Chairmans Letter: Contract Amendable Date

Additionally, management has not offered the stated value to date. So far, the Company has agreed to only less than a 1% increase in additional annual costs toward the value of a new PWA. Delta, a darling of Wall Street, is planning to generate $4 billion a year in free cash flow. Therefore, not only am I confident in Delta’s ability to afford the industry-leading contract that we seek, but I am also dismayed at the lack of value agreed to over the last nine months of negotiating.  

We hear all the time that we, the Delta pilots, are the Delta Difference and that our engagement with customers moves the needle on Net Promoter Scores (NPS). A recent QCQ module explained the importance of creating “raving fans” and the integral role that we, as Delta pilots, play. The fact is we are “the most iconic element” of Delta’s brand. We help create the revenue premium that Delta enjoys – and we do it every day and on every flight. Our unrelenting focus on safety, operational reliability and customer service put Delta at the top of the industry. While it’s nice to hear these platitudes from leaders company-wide, we need to see this sentiment reflected in meaningful proposals at the negotiating table.

So, with the amendable date in the rearview mirror, here’s what you can expect from us:

• Frequent communications about the status of negotiations.
• Information that is easy to digest about the more complex topics in our negotiations presented in new media such as short videos and infographics.
• More frequent telephone polling to ensure we are keeping updated on your priorities and sentiments.
• Opportunities to show your unity to management; now is the time to stand shoulder-to -shoulder in solidarity. In the coming weeks, our first opportunity comes when you will receive a new lanyard from the Delta MEC.

Here’s what we need from you.

• Share your feedback with your elected reps. 
• Attend local council meetings and other events where you can interact with union leaders, committee members and volunteers.
• Show your solidarity to your fellow pilots and management. Wear your ALPA pin and new ALPA lanyard when you receive it. If you need a new pin or lanyard, call 1(800) USA-ALPA to receive one.
• Read what we distribute. We need you to be informed and to help dissuade misinformation that is typical of contract negotiations.

While we have passed a significant milestone, the resolve of the MEC has only strengthened. We will reach a deal when it is the right deal as defined by you, the Delta Pilots. Under the Railway Labor Act, both sides must maintain the status quo until we reach a deal. We will not rush to get a quick agreement just for the sake of getting an agreement.

In unity,