Pilots finalize strike stance
Union chief can call for walkout after April 17
By RUSSELL GRANTHAM, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/06/06

The leader of Delta Air Lines' pilots union can call a strike anytime after April 17, the union's executive council decided Wednesday.

During a meeting of Air Line Pilots Association officials in Washington, council members granted Chairman Lee Moak authority to call a strike after that date and "and in a manner determined at his sole discretion," according to a message to all pilots.

The council's move was the last procedural step needed to allow Moak to call a strike, but it does not mean a walkout will happen.

Talks toward a settlement of the contract dispute continue, and a Delta spokesman said the airline remains committed to getting a deal.

Moak had said Tuesday that a walkout could begin immediately if an arbitration panel rules the airline can impose more than $300 million in annual concessions it says are critical to its Chapter 11 restructuring bid. The union is offering a smaller package, and the two sides submitted the matter to the panel last month.

The panel, which has urged the sides to work out a deal rather than wait for its ruling, is due to issue a decision by April 15. By making April 18 the first possible strike day, the union council might be adding a last-ditch negotiating buffer. Delta contends a strike would be illegal, and it might try to block one in court.

Earlier this week, the union said rank-and-file pilots voted overwhelmingly to give leaders strike authority — a common union move to gain leverage and pressure the company.