Happy Labor Day! 

As we demonstrated just a few days ago at our September 1 nationwide picket, the Delta pilots are more unified than ever as we fight for an industry-leading contract. Almost 1,500 of you were out on a picket line to tell management in no uncertain terms that it’s time to bring Section 6 negotiations to a close with the contract that we have earned. Airline pilots stood shoulder-to-shoulder at airports across the country in an unprecedented show of solidarity to send a message to airlines that it’s time to fix their operations and invest in workers.

On Labor Day, we remember and honor the workers who stood in solidarity and fought to end harsh and deadly working conditions. It is important we recognize the sacrifice those early workers made to ensure the generations of workers that came after would have a better life. Click here to view a video we developed to recognize this Labor Day.

Today, the union movement is alive and well – not just at ALPA but across various industries as we emerge from the pandemic. Nationwide, workers in industries large and small are fighting hard for collectively bargained, legally binding contracts with competitive wages, safe and healthy working conditions, and affordable benefits. We welcome these unionists to our ranks.

Here at Delta, your elected union representatives have unanimously endorsed the Association of Flight Attendants’ (AFA) efforts to organize Delta flight attendants, many of whom also joined our pickets. We all know that management often bestows our hard-earned contractual gains on other employees as part of its strategy to prevent unionization of other work groups. Profit Sharing is a clear example of Delta pilots leading the way by negotiating benefits that other Delta employee groups enjoy today. We also know that of all the major carriers, Delta is the only one with a largely non-union workforce, with the exception of the pilots and dispatchers, who are represented by the Professional Airline Flight Control Association (PAFCA).

For decades, airline managements have often tried to pit work groups against each other, especially during contract negotiations, but the pandemic has turned the tide. The traveling public knows that airline employees have been on the frontline during COVID, providing transportation to millions of passengers. We did so proudly -- and not without risk to ourselves and our families. Passengers have also felt the pain of airlines’ chaotic scheduling practices as demand returned.

We are at a unique time in our history as Delta pilots. The labor movement is strong, our customers support us, and we have management and the media’s attention. Our picket signs carried the message loud and clear: Ready to Strike and Labor Risk Back on the Table.

As summer draws to a close and we approach the holiday travel season, it’s past time for management to get serious at the bargaining table and make proposals that meaningfully address the priorities of the Delta pilots. Be prepared for the pace of MEC communications to increase as we continue preparations for all outcomes permitted under the Railway Labor Act. Unless something dramatically changes at the bargaining table, expect the MEC to call for a Strike Authorization Ballot in the near future. Stay engaged and continue union participation at levels not previously seen at Delta. Your continued visible solidarity and engagement provides the Negotiating Committee with the ultimate leverage.

On this Labor Day, I’m confident that our best days are ahead of us.