MEC Unity Statement: Contract Amendable Date

Statement of Unity:
Contract Amendable Date

December 31, 2019

Fellow Delta Pilots,

At midnight we will reach the amendable date of our contract, a milestone that will pass without a new agreement in place. Nearly nine months have passed since ALPA and the Company exchanged openers for Contract 2019. In honoring the bottom-up philosophy of our union, our comprehensive opener focused on the “Four Pillars” of our contract: scope, compensation, retirement/insurance, and quality of life. Through extensive surveys, polling and direct input to your elected representatives, the Delta pilots’ collective voice made it clear that you expect significant gains in all of these areas. We’ve heard you, and we’re determined to secure the right contract rather than one based on arbitrary time pressures.

We should all be proud of our collective efforts that have contributed to the tremendous success of Delta Air Lines. The Delta pilots have led the way as our Company has repeatedly registered remarkable profitability on a sustained basis. Delta is poised to announce its fifth consecutive year of generating profits north of $5 billion and continues to dominate the industry in nearly every financial and operational metric.

Our Pilot Working Agreement should reflect that industry-leading performance, and no longer lag our peers on issues like retirement, vacation, health insurance benefits, and deadhead seating. We are committed to bringing you an agreement that eliminates bankruptcy-era remnants that are completely out of place in the present environment. This agreement must recognize your sacrifices as well as your contributions to our collective success going forward. Delta has proven a willingness to invest billions in foreign airlines and stock buybacks, and now is the time for Delta to invest in the pilots who make the “Delta Difference” happen. Management will not be rewarded by efforts to prolong this negotiation. Consistent with our opener, a pre-requisite to any agreement will be retroactive pay to the amendable date.

As our efforts in collective bargaining continue, understand that our strength in this endeavor depends on the solidarity and resolve of our membership. It is time to stand shoulder to shoulder, in unity and with unwavering resolve, as we work to secure the contract we have earned. Be prepared to invest your time and effort into achieving this working agreement, and ensure your family is prepared for any eventuality. This is our contract, our families’ futures, and our airline.

The Delta Master Executive Council reaffirms its unanimous endorsement and support of our Negotiating Committee as they continue their work to secure a new Pilot Working Agreement the Delta pilots will be proud of.

In Unity,

Delta Master Executive Council

Capt Ryan Schnitzler