Delta Pilots’ Council OKs Tentative Contract

Delta Air Lines Inc. pilots’ top union council approved a tentative contract and said it will send the agreement to its 10,000 Delta pilot members for a vote scheduled to conclude June 20. The 18-4 vote in favor of the agreement reached April 22 avoids the immediate threat of a strike at the third-largest U.S. carrier. The council meeting in Atlanta lasted longer than expected, with pilots raising questions about the terms. The voting process begins May 22. If a majority of the pilots vote against the contract, the Atlanta-based carrier and the union would have a week to reach an agreement before a possible strike. The four-year contract would make Delta’s pilots the industry’s best paid. Delta pilots would get a pay increase of 24% to 39% by the end of its term in May 2005. The union was unable to win terms to dismantle a second pay scale for pilots at the Delta Express low-fare unit, who will receive a 63% pay raise. Delta shares fell $1.10 to close at $44.90 on the NYSE.