Pilots Union Leaders to Review Agreement

Leaders of the Air Line Pilots Assn. are expected to meet Wednesday to consider an agreement reached with Delta Air Lines that the airline says would help trim costs as the industry continues to struggle through the slump in air travel.

Under the tentative deal reached Friday between the airline and its pilots, Delta pilots can schedule a monthlong leave while receiving partial payment equivalent to 55 hours of flying time, less than they would receive for a full month of work, the airline said.

Atlanta-based Delta, the No. 3 U.S. airline, said the agreement allows it to reduce overall pay and better staff its different aircraft categories.

The deal is subject to approval by the pilots union.

Earlier this year, Delta announced it would lay off 13,000 workers as part of cutbacks. About 11,000 of those have opted for voluntary leave or early retirement programs.

Labor expenses are among an airline’s highest costs and Delta’s pilots became the highest paid in the industry after they reached a new contract deal in May, the airline said.

Reuters