CINCINNATI, Dec. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The pilots of Comair, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), will conduct informational picketing at the Cincinnati Airport. Comair operates under the "Delta Connection" livery and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, Inc. (Other OTC: DALRQ).
Why:
The Comair pilots are picketing to demonstrate their unity and resolve and to send a clear message to Comair and Delta managements that the pilots will not tolerate company-imposed pay and working conditions. The pilots are frustrated that management is over reaching in its attempt to bypass 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: Wednesday, December 13, 2006 10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m., EST Where:
Cincinnati /Northern Kentucky International Airport, Terminal 3, ground level (east side of the baggage claim area)
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. The Comair pilots have been flexible throughout these talks, offering numerous proposals that offer substantial contract relief.
During recent bankruptcy proceedings, Delta management and company documents revealed that Comair is projected to earn at least $50 million in profits for 2006. The pilots are willing to discuss with their management what it will take for Comair and Delta to emerge from bankruptcy. Unfortunately, Comair management appears to prefer to litigate in bankruptcy court rather than seriously negotiate with its pilots.
It should be noted that the Comair pilots have authorized their union leadership to declare a strike if the court approves the 1113 motion, management imposes terms of employment, and the pilot leadership deems the time and circumstances appropriate.
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/.
