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February 2008
Detroit newspaper backed Delta-Northwest merger
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Detroit Free Press today came out in favor of the proposed Delta-Northwest airlines merger.
A proposal to create the world’s largest airline is stalled as pilot’s for both carriers try to figure out how to merge their seniority lists.
Here’s some of what the Free Press had to say in its editorial, which was headlined: “Pilots shouldn’t ground Northwest-Delta merger”:
“The proposed merger of Northwest and Delta airlines makes sense for both, more so than some other corporate marriages. In the uncertain world of commercial aviation, their pilots would be foolish to block it by failing to agree on a combined seniority list.
Northwest and Delta together would become the world’s largest airline. There is virtually no overlap in their service, so no pilots would be laid off and travel options would improve as each airline adds the other’s hubs to its network. But wary of the experience of other airlines that merged and then tried to work out pilot issues afterward, including Northwest and Republic in 1986, Northwest and Delta wisely want their pilots to come to terms first, before the merger goes forward, subject to government approval.
Seniority is a huge issue for pilots, and understandably so. It determines not only pay but also schedules, routes and which equipment the pilots are assigned to fly. Delta has about 9,000 pilots, Northwest 6,000. However, the Northwest pilots, on average, have more years in the air. Whatever union leaders work out has to be approved by their members, who will weigh the seniority terms against the prospect of a pay increase and other benefits from the merger.
If it doesn’t happen, each airline will be on its own to face increased competition, starting with European carriers under the “Open Skies” agreement that takes effect in late March.”
Here’s the link for the full editorial: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080226/OPINION01/802260327
Permalink | Categories: Delta merger
Detroit newspaper backed Delta-Northwest merger
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Detroit Free Press today came out in favor of the proposed Delta-Northwest airlines merger.
A proposal to create the world’s largest airline is stalled as pilot’s for both carriers try to figure out how to merge their seniority lists.
Here’s some of what the Free Press had to say in its editorial, which was headlined: “Pilots shouldn’t ground Northwest-Delta merger”:
“The proposed merger of Northwest and Delta airlines makes sense for both, more so than some other corporate marriages. In the uncertain world of commercial aviation, their pilots would be foolish to block it by failing to agree on a combined seniority list.
Northwest and Delta together would become the world’s largest airline. There is virtually no overlap in their service, so no pilots would be laid off and travel options would improve as each airline adds the other’s hubs to its network. But wary of the experience of other airlines that merged and then tried to work out pilot issues afterward, including Northwest and Republic in 1986, Northwest and Delta wisely want their pilots to come to terms first, before the merger goes forward, subject to government approval.
Seniority is a huge issue for pilots, and understandably so. It determines not only pay but also schedules, routes and which equipment the pilots are assigned to fly. Delta has about 9,000 pilots, Northwest 6,000. However, the Northwest pilots, on average, have more years in the air. Whatever union leaders work out has to be approved by their members, who will weigh the seniority terms against the prospect of a pay increase and other benefits from the merger.
If it doesn’t happen, each airline will be on its own to face increased competition, starting with European carriers under the “Open Skies” agreement that takes effect in late March.”
Here’s the link for the full editorial: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080226/OPINION01/802260327
Permalink | Categories: Delta merger
Delta Merger ready to sign?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported today that a long-anticipated merger between Delta and Northwest Airlines is ready to sign, once pilots get on board.
Reporter Liz Fedor quotes “a source familiar with the negotiations” in her story, which said the merger deal “is set to be unveiled as soon as the pilots from both carriers resolve issues surrounding seniority.”
There is growing speculation the deal could be announced next week, even though Delta and Northwest officials have declined comment about progress.
Fedor’s article said the Northwest pilot’s executive council met Thursday to discuss the merger, the proposed labor contract and the union’s strategy to resolve the seniority conflict. Pilot leaders are expected to continue that meeting today.
Permalink | Categories: Delta merger
