would keep Delta from eroding our pay, benefits and work rules. However, the afa-CWA’s track record does not support this statement. At United, the company delivered a term sheet to the afa-CWA outlining what concessions that it felt were necessary for United to survive. While there were some changes to the list in the end, the afa-CWA granted the same magnitude of concessions to the company. At United, the afa-CWA did not keep management from eroding work rules, pay, and benefits. See the United afa-CWA website.

At US Airways, the afa-CWA has been through multiple rounds of concessions. Now, the management at US Airways is coming back for more. In their second bankruptcy, their management is asking all employees for additional concessions in the range of 23 percent. At US Airways, the afa-CWA has been unable to prevent the prior rounds of concessions. Now in bankruptcy court, the decision will be left up to a judge if the afa-CWA does not capitulate again on its own. See the afa-CWA USAirways website.

As the afa-CWA’s track record at United and US Airways proves, the afa-CWA cannot prevent the erosion of pay, benefits, and work rules.

Had we elected the afa-CWA in the last campaign, we still would have had changes to our work rules and pay.

Our activists selectively ignore the track record of the afa-CWA in avoiding give backs. In fact, many are fond of saying that if we had elected the afa-CWA in the last campaign, we would not have had the changes to our work rules and benefits. However, those activists are either misinformed or actively trying to mislead you.

The current state of the law is that the status quo is not maintained between the election of a union and a first contract. This means that Delta could have unilaterally imposed any changes that it wanted as long as it was for business purposes, and the afa-CWA could have done nothing but issue another of their ineffectual, whiney “life is not fair” press releases. See Our New Work Rules and Union Protection for a more detailed explanation.

The afa-CWA will bring infighting and lack of direction.

Think that an afa-CWA Delta will not be ineffectual and whiney? Want a taste of potential meetings in a hypothetical afa-CWA represented world?

Subscribe and read Jointogether, the afa-CWA list serv. Even though the e-mail is tightly scripted and heavily edited to be “on message,” it still has infighting. Many of the people who are contributing now will be the people in power later. While there are some gifted activists, on the whole, they scare us. Many of the participants clearly do not have the capacity to act as our representatives. Sure, they whine, but they offer no solutions past the statement “we need a union and a legally binding contract.”

The potential future in an afa-CWA represented world is not a pleasant one. Even if we wanted a union, we would not support the afa-CWA. One of the best indicators of the effectiveness of a union is the opinion of its members. If a union’s membership is unhappy with the performance their union, it indicates that the union has severe problems. The afa-CWA has many unhappy members.

For example, the largest airline represented by the afa-CWA is United Airlines. At United, a group of flight attendants have banded together to form the United Flight Attendants Union “UFAU.” The goal of the UFAU is to replace the afa-CWA at United. This movement is a real threat, and the afa-CWA is taking the UFAU seriously. For more information about the UFAU and the reasons why we believe that the afa-CWA will be replaced at United, see the UFAU website.

Electing the afa-CWA now does not make sense.

As we have stated before, the status quo is not maintained when a union is elected. Everything is up for negotiation. The process takes years, and we would be unprotected against further concessions during this period.

We are in an industry downturn, and our company is in trouble. Most likely, Delta will be in Bankruptcy before Thanksgiving. Delta owes billions and our revenue from operations is not servicing our debt. Oil has passed fifty dollars a barrel and is expected to reach sixty dollars a barrel. Costs will continue to be high for the foreseeable future. Without money for increases to our pay and benefits, there is no way that the afa-CWA could bring home meaningful increases.

Although the campaign is new, the underlying truth is still the same. We bring more to the afa-CWA in dues and headcount than they bring to us in tangible benefits. If at some time, the afa-CWA could demonstrate a definite advantage, we would change our opinion.

However, electing the afa-CWA now would be like locking in a mortgage when the interest rate is high. It just does not make sense.

THAT THOROUGH ENOUGH FOR YA? THAT WAS WRITTEN A WHILE BACK, BUT IT IS RELEVENT TO YOU AND C-OLDS QUESTIONS… WARNING!!! DELTA EMPLOYEES, ENTER THIS SITE AT YOUR OWN RISK. YOU MAY WANT TO HAVE A BARF BAG NEXT TO YOU BEFORE YOU CHECK OUT THIS SITE. THE PRO UNION PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO DOWNPLAY THIS BY SAYING THAT “AMFA” IS A SMALL PART OF THE TEAMSTER’S. THAT’S NOT TRUE- THIS IS AN OPEN HIT-LIST FROM OUR FRIENDS THAT BROUGHT US THE ORIGINAL HIT MAN, JIMMY HOFFA. AVAILABLE TO ANYONE IN THE WORLD TO SEE, INCLUDING YOUR KIDS, AND FAMILY. http://exnwa.com/scabs.htm. LOOK INTO THE FACES OF THESE POOR PEOPLE, AND PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR POSITION. **

By JetzSetz

May 30, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

IFLYRIGHT— I DO agree with you about that site. It is deplorable. When you can show me a similar site where AFA is involved, then I will disavow them once and for all. Janewisco-whoever: Are you serious with that post? This is hilarious! You believe that only 53 f/a’s voted for AFA? LOLOLOLOLOL The problem with this board is they let ANYBODY post and they don’t monitor it, therefore you have all the kooks coming out of the woodwork. For that reason, I’m going back to my moderated posting sites.

By Delta 1

May 30, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

JetSetz Before you jump on Jane, IFLYRIGHT, or anybody else you best get your head out of your butt and look at the world. The total validated total of votes to join AFA was 53 out of the 5306 votes cast. 5253 voted NO. That’s final, validated, and notorized you simple minded turd.

By JetzSetz

May 30, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this

Delta 1…you are crazy. 5,306 voted in favor of unionization. It is in every press release that came out yesterday. If only 53 were for AFA, who were the other 5253 votes for???

Try this: (http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/28/news/companies/deltaflightattendants.ap/index.htm?postversion=2008052817)

By JetzSetz

May 30, 2008 2:28 AM | Link to this

Hey Delta1: Here is the link to the NMB’s official, validated vote tally from 5/28/2008. Note line 3: “Votes cast for Association of Flight Attendants: 5253” Now, you tell me who the simple-minded turd is.

http://www.nmb.gov/electionresults/delta-afa_052808.pdf

By JetzSetz

May 30, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this

Hey Delta1: Here is the link to the NMB’s official, validated vote tally from 5/28/2008. Note line 3: “Votes cast for Association of Flight Attendants: 5253” Now, you tell me who the simple-minded turd is.

http://www.nmb.gov/electionresults/delta-afa_052808.pdf

By MikeinMemphis

May 30, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

I totally agree with you on the scab list being deplorable and it should be illegal as I believe all forms of harrasment are.May I point out that you are mistaken about AMFA being affiliated with any other Union,they are an Orginazation and proudly state that fact.Check out amfanuts.com to see the other side of the story.Some fine people lost their jobs because they thought they could go it alone.

By The Truth

May 30, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

I see I am not the only one who thinks Delta have some rude ignorant employees!!! Poor man and his family could not get to Argentina and you ignorant idiots told him 2 weeks but another airline got him there!! What an ignorant airline who planes look like hospitals!!

By mayor

May 30, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

“By The Truth

May 30, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

I see I am not the only one who thinks Delta have some rude ignorant employees!!! Poor man and his family could not get to Argentina and you ignorant idiots told him 2 weeks but another airline got him there!! What an ignorant airline who planes look like hospitals!! “

As usual, in your zeal to slam DL, you’ve only seen the “poor” man’s side of the story and you’re ready to hang everyone at DL because of that.

That being said, perhaps we’ve only heard “your” side of the story of why you were canned at NW.

Go drill a well!

By mayor

May 30, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Here’s the figures, right from the article on this website.

5253 yes votes out of a total of 13380 eligible. A total of 5306 ballots were cast.

Also, what is this “interference” that the AFA is talking about? Is it possible that they just LOST?

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 30, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

JETZSETZ - YOUR LINK LOOKS PRETTY OFFICIAL…OR ARE YOU A WEB DESIGNER!

IFLYRIGHT - I DON’T THINK YOU’RE A MANAGER ANYMORE…YOU KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT UNIONS TO KNOW THAT YOU’RE WEBSITE IS AMFA PEOPLE WHO WENT OUT ON STRIKE AND WERE REPLACED…THEY TOOK PHOTOS OF ME TOO!…HOWEVER I’M NOT ONE OF THOSE “POOR PEOPLE”…BUT THANKS FOR TELLING US THAT YOU PEOPLE AREN’T AS HAPPY AS YOU WANTED US TO THINK YOU WERE…”…the “Finding a Better Way”concession were announced. At that time , we were mad. The company was caught disingenuously telling us a pay cut was really not a pay cut when we all could plainly see that it was.”…THERE IS A KINK IN “OUR DELTA “‘S ARMOR…ARE YOU SAYING DELTA LIED TO YOU…AND EVERYBODY THAT IS READING THIS ; THOSE THAT ARE ANTI-UNION NEW IT…ARE YOU KIDDING ME…YOU PEOPLE DIDN’T MIND THEM LYING…YOU LET RICK AND I THINK WERE WE WARNING YOU ABOUT THE CEO’S…AND YOU KNEW THEY WERE LYING TO YOU AND YOU JUST SMILED BACK AT THEM AND SAID “I LOVE MY COMPANY AND MY COMPANY LOVES ME “…WHAT A BUNCH OF COWARDS…THANKS AGAIN FOR THE INFO…AND THANKS FOR TAKING AWAY, FROM ME,THE DISTINCTION OF HAVING THE LONGEST ENTRY.

P.S. - ON THE “OUR DELTA ” DVD RICHARD SEEMED SO CARING…WARNING YOU ABOUT THE “FILTERS” THAT MAKE A LIVING OFF UNION DUES…HE PAINTED A PICTURE DIFFERENTLY FROM THE PICTURE IFLYRIGHT PAINTED…AND YES I’M A DRAWING AND PAINTING MAJOR…I KNOW A LITTLE ABOUT PAINT.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 30, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

MAYOR - THE INTERFERENCE WAS CALLED BECAUSE OF THE ” OUR DELTA ” DVD THAT WAS SENT TO THE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS…AND RICHARD’S PLEDGE OF NEUTRALITY BEFORE CONGRESS…YOU CAN SEE THE DVD PLUS 2 OTHER SHORTS…PRESS WATCH…LOOK AT ALL 3 TO SEE ALL SIDES…I DID!

(http:/nwaafa.org/index.php/resourses/Viedo/)

I THINK THE COMPANY HAD THE RIGHT TO MAKE THE DVD AND THE UNION WILL LOSE THE INTERFERENCE CALL.

By mayor

May 30, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

“By Delta 1

May 30, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

JetSetz Before you jump on Jane, IFLYRIGHT, or anybody else you best get your head out of your butt and look at the world. The total validated total of votes to join AFA was 53 out of the 5306 votes cast. 5253 voted NO. That’s final, validated, and notorized you simple minded turd.”

What isn’t validated is your reading skills. The 53 votes out of the total of 5306 cast were write in votes for something other than AFA, leaving a total of 5253 votes for AFA out of 13380 eligible.

Try again.

By mayor

May 30, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

“By fed up with MGT

April 15, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

OK - so Steenland is taking $30 MILLION to sit on a freaking BOARD. No ONE, and I mean NO ONE is worth that….especially when Delta/NWorst will be making job CUTS, and has already completely ripped off the pilots.

Tell me why anyone with any airline or board of an airline should make $30M?”

I bet you don’t blink an eye when a sports “star” makes that kind of money, do you?

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

May 30, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

MAYOR - THAT’S WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU… YOU JUMP ON “DELTA1” AND TURN AROUND AND JUMP ON “FED UP WITH MGT”…YOU JUST CALL’EM LIKE YOU SEE’UM…WHAT CITY ARE YOU THE MAYOR OF…I MIGHT WANT TO MOVE THERE !

I HOPE YOU MAKE $4400.00 A MONTH.

By JetzSetz

May 30, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

C-OLD: Nope, not a web designer; my computer skills aren’t the greatest. I know you were just kidding but for a minute there I thought I was going to have to re-size your tin foil hat! ;)

Mayor: Had Delta1 bothered to get the facts, he would have seen that those 53 were write-ins. The NMB breaks them down on their site. Some went for TWU (I think 7), some just said “Delta Independent Union”, etc..

By Rick

May 30, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

We need to go back to Apr16, ODGs 2;35 & oldtimers 9;16 posts. This blog has kinda gotten outa hand. C-OLD & I originaly came on here to show what we’ve gotten and to see your side of the coin. All we’ve gotten is “we don’t want a union”, period. That’s not exactly dialogue. We don’t need to be at war with each other. We all know where we stand on the issue of unions by now. Both groups are entitled to their opinions. Neither is right nor wrong. It’s all opinion. I don’t dislike anyone based solely on their views of representation. We just disagree. This thing is going to go through, like it or not. We’ll all be co-workers at some time. I say we, I should have said y’all. I really don’t expect them to keep me around very long since I’m a shop steward and I’m critical of Anderson. I don’t believe my work ethic will be enough to save my career. (Mark my words)

One way or the other, some of us are going to have new working conditions. Either as a union member or as a non-union employee. In a couple of years, once the dust settles, this thing has the potential to be fairly profitable. A lot will depend on how it’s run. If not, I don’t think labor will be to blame.

C-OLD, loved the response to IFLYRIGHT. You nailed it again. Speaking of IFLYRIGHT, I hope I didn’t mis-spell anything. I bin studyen reel hard.

Delta 1, he asked if anything was guaranteed and I gave my opinion, which I’m still entitled to. Get over it.

I can’t believe I agreed with Old Delta Guy. This Wild Turkey’s good stuff. :)

By oldtimer

May 30, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

After all the fun we’ve had chatting with each other here’s what we have:

Over the past several years Delta has turned about all its long time people out to pasture. Now they are getting rid of the last 3000 of us, leaving only short timers, aliens, and minorities.

That means that a lot of you good NW people will start out way up the seniority list and will see that the job gets done the right way. Bring your unions and your steel toed shoes if you want to. It won’t affect us real Delta folks, because there won’t be any of us left.

I’m sure that Richard and Ed will welcome you with open arms. You have our warmest wishes for a successful transistion because we want our checks to come regularly and not bounce. Please don’t let us down and don’t mistreat any New York lawyers. It’s all yours. C-OLD, keep them straight.

By tex

May 31, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

the iam is a genuine working class union based on democracy- while amfa is an “onion” on drugs. there are plenty of working class americans who would take their chances with “hoffa” rather than the likes of an anderson type. for balance many law enforcement officers are also unionized-does that make them criminals like us? just wondering…

By jon gill

May 31, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

I never understand all the Delta bashing. I fly a couple of times a year on them and will fly with no one else. I think the service is just fine and the staff friendly.I believe the people that carp all the time are probably miserable in their lives in general.

By Rick

May 31, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Tex, you could also mention teachers, doctors, nurses, air traffic controllers and pilots.

By happy senior citizen

May 31, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

A friend told me about this column that AJC is running into the ground and after scanning it here I am with my observation. Since retiring from a life of work my two passions are travel and people watching. I always get to the airport or bus terminal early because these are two great places for people watching. I have flown Delta, Northwest, United, and American several times, both domestic and international. Airline travel is not nearly as nice as it once was, but the world is not nearly as nice as it once was, either. Pride is gone. In using and watching both of the airlines represented in this column I can tell you that Northwest is not nearly as good in employee friendliness and attitude, appearance cleanliness, and service as that offered by Delta. I have also seen that since airlines started trying to operate like a busline the passengers are also not nearly as nice as they once were. I suppose that, since all airlines have lowered their standards to the minimum, then minimum performance is all that is reqiored of their employees and passengers. I will continue to travel because it beats sitting around watching soaps, gossiping, and seeing the dark side of everything. To the Delta folks taking the buy-out I wish a happy life. I refuse to think that the comments in this column represent the general outlook of Northwest employees, but just a fringe element who likes to stir things up. To those who switch over to Delta I say,”You need to improve your attitude and effort and show pride in your work regardless of who signs your pay check. Thank you AJC for allowing me to vent.

By Wing nut

May 31, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Thank you IFYRIGHT for pointing out the darker side of this situation. I poked around the website even further and found some other hateful things being said about those poor unfortunate souls. As a Delta mechanic, I refuse to support any organization that condones any activity such as this. I have, and will continue to forward that link to as many people I know in my department. In fact, many have already seen it and changed their minds real fast after seeing it! I agree that to those who created that site should enjoy the harshest possible punishment under the law!

By ATL4EVER

June 1, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

Iflyright, I’ve shown this link to everybody on my shift, they couldn’t believe that it was legal let alone that it was real! Some people thought it was a plant, til you look around the website and see the other stuff on there. I hope everyone looks at this long and hard, before they decide if these are the one’s we want in our own hose. I agree that this is something we all have to consider before we vote. Especially the mechanics! I’m gonna print a flyer that shows this website and hang it up all around the T.O.C., just to make sure all the people over there have been to this website! SCABS, that word now makes me sick!

By Spirit of Delta

June 1, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

I have been on the sidelines, just occaisionally checking this site out. It seems that you all would get tired of throwing all this rhetoric at each other. But, apparently not- I seriously doubt this is what the AJC had in mind when they so graciously decided to post this forum. As usual, being the airline employee’s we are, we just couldn’t wait to turn something intended to be a benefit into a liability. I am a Delta employee (37 years in July), and want to ask the AJC for some form of moderation. I used to be proud to say I was an airline employee, but to someone that pops in and reads this site, I’d be embarased. Doesn’t anyone have anything to say that won’t make us look like clowns? I’d like to be the first to raise the bar, and say welcome to the NWA employees. Let’s enjoy the fact that we all have job’s. And look how far we’ve come. We all have our problem’s, but what is to gained by airing them in public. Each side we’ll get their chance eventually, let’s show restraint, and try and class this joint up.

By OLD DELTA GUY

June 1, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

To Spirit of Delta… In the early stages of this forum, which is the second one AJC has offered,I tried to have some logical discourse with the folks who posted but I finally decided that only a fringe element of both airlines who just want to argue posted regularly so I dropped out.

Congratulations on your 37 years. With 35 years in I took the ‘94 retirement offer. I made a good choice.

It’s good to read a logical and calm entry. Thank you.

By Rick

June 1, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

One thing we ALL agree on here, myself included is the website in question serves no benefitial purpose. It may be legal but I think it’s wrong. Unfortunately, what it will do is give some people a tool to paint all unions with the same brush.

Should we paint all DL Flight Attendants with the same brush that’s being used in the comments regarding the lawyer suing DL? Nope. That, too, would be wrong. I encourage you do do as I will do should someone ask me to join AMFA. Just say no thanks.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

June 1, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

SPIRIT OF DELTA & OLD DELTA GUY -

IT’S BEEN MY EXPERIENCE THAT THOSE OF US ON THIS SITE AND IN MY WORKPLACE THAT ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR BELIEVES TEND TO BE THE BEST WORKERS!….IN A HUB AND SPOKE ENVIRONMENT THERE ARE TIMES OF ENTENSE WORK AND TIMES OF BOREDOM IT’S THE NATURE OF THE BEAST (THANKS MUCH TO DELTA AND THE CITY ONCE KNOW AS “TERMINUS”“MARTHASVILLE” AND FINALLY “ATLANTA”)…I LIKE TO WORK HARD SO THAT AFTER THE “PUSH” I CAN PLAY HARD!…IF I’M FLYING I WANT RICK TO TRANSFER MY BAGS,I WANT HIM TO CHECK THE HAZARDOUS MATERIAL TO MAKE SURE NO INCOMPATABLES ARE STORED TOGETHER ON THE AIRCRAFT AND I WANT HIM TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES…THIS AMONG OTHERS IS THAT HE IS CHARGED WITH…LIKEWISE LOOK AT IFLYRIGHTS NAME…I SURE HE IS GRACIOUS,FUNNY, KNOWLEDGEABLE ON SAFETY AND EMERGENCY SITUATIONS…(DON’T TAKE THIS WRONG BUT I’M SURE IF I’M IN A EMERGANCY I WANT HIM AS MY FLIGHT ATTENDANTS) …YOU SEE THOSE WHO DON’T CARE…DON’T CARE IF THERES A UNION OR NOT…THEY DON’T GIVE 110% TO MAKE YOUR BAG TRANSFER IF YOUR INBOUND FLIGHT IS RUNNING LATE…AND IF YOUR PLANE CRASHES THEY WOULD BE THE FIRST OFF CARING OF THEIR OWN SAFETY BEFORE OTHERS…10% OF THE PEOPLE RUN TO A FIRE TO HELP…10% RUN AWAY BECAUSE THEY’RE SCARED…AND 80% WATCH…THOSE OF US ON THIS FORUM ARE IN THE FIRST GROUP…UA/USAIR ARE DROPPING OUT THE MERGER FRENZY…LIKE I SAID IT’LL BE GOOD TO BE THE BIG DOG…I DO THINK RICHARD IS SMART… I DO THINK A SOME POINT CEO’S DON’T NEED ANYMORE MONEY AND THEY DO THIS FOR THEIR EGO’S AND THEIR “LEGACY”… I HOPE RICHARD WILL BE KNOWN FOR HIS QUICKNESS TO ACT UNDER PRESSURE,HIS ABILITY TO CHANGE AS THE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT DICTATES AND FOR “FINALLY” SEEING HIS EMPLOYEES AS AN ASSET RATHER THAN A LIABILITY …I THINK WE’LL BE ALRIGHT!…AND I THINK WE’LL MAKE YOU OLD GUYS PROUD!..I’VE BEEN THREW IT BEFORE AND EVERY TIME THINGS HAVE GOTTEN BETTER…DELTA WILL BE LUCKY TO GET ME! : )

By MikeinMemphis

June 1, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Please try to understand ,The website exnwa.com is not in any way affliated with the IAM,or for that matter any organized union!AMFA is an Organization started by Mechs for Mechs.Amfa won the right to replace the IAM at Northwest to represent Mechanics by a slim 53% margin,they only wanted aircraft mechs,not GSE or the cleaners,they were forced by court action to take the cleaners. The reason behind this split being that some,obviously 53%,mechs felt that with the skills and training they had they could and would be able to stand on their own,they felt that ramp and customer service were holding them down.It was an ugly time at Northwest because a lot of the Mechs didn’t agree with each other much less with us lesser beings.Not long after the ratification fleet service and GSE were farmed out,then the mechanics were slowly wittled away until they went on strike,you know the rest of that story.If you are going to use exnwa.com as an example i ask you to visit amfanuts.com to get the other side of the story.We lost alot of good guys after this strike who really did a great job and knew these airplanes inside and out,believe me we can tell the difference.So please try to get the whole story before you make up your minds.To these guys at exnwa.com anybody who did’t support their ill-advised strike are now scabs…Ramp,Passenger Service,Pilots and F/A’s…they didn’t wants us until they needed us …Why are we now all scabs?

By BARACK

June 1, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

The title of this forum is “What Do You Think”. Please allow me to have inputrelative to our future.

I have a plan which will make this a merger that results in a large increase in your pay and benefits, totally free health care, and free gasoline for driving to snd from your job site. I also have a plan that will give free union membership to all who desire it.

My opponents can not offer such a plan because they do not have the love for common people that I do, and that my administration will reflect.

If Hillary and the old guy can’t out promise me, then how in the world can they out govern me?

I ask that all workers now employed by Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines get behind my candidacy so we can bring my plans into fruition.

Thank you for allowing me to have input in this very important forum.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

June 1, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

MIKE IN MEMPHIS - I’M WITH YOU ON THIS FIGHT….IFLYRIGHT FOUND THE PERFECT ANTI UNION WEBSITE AND DELTA 1 HAS RUN WITH IT…BUT DO EITHER HAVE THE COURAGE TO READ THE WEBSITE YOU HAVE FOUND…IFLYRIGHT SPEAKS OF THE ” POOR FOLKS ” IN THOSE PICTURES…TRUE IT’S BAD BUT HE FORGETS THE 47 % WHO VOTED AGAINST AMFA…I URGE EACH OF YOU TO LOOK AT THE AMFANUTS WEBSITE…AND SEE HOW SOME WERE DUPE BY AN ASSOCIATION THAT PUT THEMSELVES FIRST AND THE MEMBERS LAST…PLEASE PUSH BULLETIN BOARD AND READ FOR YOURSELF…REMEMBER WHAT I SAID THERE IS TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY!…[WWW.AMFANUTS.COM)…

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

June 1, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

IFLYRIGHT - HELP ME ON THIS…CAN’T SEEM TO GET THINGS TO LINK!

[www.amfanuts.com/]

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

June 1, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

I’M TRYING TO MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU! (http://www.amfanuts.com)

By IFLYRIGHT

June 2, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

C-old, maybe you should listen to jetsetz, and withhold your judgement on my gender… Are you misogynistic? I will look at your site, but, still wonder why no one at NWA hasn’t demanded they change the name to ex amfa? Do you have to be on the outside to feel true compassion for the one’s pictured/named? So, why don’t you tell us how you personally feel about SCABS, and how you’d do with them.

By braniffeasternpanam

June 2, 2008 2:09 AM | Link to this

unions are run by ignorant trash and organized crime. They harrassed every flight attendant and then had the audacity to say Delta somehow did the process wrong, they are democrats who cry like 5 yr olds when they don’t get their ignorant ways. What real losers unions are and their threatening posture as if people will roll over for the cowardly punks. Unions are people who watch sitcoms and eat brats for breakfast.

By C-OLD SOUTHERN AIRWAYS GUY

June 2, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

IFLYRIGHT - I LIKE WOMEN…I ALSO LIKE MEN…BUT NOT IN THE SAME WAY I LIKE WOMEN…WHY SO SECRETIVE…NOW EVERYONE KNOWS WHY I DIDN’T PICK RICK UP…SORRY I OUTTED YOU BROTHER…FIRST TO ME THE TOUGH QUESTION…I FEEL IT’S A PERSONAL DECISION ON WHETHER TO CROSS A PICKET LINE…IT MY DECISION TO VOTE TO STRIKE AND MY DECISION TO CROSS…I PERSONALLY WOULDN’T HOLD IT AGAINST ALL PEOPLE…I WOULDN’T GET VIOLENT OR TAKE PHOTOS OF PEOPLE I WOULD PUT IN MY TIME AT THE PICKET LINE AND HOPE THAT I WOULD BE RETURNING SOON…AT SOME POINT I WOULD HAVE TO FIND ANOTHER JOB…IF OR UPON RETURNING BACK TO WORK I WOULD SHUN OR AVOID SOME PEOPLE…BUT I COULD NEVER HOLD A GRUDGE IF SOMEONE HAD A SICK SPOUSE , CHILD OR WAS CLOSE TO RETIREMENT ETC…I GUESS IT WOULD DEPEND ON MY RELATIONSHIP WITH THAT PERSON PRIOR TO THE STRIKE…THE MACHINIST SWITCH FROM THE I.A.M TO AMFA WAS CLOSE…IT WAS UGLY HERE IN MSP…WE HAD GUARDS VIDEOING STRIKERS VIDEOING THE WORKERS…WE COULDN’T PARK AGAINST THE FENCE FOR FEAR OF NAILS BEING THROWN IN THE PARKING LOT…BUT AGAIN THAT WAS ONLY ABOUT 10 % OF THE STRIKERS…MOST PUT IN THEIR TIME AND WENT HOME OR JOB SEARCHING…THAT 10 % IS WHAT STARTED THE WEBSITE…MY BROTHER-IN-LAW VOTED AGAINST AMFA…HE WORKS ELSEWHERE NOW…BEFORE 9/11 THERE WERE FOUR OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS WORKING HERE…NOW JUST ME!…WHY THE WEBSITE IS CALLED exNWA ?…AND NORTHWEST HASN’T SUED THEM?…BEATS ME…I CAN TELL YOU THIS THAT RICHARD ANDERSON WAS GOING TO CHARGE THE NORTHWEST CREDIT UNION $1 MILLION TO USE THE NAME NORTHWEST …IT’S NOW CALLED WINGS FINANCIAL… THE COMPASSION QUESTION…I SAID ALREADY THAT I THINK THAT IS HORRIBLE…IF I HAD KNOW ABOUT THAT WEBSITE I WOULD HAVE BROUGHT IT UP AND GIVEN IT AS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT THE I.A.M IS NOT… ANYONE THAT GOES THERE WOULD BE SICKENED…IF YOU GO TO THE WEBSITE MIKE IN MEMPHIS BROUGHT TO THIS FORUM YOU WILL BE SICKENED…BECAUSE THESE ARE THE TRUE PEOPLE I FEEL SORRY FOR…THE ONES ON YOUR WEBSITE HAVE JOBS…A LOT OF FINE MACHINIST HAVE BEEN LOST…BEACUSE AMFA GOT THEM $35.00 AN HOUR…WITH FARM OUTS…I UNDERSTAND THAT THEY AGREED TO A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE OF FARM OUTS…AND IF NWA WENT OVER THAT AMOUNT THEY HAD TO PAY A PENALTY TO AMFA..AMFA AND DEL FAMINE SCREWED THEIR MEMBERS AND NOW THERE’S NOT MUCH LEFT…THE 10% BITTER PEOPLE THAT MADE UP YOUR BELOVED AND RIGHTLY SO ANTI-UNION WEBSITE DON’T WORK HERE AND ARE STILL ANGRY…THEY SHOULD POST PHOTOS OF THEMSELVES IF THEY WANT SHOW WHO SCREWED THEM…IF THIS WAS ALL I HAD EVER KNOW OF UNIONS I WOULD BE HESITANT TO JOIN ONE MYSELF!…AND IT IS FOR THAT REASON HAD I KNOW ABOUT THIS SITE I WOULD HAVE BROUGHT IT UP WITH MY EXPLANATION INSTEAD OF YOUR INSISTENCES THAT THIS IS INDICATIVE OF ALL UNIONS…THERE I ANSWERED YOUR QUESTIONS…WILL SOMEONE ANSWER MINE? WHY ARE ALL OF YOU DELTA PEOPLE SO AFRAID TO RESPOND TO NWA PEOPLE’S QUESTIONS?…IT’S BECAUSE WE ALREADY KNOW?…FROM NOW ON I WILL ASSUME AIRLINELIFER’S MAY 14TH 10:41 ENTRY IS CORRECT