The voting closed with 82.17 percent of eligible Delta pilots casting a ballot. Of those, 61.74 percent voted “in favor” of the new agreement. The Northwest pilots ratified the same agreement with 80.87 percent of eligible Northwest pilots casting a ballot with 86.76 percent voting “in favor” of the agreement. With ratification by both pilot groups, the JCBA will become effective when the merger between Delta and Northwest closes which could occur before year’s end. Delta MEC Chairman, Captain Lee Moak, stated, “The ratification of the Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement represents the culmination of many months of effort by everyone involved. This historic milestone marks the first time that a labor agreement has been reached in advance of the close of an airline merger. It is far superior to the traditional well-worn labor role in that all pilots will receive financial returns from day one for the value we provide to the merger. We look forward to participating in Delta’s future growth and success as our nation’s first truly global airline.”
Delta/Northwest Union Deal
Delta CEO Richard Anderson issued the following statement in response:
“Approval of a joint contract that will cover both pilot groups immediately upon closing of the merger is an historic milestone in creating the world’s premier global airline and we are pleased that pilots from both airlines chose to take this important step to unify the pilot group. Today’s ratification is a testament to the diligent efforts of ALPA’s leadership working together with its members, Delta and Northwest.”