Friday, June 22, 2001

Delta pilots OK contract

The Delta pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, have ratified a new five-year contract that includes pay raises ranging from 24 to 39 percent, and work rule and benefit improvements.

Of those pilots eligible to vote, 97.18 percent cast a ballot, and of those, 70.3 percent voted in favor of the agreement.

Pay rates in the contract are retroactive to the working agreement's amendable date of May 2, 2000.

Most work rule changes will take effect July 1, 2001, with others being phased in over a period of time.

"The significant improvements contained in this contract are a direct result of the Delta pilots' unity and resolve during the 18-month negotiating process," said Capt. Charles S. Giambusso, chairman of the Delta Master Executive Council, a unit of ALPA.

"This agreement proves once again the collective bargaining process works for working families," he said.

"We are confident that, where applicable, the significant improvements of this contract will carry over to all Delta employees," Giambusso added. "Further, this contract illustrates the benefits of contractual protections, which offer job security protections and improvements to quality of life for employees."

The new contract will become amendable May 1, 2005, and contains $2.4 billion in improvements.

"The successful conclusion to these negotiations reaffirms that collective bargaining can work if both parties are committed to resolving issues through this time-proven process," said Giambusso.

Back to South Fulton News Home Page | Back to the top of the page