Kristi Goes to Washington

Well. This is gonna be a long one. I have undoubtedly experienced one of the highlights of my career this week. I just got back from our nation's capitol. Together with a group of other Delta employees (about 50), yesterday I attended a congressional hearing with the U.S. House Judiciary Committee task force and a hearing before the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights where Delta CEO Richard Anderson and Northwest CEO Doug Steenland tried to "assuage skeptical lawmakers' concerns about the carriers' proposed combination". We were there as a visual display of employee support for the Delta/Northwest merger and particularly for Richard Anderson himself.

First of all, I just about pee-d on myself when they asked me, as I have adored DC and have always aspired to live there since I was 15. I wanted to be a congressional page and dragged my mother all over town to see Jimmy Duncan (TN Federal House Rep) to encourage him to sponsor me. He didn't and my aspirations of being a page where smashed, however I still love the city, the grand political processes (notice I did not say politicians), and the overall regalness of DC. I was so excited. After I tried on everything in my closet and Darryl helped me dig out the perfect suit and shoes (thanks honey, I know that wasn't any fun for you), I was quickly packed and ready to go.

It is pretty atypical to have 2 hearings in one day. The morning began with breakfast at the Capitol Hill Club, an exclusive club for Republicans. Swanky, swanky, yet very conservative. (Ha) We then ran to the meeting hall to wait in line for the hearing. We had sitters for us. Delta paid some company to provide people to go and sit in line for us from 6AM until we arrived at 8:00. Amazing really. I total them I was highly qualified for that job and I wanted to call Darryl and tell him I found a job in DC, can we move. Before the hearing was about to begin we paraded into the committee room only to find that we had been bogarted by some Northwest employees (adorning their "Say NO to mergers" buttons) and they got our seats. I can tell this is going to be a strained relationship from the start. Several of us were sent to an overflow room and I had to have had a look on my face much like the one of child who has just lost their lovey. Very sad.

We watched it on the big screen for about 40 minutes and then this angel came in and said "come with me." (Thank you Lord for small miracles.) Someone had left the main committee room and there was room for a replacement spectator. All right. I was in. I stood at the back of the room behind a seated Wall Street Journal writer. It was fun watching over his shoulder what he was writing. As I listened to the questioning and answering I was struck by the obscure position these Representatives are in. On one hand they are there to interpret, uphold, and ensure the anti-trust laws are followed to the fullest extent. On the other hand they are representing the constituents of their state. It seems to me, there are some fine lines there in responsibility. There was some posturing and some promotion of totally unrelated issues. But after it was all said and done, I felt that all parties really did present the issues from all sides. The Chairman was brilliant when commenting the committee was going to "keep an open mind", as many of the Representatives had clearly already made up their minds. And as for Richard Anderson, he is a smart man and a very smooth talker. I was a little taken a back though by the few questions he refused to answer directly. There were several promises made that I am unsure he can be held to.

At some point during this hearing I stopped to realize that in all the excitement of the preparation of the trip and being involved in the actual execution of the trip I failed to really sit down to think through which side of this fence I am on. Can I really justify being here with my unconditional support of this mega-merger? Ummmm…. Better sit and think on this a while. This has the potential of being a huge disaster. My entire job centers around continuous improvement, cost reduction/avoidance, and outsmarting the union. At times I feel we get a little brain-washed by corporate, rah, rah, Delta and all that. Should I be getting in line for one of those buttons? Does this merger promising financial viability also ensure employees are going to share in those rewards? Perhaps those that are left. Is this merger really good for consumers given it could spawn more consolidation leading to less competition in the market place resulting in higher prices for consumers? Umm….. And are the unions really all bad given they are just providing a little accountability to ensure the executives of these deals and a few key shareholders don't run away with ALL the rewards? What happens if we don't merge? With fuel $$ the way they are, is there a possibility we go back into bankruptcy, liquidate, and then we are all out of a job? Ummm…… I just don’t know about all this. Gotta get some more facts and data.

After a wonderful lunch at "the club" we went over to the Senate committee room. It was absolutely gorgeous. Mahogany wood paneling from the floor to the high vaulted ceiling. Turquoise marble framed the windows and doors. How nice. The discussion was a little more focused and a lot less redundant. We were interrupted by a Senate floor vote that only took 15 minutes but was pretty cool. Overall, my favorite hearing of the day. Delta employees mingled with Northwest employees for a bit and one of our flight attendants told them "Welcome to Delta." I am guessing they were none to thrilled about that comment. But she went on to reassure them what a wonderful place Delta is to work. We will see. After the hearing, it was back to the Metro to catch the train to the airport. What an amazingly fun day. And aside from having a lot of questions and concerns about the future, I do believe that Delta Air Lines is a first class company and a great place to work. I was very proud to be there representing them and met some amazing people from all over Delta that were there with me. I just hope Delta continues in their legacy.

Darryl accused me to hob-nobbing with "most powerful" people, however I reminded him they may be powerful but there are 3 boys are home that are the "most important" people. With that I was so excited to get home and to pack away the suit. I was anxious to see them and see the new tricks. After all the rhetoric on the heavy issues, I was glad to get home and sing…..If your happy and you know it pat your head. Chasey newest trick. You should see him….Word Up.

So people, what do you think….about mega-mergers, unions, competition in the market place, our political/regulatory processes? Any thoughts?