Dear Fellow Pilot:
A week ago, we voted to authorize a strike and sent a clear and undeniable message to management that we are beyond frustrated at the pace of negotiations and are ready to go the distance to achieve the contract we have earned. There should be no doubt about our resolve: the entire seniority list has spoken loud and clear. Management must get serious at the table and stop presenting us with lackluster, insulting proposals that come nowhere close to acknowledging our hard work and contributions to Delta’s success. Your Negotiating Committee is at the table this week – the first session since we announced the results of the strike ballot. We will soon learn whether management finally got the message and offers serious proposals to close out these negotiations.
The Traveling Public is Watching
Your solidarity continues to attract nationwide media attention. The traveling public is paying close attention to the airline industry as the holiday season approaches. Labor unrest making headlines on network newscasts and running on the front pages of newspapers could not come at a worse time for management.
This morning, Delta CEO Ed Bastian was on the Today Show to discuss the holiday travel season. While Mr. Bastian stated that Delta pilots will see an industry-leading contract “soon,” we’ve been waiting for years. If we are as close to a deal as Mr. Bastian believes, it is imperative that management present realistic proposals at the table this week. Actions at the negotiating table speak louder than words.
Additionally, Mr. Bastian mentioned that there was no legal way for Delta pilots to go on strike and that our strike authorization ballot was merely a “tactic” used by all pilot unions. Just so there is no confusion, the law absolutely allows for self-help when released by the National Mediation Board. We are committed to exercising our legal rights under the Railway Labor Act (RLA), up to and including a strike if necessary, to achieve an industry-leading agreement. The traveling public is watching and should be wary of blanket assurances from airline executives.
Industry-Leading Airline = Industry-Leading Pilot Contract
Pilot unions at American and United have shown their managements – through agreements decisively rejected – that they will not be undervalued. On the other hand, we have witnessed massive pay increases and bonuses at several regional airlines including Delta’s wholly-owned carrier, Endeavor. As Delta posts record quarterly revenue, management has the opportunity to offer proposals that respect our unique skill sets and contributions to Delta’s successful recovery and top ranking among its peers.
The Company prides itself on being at the top of the industry. The trophy case plastered by aircraft boarding doors shows that “best of” awards matter to management. The Delta pilots expect nothing less than a “best of” pilot contract that addresses our four pillars of pay, scope, quality of life, and retirement & insurance.
The End Game
With the strike ballot approved, the steps in the RLA will play out based on what occurs during the next few weeks. The ball is now clearly in management's court. Either progress is made at the table and we ink the industry-leading contract we have earned, or we receive more empty corporate platitudes and take the next steps to ensure our voice is heard and our unity is acknowledged.
What Can You Expect Going Forward?
Should management underestimate the solidarity of 15,000 pilots, we are prepared to visibly show our resolve throughout the holiday season in a manner consistent with the law. We know the traveling public is paying attention. Clearly, management is, too.
Look for an update from the Negotiating Committee soon. Stay prepared and stay engaged. Your approval of the strike ballot has given the Negotiating Committee critical leverage.
In unity,