Delta pilots consider contract changes

Delta pilots begin voting today on changes to their contract sought by airline management. The changes include higher pay and an equity stake in the company, which is merging with Northwest Airlines. In exchange, the pilots would give airline management more flexibility in finalizing details of the combination. Voting runs through May 14th. The measure needs a majority vote for approval.

Permission granted: Delta pilots can picket NWA hubs

Delta Air Lines pilots have received permits to picket at Northwest Airlines hub airports in Minneapolis and Detroit. The move comes as the impasse over a proposed merger of the two airlines’ pilot seniority lists continues. The dispute has stalled a proposed combination of the carriers.

The permits allow Delta’s pilots to picket for two weeks, starting April 10. In the past, Delta’s pilots have received such permits but not engaged in picketing. Northwest’s pilots union says it will consider picketing Delta’s hub airports.

According to the Associated Press, executives with Delta and Northwest are trying to determine whether to proceed with a merger, in spite of the ongoing dispute between the two airlines’ pilots groups.

Delta pilots pass on arbitration

Delta Air Lines’ pilots rejected Wednesday the possibility of entering into binding arbitration with Northwest Airlines’ pilots over issues related to a potential merger of the two carriers. The two airlines’ pilots groups had reached an impasse in talks over integration of seniority lists for a combined company. In a memo, Delta pilot union leader Lee Moak suggests arbitration would not be beneficial for his pilots and that talks between the two sides are over. Atlanta-based Delta had been in talks with Minneapolis-based Northwest about a possible merger, but that prospect waned in recent weeks because of unresolved issues between the airlines’ pilots.

Delta-Northwest deal grounded, for now

An expected merger announcement by Atlanta-based Delta Airlines and Minneapolis-based Northwest Airlines has been postponed. The boards of both airlines have put off a vote on the combination while they continue negotiations with the airlines’ pilots unions. At issue is the integration of both airlines’ pilot seniority lists, which determine pay and scheduling. While a labor agreement is not necessary for a merger to occur, both sides see a deal as important to ensuring a smooth transition to one airline in the future.

Delta pilots brace for potential merger

Leaders of Delta Air Lines’ pilots union say the potential for a merger between Delta and another U.S. carrier is high. Lee Moak, Chairman of the Air Line Pilots Association, says soaring fuel prices, a weak Delta stock price and “rhetoric” by business groups over the past few months are undeniable indicators that a merger may be imminent. The union plans to prepare for a consolidation when it meets in Atlanta this week. Delta has declined to comment on the union’s speculation. Last fall, Delta executives formed a committee to consider strategic options, including a possible merger.