DELTA'S DILEMMA

DELTA MANAGEMENT FACES MONUMENTAL TASK
THE IRONY OF A CHANGED ELECTION PROCESS

Just a few short months ago Delta management was on the precipice of successfully talking the National Mediation Board into changing a long held union election process into a format that virtually assured them of endless and perennial union election victories. They had lobbied and somehow talked the previous board into changing the vote tabulation process that was already stacked heavily in their favor, to a 'super majority' status, thus ensuring no union victory.

Fast track to today and the board under different political realities, has taken the initial step to end the un-democratic and un-American practice of allowing transportation companies to have all of their votes a lock and have submitted a change of rules to a much more democratic process. My how quickly the landscape can change! When the comment period ends in early January and the board reviews the pleadings and salutations from all involved and concerned, union supporters are hopeful that the rule change will stand and elections eventually held.

We look forward to competing on a level and fair playing field and feel comfortable about our chances even with the continued interference with our right to organize by management trained supervisors and union busters.

We think we know Delta's next moves and are happy with the potential upside our employees might enjoy from them. Look for a modest raise or two for most in the next month or two because they now must reach out to those they took for granted all these many years.

The votes they already had banked are no longer a lock and now they have to campaign like the rest of us who want representation. It's exciting times again for our younger employees who quite frankly have been ignored by Delta management. There was really no reason, especially in a foul economy, where many are competing for any available job, to give them anything at all. Now they have to; actually they are forced to act.

Here come the goodies! How else can Delta motivate individuals who rarely vote in general elections, to vote in an obscure union election that, in their minds, would have had little impact on their lives? This is an ironic reversal of fortune and changes the entire dynamic going forward.

All employees, but especially newer employees have almost over night, become powerful and necessary. This should translate into money almost immediately and all should find a union supporter or organizer and give him or her a hug! There's no doubt that your future good fortune is almost entirely because of their hard work.

There is still much to do and we encourage all to continue to renew authorization cards; they are only good for 12 months. Keep up the pressure and continue to work hard for our customers and our future. Victory is near and the winds of change and permanency are blowing friendly.