NEW YORK, Nov. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The pilots of Comair, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), will conduct informational picketing at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York. Comair operates under the "Delta Connection" livery and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, Inc. (Other OTC: DALRQ).
Why:
The pilots are picketing to demonstrate their frustration with management's efforts to sidestep the negotiating process by filing an 1113(c) motion with the bankruptcy court. If approved, this motion could repudiate and breach the pilots' labor contract and allow Comair management to unilaterally impose terms of employment.
When: Monday, November 27, 2006 8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m., EST
Where: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, One Bowling Green (and Broadway), Alexander Hamilton Custom House, New York, NY (Lower Manhattan)
Background:
In 2005, the Comair pilots agreed to concessions to help their airline better manage its finances. Later that year, Comair and parent company Delta filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In more recent contract talks, Comair management has taken an unreasonable position concerning the level of additional concessions the pilots must provide. The pilots want Comair to demonstrate that the concessions sought are necessary for the company's recovery, and not simply a means of applying pressure to other Delta Connection pilot groups to lower their compensation and work rules. In contrast, the pilots have been flexible, submitting numerous proposals that offer substantial contract relief. Finally, the Comair pilots would like something in exchange for this sacrifice, such as job security and wage snap- back provisions in later years, especially since the airline has already returned to profitability. Unfortunately, Comair management appears to prefer to litigate in bankruptcy court rather than seriously negotiate with its pilots.
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world's largest pilot union, representing more than 60,000 pilots at 39 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at http://www.alpa.org/.
