MEC Update 10-01 SSDD

Line Pilot input is still an afterthought to the Delta MEC. Why do I say this? Consider MEC Update 10-01 issued yesterday. The Negotiating Process was described in that update. The course of action is to: Receive, Analyze, Direct, Negotiate, and Ratify. Nowhere in the process do they deliberately seek pilot input! Implicit in this bulletin is the MEC’s message; this is the process, we have no intent to change. This is why we still receive surprise LOA’s with no notice and with no innovative ideas sought from the line.

Notice how the Negotiator’s Analysis and Direction is conducted; with no changes to past practice. “The proposal is analyzed by the Negotiating Committee, professional staff and subject matter experts ... after which direction is given by the MEC.” Line pilot input is haphazard at best and frequently non-existent. Our contract is then changed without seeking the ideas, innovation and insight of those most familiar with how it feels to live with the contract the MEC is changing – The Line Pilot.

Through Council Resolutions Delta Pilots have formally called on the MEC to seek input prior to making decisions impacting our work life (Transparency and Communication Resolution). Councils representing almost half of the pilot membership passed this resolution. Yet it was rubber stamped “Received” and NO feedback has been given to the Delta Pilots by the MEC since these resolutions were passed back in March!

In addition, it has been two weeks since the conclusion of the June MEC meeting with no MEC Meeting Highlights published. We know next to nothing about what transpired in a four-day meeting two weeks ago and there is very little time for comment and input prior to next weeks Special MEC Meeting.

MEC Update 10-01 ends with the statement; “Your MEC will continue its policy of proactive engagement, interacting with … management, government agencies, industry officials, Wall Street and other{s}…who…effect…the careers and professional lives of the Delta pilots.” When will our union’s proactive engagement include the Delta Line Pilot?

Contact your LEC Representative and ask them to notify the membership of proposals that impact our lives and to formally include Line Pilot input into their deliberations.