Release #: DALMEC 16-01
March 31, 2016

Delta Pilots Union Files for Mediation

ATLANTA, GA — Today, the Delta Master Executive Council (MEC), represented by the Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA), jointly with Delta Air Lines, filed for mediation with the National Mediation Board. Consistent with the Railway Labor Act, the Delta Pilot Working Agreement requires that both parties file for mediation if no agreement has been reached by March 31. The National Mediation Board will assume control of the process and a federal mediator will take control of the calendar and oversee negotiations.

Since the December 31, 2015 amendable date, progress has been slow. However, ALPA and Delta signed a protocol agreement in March intended to set a steady pace for negotiations. Both parties have committed to continue meeting on a regular basis, even without the presence of the mediator.

"We are prepared to meet our goal of delivering an agreement, one that you will strongly ratify, by this summer," stated Captain Malone, Delta MEC chairman, in his March 31 letter to the pilots.

On December 22, ALPA delivered a "market-based," re-engagement proposal to Delta. In a remarkable post-bankruptcy recovery, the company has achieved record profits over the last few years. In February, Delta earned an investment-grade credit rating from Moody's due to the company's strong balance sheet and profitability forecast. Delta's pilot compensation, however, has yet to fully recover from bankruptcy era pay cuts and the loss of retirement benefits.

Captain John Malone stated in a March 20 letter to the pilots, "The market for pilots is rising, and delay will only cost Delta more. As we are saying to the investment community, ‘We are investment grade,’ and have earned an investment grade contract."

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 52,000 pilots at 31 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit www.alpa.org and the Delta MEC website at https://dal.alpa.org. 

CONTACT: DAL ALPA, Kelly Regus, 404-763-4925 office or kelly.regus@alpa.org

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