Despite reports that Delta Air Lines Inc. and Northwest Airlines Corp. could push ahead with their much-discussed deal without the blessing of their pilots, the employee groups still appear to be focusing their energy on a civil war between pilots rather than lashing out at management. And that is good news for advocates of a merger between the airlines.
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Pilots at Delta have been granted permits to picket Northwest hubs in Detroit and Minneapolis, according to a memo the Northwest union sent to membership. The picketing follows a breakdown in talks between the two pilot groups on how to handle integration issues should their employers merge.
A source close to the union said Wednesday that the decision to picket follows frustration among some Delta pilots that their counterparts at Northwest had attempted to negotiate in the press. Northwest pilot leaders last month sent a memo to membership released to the media indicating that they would be willing to support "expedited arbitration," a solution Delta pilots had already rejected in private negotiations because they believe it would leave their membership in a weak position at the combined carrier.
The pilots might soon have a common foe, as their employers appear to be moving closer to an integration deal without them. Delta's board has given management the go ahead to continue pursuing a deal with Northwest, according to sources, and the Atlanta-based airline appears ready to take matters into its own hand.
Delta and its pilots are reportedly in talks about a new contract that would go into effect if the merger is consummated. Delta, according to The Wall Street Journal, is seeking to drop certain restrictions in the current agreement that could hinder operations prior to the pilots agreeing to a combined deal. The airline is offering the pilots contract sweeteners that would not be offered to Northwest aviators.
While the story offers few details about the provisions Delta would like to see dropped, the talks could center on clauses in the pilot contract that, according to sources, would force the airline to combine operations immediately in a deal instead of operating two airlines independently for a time under a common holding company. The provisions could also concern what flying Delta is allowed to outsource to third parties under the Delta brand.
Though it is difficult to predict whether Delta and its pilots can reach a deal and allow the airline to move forward, for now it appears Delta's pilots are not planning any demonstrations against management like the ones contemplated against Northwest pilots. And that is good news for merger proponents. - Lou Whiteman
See AP story on Delta pilots winning a permit to picket Northwest
See Wall Street Journal story on Delta's talks with its pilots
