Delta Avoids Pilots Strike in Last-Minute Agreement

April 14, 2006

Delta Avoids Pilots Strike in Last-Minute Agreement
April 14, 2006 – Delta Airlines has signed a tentative agreement with the Air Line Pilots Association on Friday after prolonged contract negotiations. The last-minute agreement avoids a strike at the nation’s third largest carrier.

An arbitration panel had until Saturday to reach a decision on Delta’s request to throw out its pilot contract so it could impose up to $325 million in annual pay and benefit cuts. That decision is now on hold with the tentative agreement, but it could resurface if the rank-and-file pilots reject the agreement.

"I’m very pleased the parties have reached a tentative agreement," the panel chairman, Richard Bloch, told The Associated Press.

Delta’s chief financial officer, Ed Bastian said in a statement, "We have worked hard together as a team to forge an agreement that is good for Delta and all of its constituents," said.

Bastian further added, "Delta passengers can continue to book on Delta with confidence. There has been no disruption to our service. Our pilots are performing professionally, flying as scheduled, and together with all Delta employees, are taking good care of our customers."

For more information, visit http://www.delta.com/.