Release #05.DAL4
September 22, 2005

Delta Pilots Respond to Company’s Proposed Cuts

ATLANTA, Ga. -- After contributing five billion dollars in last year’s concessionary agreements between the Air Line Pilots Association, International, and Delta, Delta pilots have expressed widespread dismay that the company’s proposed recovery plan seeks to impose a further massive burden on Delta’s pilots without adequate attention to relief from other sources. On top of last year’s concessions, pilots are being asked for further deeply concessionary cuts in pay, work rules and other benefits, in addition to savings from suspending the company’s required contributions to the pilots’ pension plan.

“This once great airline cannot successfully recover if the central focus of the recovery plan remains on pay and benefit cuts from the employees who made it great. Operational efficiencies and revenue enhancements must be a greater part of the plan,” states. Captain John Malone, chairman of the Delta pilots’ union. He adds, “The Delta pilots are well represented by elected representatives and a team of attorneys, financial advisors, and ALPA professionals who will work doggedly to ensure that the restructuring of Delta is viable and the burden of its recovery is carried equitably. Everyone must step up to the plate. The pilots have made historic contributions and continue to be loyal to Delta. It’s time for management to recognize the employees’ enormous previous contributions and focus real attention on the company’s suppliers, vendors and lessors, as well as efforts to enhance the revenue stream.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA represents 64,000 pilots at 41 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at http://www.alpa.org.

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ALPA Contact: Kelly Collins, (404) 763-4925