Mergers are terrible things for all employee groups to go through. There would be reductions. The only winners are the largest share holders and upper management with golden parachutes. The Delta MEC has fired a warning salvo to let management know the "deal" won't happen without their approval. While it sounds good, a merger with another solvent carrier will be contentious, lengthy, and will more than likely boil down to a judge and an arbitrator.........and the age old question........will the senior guys sell out the junior guys. (Those that have survived a merger or two will understand).
The comment about LUV and ATL is the implication that DAL would have to divest a little to satisfy the DOJ. A few gates in ATL would do it......and you know the rest of the story. Buckle up!