Delta pilots picketing Thursday at SLC airport

Delta pilots picketing outside of LAX in late March. Photo: Delta Air Lines Pilots

SALT LAKE CITY — Delta Air Lines pilots are planning to picket outside the Terminal 1 departure area at Salt Lake City International Airport on Thursday.

The demonstration is planned to run from 10 am to noon.

The Air Line Pilots Association, Intl., (ALPA), which is the union representing the pilots, said: “Delta is trying to operate more flights with fewer pilots, leaving no wiggle room for weather delays and operational strains.

“We want management to come to the table to discuss our scheduling concerns. We are spending more time away from home than ever to ensure that we can operate a reliable schedule for Delta customers. Delta passengers and Delta pilots deserve better.”

Earlier this month, hundreds of Delta pilots demonstrated outside of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, with signs that said “If I look tired, it’s because I am.”

From the union’s website, under ‘What Delta Customers Need to Know’:

• Delta pilots put the safety of their passengers and fellow crewmember first.  Safety will never be compromised.
• Delta leads the industry in operational performance thanks in large part to the pilots’ willingness to fly on days off to ensure Delta can fly its schedule
• Not every day is a “blue skies” day. Delta must schedule its flights so it can continue to offer reliable service when there are scheduling disruptions, such as weather.

More protests are scheduled later this month in Detroit, Seattle, and Minneapolis.