Delta Pilots to Management: 'We Will Strike If Necessary'

The airline's unionized pilot group, which is part of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), said that 96 percent of the pilot group participated in the vote and that 99 percent voted in favor of strike authorization.

Michael Wildes

Tuesday, November 01, 2022 at 04:21 PM ET

Verified

The airline's unionized pilot group, which is part of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), said that 96 percent of the pilot group participated in the vote, and that 99 percent voted in favor of strike authorization. [Courtesy: Delta Master Executive Council]

Key Takeaways:

Nearly 15,000 Delta Air Lines pilots have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike, following protracted and stalled negotiations for a new, more lucrative contract.
The vote, which had 99% approval, reflects the pilots' frustration over not receiving a pay raise since 2019 and their belief that Delta has misallocated funds.
Pilots specifically question Delta's substantial investments, such as $200 million in eVTOL startup Joby Aviation, while their demands for better working conditions and compensation remain unmet.
Despite the strike authorization, an immediate strike is not possible due to the Railway Labor Act, which mandates a federal mediation process and a "cooling off" period before any labor action can legally occur.

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Amid a protracted labor dispute over a new contract, nearly 15,000 Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) pilots have voted to authorize a strike.

The airline’s unionized pilot group, which is part of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), said that 96 percent of the pilot group participated in the vote, and that 99 percent voted in favor of strike authorization. According to the group, it was the first such vote in 16 years, emerging after negotiations for a more lucrative contract stalled.