MEC Special Meeting & Negotiations Update

The Delta MEC held a special meeting May 19-20 at the Westin Hotel in Atlanta. The special meeting was to ensure that the direction we have given the Negotiating Committee is clear. For whatever reason, the committee seems to resist any significant amount of redirection away from the paths that they deem appropriate, and we continue to struggle to keep the MEC’s direction in line with your goals and expectations—a major part of the process. To date, the majority of the MEC has worked extremely hard to ensure we arrive at an acceptable agreement and not a rushed mediocre deal.



While the meeting was productive, we are beginning to see a conflict between the process (mentioned above), the record pace of negotiations, and parochial (third rail) issues the line pilots advised us to avoid. As we stated in last update, “Certainly we are ready, willing, and able to work with management to address areas of mutual concern; however, we don’t need to rush, and they should not over-reach.” At this juncture we are seeing more over-reaching from the company and less addressing of our pilots’ issues.



To date, the MEC has not been briefed on pay rates and many of the variables of the PWA that may affect our pay, i.e., PS, vacation, etc.



We remain hopeful that this agreement will be a “wow” moment for all pilots at Delta Air Lines. Through the feedback we have received from polling, surveys, phone calls, e-mails, lounge visits, council meetings, and personal interactions, it is very clear what the pilots of C1 are expecting from these negotiations. These expectations have only been enhanced by the company’s announced large stock buyback program as part of its capital deployment strategy, a plan that was made possible, in part, by the pilots’ past sacrifices. Early openers and an early contract are great, but the final product and our ability to meet your expectations continue to be paramount.



This is the best negotiating environment in a generation, and we should expect commensurate improvement in work rules and pay. We should not squander this opportunity and accept just any deal simply because the company wants a fast deal. If the proper deal is not attainable, the MEC should collectively be ready and willing to “Go Around/TOGA” if the deal does not reflect the pilot’s directives.



Rest assured that we will continue to fight on your behalf as we follow your direction. Please continue to send us your feedback; your input is paramount to our strategy moving forward.



We have scheduled our next Council 1 meeting to provide you an update in person as to where we are. Please make every effort to attend.