I disagree with the requirement because it sets a bad precedent allowing management to impose work that was originally something Delta pilots would do if they felt it was needed.

The big issue here isn't inconvenience or personal disagreement with the policy. It's the principal of the matter. We get edicts every week on the manner and method of how we're to do our jobs which is to safely fly aircraft and transport passengers across the globe. We comply with the PWA, LOAs, bulletins, etc. relating to safety, FAA requirements, and efficient use of the company's resources. This PA policy does not relate to those responsibilities and duties. Furthermore, it's not a request. The terminology used is "will." As in, the "Captain (or FO if Captain desires) will make initial PA to passengers" in the gate area if there is a known delay in boarding before boarding begins.

The resolution shouldn't be "Don't do it if you don't feel like it" or some attempt to lawyer your way out of it via a physiological needs excuse. The right way to address this over-reach by management is to address it directly in a responsible manner by the organization that takes our money to represent us in regard to our work rules.

I say this not due to a fear that this opens the door for more action of this kind, yet I do see how one could make that case. For example, what's the difference between this and RA wanting to "leverage" a Delta pilot in uniform in some other manner? How about a mandate that pilots push wheelchair bound pax to their next gate when they have the time and Airserve folks are no where to be seen? Yes, we've done it before because we wanted to, but what if it were policy?