Originally Posted by ConnFlyer
Not exactly. The binding arbitration will only decide if DL can move forward with an 1113(c) motion to nullify the pilots contract should the two sides fail to reach agreement on a new contract. The arbitration panel would either say:
1) Yes, DL can nullify the contract allowing DL to impose new payrates/workrules AND allowing the pilots to implement self-help***
OR
2) No, DL cannot nullify the contract...the two groups must continue to negotiate.
***DL contends that even in the case of contract nullification, that the pilots could NOT strike. The pilots contend otherwise. This is unchartered legal territory, however I would tend to say DL's case is weak. Hopefully, this is territory that will remain unchartered.
Gobbledy gook. The reason this matters to this message board is the probabilities of FF mile survival just spiked well above 50/50.
If oil prices continue to drop over the next month or so, Delta has more room to maneuver. The pilot pay is now in line with other airlines. Where Delta needs to take action in bankruptcy is to get competitive with US Air and United and that means cancelling the pension program.
It's ugly and whatever else you want to call it, but United set the precedent and unless Delta wants to again configure itself at a competitive disadvantage to other airlines, this has to happen.