December 28th, 2005
Dear Fellow Pilot,
Today, at 3 p.m. EST, the balloting for the Letter of Agreement #50 interim agreement closed. Eighty-six percent of the Delta pilots returned ballots. Of those, 58%, a majority, voted to ratify Letter of Agreement #50. In accordance with the timeline of Letter 50, here's a summary of what you can expect in the next few months.
The Association and management are now required to commit their resources and representatives to seek a comprehensive agreement. That is the primary goal of Letter 50. During the course of negotiations, both parties are required to seek a consensual comprehensive agreement which includes:
The time limits for reaching a comprehensive agreement are as follows:
While I am hopeful that an agreement can be obtained, a decision by the neutral panel on the question of contract rejection is still a real possibility. Our position on a rejected contract has not changed. We will not work willingly without a contract. Soon after I assumed the duties as the MEC Chairman in October, we began to lay the groundwork for the Strike Preparedness Committee. Those efforts continue as I write this letter. On December 8th, in a unanimous show of unity, the MEC authorized me to issue a strike ballot, leaving the timing of that ballot to my discretion. I'll issue the ballot at a time most beneficial to our strategy, and I am confident that the ballot will pass. We hold to the premise that, in the event our contract is rejected, we have a right to self-help. We will lawfully and vigorously oppose any attempt to interfere with that right.
Regardless of how events play out, we will all have much to accomplish during the next few months. The operational tempo of our efforts will increase dramatically. Your union will call on you to step forward in ways both large and small. When that happens, we will need you to respond. Our unity will be both our sword and our shield. Fraternally,
Captain Lee Moak, Chairman
Delta MEC
Dear Fellow Pilot,
Today, at 3 p.m. EST, the balloting for the Letter of Agreement #50 interim agreement closed. Eighty-six percent of the Delta pilots returned ballots. Of those, 58%, a majority, voted to ratify Letter of Agreement #50. In accordance with the timeline of Letter 50, here's a summary of what you can expect in the next few months.
The Association and management are now required to commit their resources and representatives to seek a comprehensive agreement. That is the primary goal of Letter 50. During the course of negotiations, both parties are required to seek a consensual comprehensive agreement which includes:
- Terms and conditions that would be implemented if the pilot defined benefit pension plan is terminated, and
- Terms regarding profit sharing and the sharing of equity when the Company reorganizes. Equity discussions will acknowledge the Letter 46 concessions.
The time limits for reaching a comprehensive agreement are as follows:
- Tentative agreement by the Negotiating Committees by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on March 1, 2006;
- Ratification by the MEC by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on March 8, 2006; and
- Ratification by the pilots by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on March 22, 2006.
While I am hopeful that an agreement can be obtained, a decision by the neutral panel on the question of contract rejection is still a real possibility. Our position on a rejected contract has not changed. We will not work willingly without a contract. Soon after I assumed the duties as the MEC Chairman in October, we began to lay the groundwork for the Strike Preparedness Committee. Those efforts continue as I write this letter. On December 8th, in a unanimous show of unity, the MEC authorized me to issue a strike ballot, leaving the timing of that ballot to my discretion. I'll issue the ballot at a time most beneficial to our strategy, and I am confident that the ballot will pass. We hold to the premise that, in the event our contract is rejected, we have a right to self-help. We will lawfully and vigorously oppose any attempt to interfere with that right.
Regardless of how events play out, we will all have much to accomplish during the next few months. The operational tempo of our efforts will increase dramatically. Your union will call on you to step forward in ways both large and small. When that happens, we will need you to respond. Our unity will be both our sword and our shield. Fraternally,
Captain Lee Moak, Chairman
Delta MEC
