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:

Delta Air Lines pilots have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike, with 99% approval from 96% of the pilot group, amid a protracted labor dispute over a new contract.
Pilots are demanding better compensation and working conditions, citing frustration over their last pay raise in 2019 and questioning Delta's investments in areas like stock buybacks and new ventures (e.g., Joby Aviation) despite recent record revenues.
An immediate strike is prevented by the Railway Labor Act, which requires further federal mediation and a potential "cooling off" period before any strike action can legally commence.

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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.