Delta, Pilots, Break Off Talks

Delta Airlines and its pilots are no longer talking. Negotiations over pilot wage concessions broke down on Wednesday, with pilots claiming the failure to communicate was due to "philosophical differences." ALPA spokesman Mike Pinho said in a written statement that talks won't resume until Delta has a change of heart.

“While there are significant differences in our philosophical perspectives on pilot involvement, your negotiating committee is prepared to engage in future negotiations,” Pinho wrote. “This will occur when Delta management agrees to adopt the aforementioned philosophical imperatives.”

Double Whammy Negotiations?

Pinho said, what Delta wants is a big concession from pilots now, followed by another round of negotiations in about a year. ALPA wants the current contract extended as part of any negotiation with Delta.

Delta wants pilots to take an immediate pay cut of around 22 percent. That's on top of rescinding a 4.5 percent raise pilots received last year.

Several other airlines, including American, have won concessions from labor unions just to stay alive. , “Delta’s disappointed that ALPA leadership’s current approach to negotiations doesn't address the company’s pressing cost issues. We are hopeful that both parties will find common ground to continue the negotiations.”

Delta last year reported a $1.3 billion loss.

Pinho said the union “will continue to closely monitor the status of our industry. We stand ready to engage management when they appreciate the considerable value of pilot participation in the financial recovery of our airline.”

FMI: www.delta.com, www.alpa.org