Delta proposes plan to cut pilot staffing

Delta Air Lines has proposed to cut pilot staffing by offering incentives for pilot retirements, according to a Delta pilots union memo.

Delta management proposed the retirement incentive program to the Air Line Pilots Association at Delta to address "what management perceives to be a pilot staffing overage," according to the Friday memo. The union discussed the proposal at a meeting in New Orleans on Thursday.

Delta said it is trying to avoid involuntary job cuts resulting from economic conditions and working with the pilots union "to ensure we have any flexibility needed" while cutting flight capacity to adjust to demand.

Under the terms of the proposal, pilots who are eligible would get a severance payment, retiree travel benefits and medical and dental benefits for a limited time. Eligibility would depend on age and length of service.

The union plans to negotiate with the company on the proposal and should they reach an agreement, it would still be subject to approval by the union's leadership. Eligible pilots would then have the option of taking the retirement offer.

Delta pilots were not eligible to participate in the company's buyouts this year and last year, which Delta used to cut about 6,500 employees throughout other parts of the company. Those buyouts included voluntary severance and early retirement programs.