Concession talks stall; Delta pilots, mgt. have philosophical differences

[DemoTex]

July 24, 2003--Although negotiations between management and Air Line Pilots Association negotiators broke down, Delta's pilot union said yesterday that it would be willing to resume talks if the carrier and union reconciled "philosophical differences" in three areas.

Atlanta-based Delta, which has the highest pilot hourly wages in the industry, wants pilots to take an immediate pay cut, give back a raise pilots received on May 1, and agree to other pay and work-rule-related changes to save the airline money. Then, the carrier wants to enter into full-blown negotiations on the full collective bargaining agreement next fall. The union, on the other hand, is not convinced that Delta's pilot costs need to be in line with its rivals in order to stem losses and return to profitability.

"Delta pilots understand that our company has a long-term debt problem," Mike Pinho, an ALPA spokesman, told pilots in a recorded union message. "The MEC believes there is a 'Delta solution' to this 'Delta problem.' The MEC does not believe that our pilot cost must be aligned with the pilot costs at restructured airlines for our company to be profitable." (More)

http://www.fltops.com/FT021209.html

Finally, an ALPA MEC with balls. They might take concessions, but they are fighting the crazy stuff. Hang on tight to that pension!