Thu, Mar 06, 2008
And If Unnamed Sources Say It, It MUST Be True!
What once was off, may
be back on again soon. Pilot union leaders for Delta Air Lines and
Northwest Airlines reportedly met quietly Wednesday, to discuss the
possibility of reopening talks on integrating seniority lists
should the carriers merge operations.
Citing three unidentified sources (yes, here we go again --
Ed.) The Associated Press reports the
meetings included leaders of the respective chapters of the Air
Line Pilots Association, but not their negotiating teams. The
meeting in Washington, DC marked the first time either side sat
down at the bargaining table since February 21.
As ANN reported, merger talks
between Delta and Northwest reportedly stalled over the
failure of pilots to come to even a tentative agreement over the
thorny issue of merging the seniority lists at both carriers. Such
an agreement is a significant sticking point, as both sides want to
avoid issues down the road.
Delta stresses it will only consider merging with Northwest --
or any other airline, for that matter -- of the seniority of their
employees is protected. Northwest executives have also called for
seniority issues to be ironed out before formally agreeing to a
merger.
Meanwhile, Delta, in particular, continues to take a hard line
in maintaining the airline would continue to survive as an
independent carrier if talks with Northwest fall apart, adding it
isn't necessarily interested in pursuing a backup deal with another
carrier.
In comments last week, Delta President and CFO Ed Bastian
reiterated his airline expects solid growth for the year, and it
has "a great standalone plan."
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