From our union web-stie:
Scoop
Labor Issues
1. Didn’t we just leave the Northwest pilots behind?
Absolutely not. For the last several months, the goal of the Delta MEC was to achieve a comprehensive agreement which would have included a transition agreement, a joint pilot contract and an integrated seniority list. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach an
agreement on seniority list integration with the Northwest MEC, which was a crucial part of the overall package.
Instead, we were able to negotiate Letter 19 which sets a "higher bar" for an eventual joint contract than would have otherwise existed without Letter 19. That is good for
all pilots of the merged corporation. We still are actively encouraging three way talks between Delta and both pilot groups to achieve many of the same goals, including harmonization of our contracts to include these critical improvements.
2. This agreement will allow for a period of time where two different pay rates will exist for the same or similar aircraft for Delta and Northwest pilots. Isn’t that something we would like to avoid?
In both the Western and Pan Am mergers, the acquired pilot groups operated under their old contracts for a period of time. In each case, there was a harmonization schedule established to step each group up to our higher pay rates. Achieving this type of parity will be one of our top priorities as we move toward a joint contract and a SLI. Northwest’s contract specifies that if their carrier is acquired by another carrier, then their PWA remains in full effect for them until the Northwest MEC negotiates changes. We have to respect the independence of the Northwest pilots and their MEC to establish their own strategic plan.
3. Will there be backlash from the Northwest pilots since they were not included in this agreement?
The Delta MEC considers the combined Northwest and Delta pilot groups to be one group now and our every action will reflect that belief. We chose a course of action that we felt provided the most value to ALL Delta pilots including our brothers and sisters from Northwest. We will put the full power of the Delta MEC and the Delta pilots behind our efforts to achieve contract harmonization for Northwest pilots in a short period of time, and make will every effort to achieve a mutually agreeable solution on seniority list integration.
4. Will there be lost jobs in this merger?
Northwest and Delta have very little route overlap and there is little expectation of any major cuts in most markets. The combined carrier will also create the need to "up-gauge" many markets which could result in less DCI flying and more mainline flying.
The Northwest Pacific operation is a tremendous asset, but Northwest cannot adequately capitalize on that asset due to their smaller domestic feed. Many Delta hubs, especially Atlanta, are capable of fully feeding that asset. This will create even more long range international flying opportunities for the combined pilot group. Our improved scope protections will ensure that the pilot groups do not get "whipsawed" against each other, but will share in those opportunities. Furthermore, this agreement provides merger related furlough protection for the 24 months from the Date of Corporate Closing (DCC) and merger related furlough protection during the regulatory review period prior to the