CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Hundreds of off-duty Delta Air Lines pilots are protesting at the airport. Pilots picketed at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta and cities like Detroit, Los Angeles and Seattle.
Delta passengers saw a silent informational picket by off-duty pilots on Thursday.
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“They want a better standard of living for them and their families, which just makes sense,” said Delta customer Richard Morris.
Morris is heading to Florida and agrees with the pilots. “I can fully appreciate their stance on that,” he said.
Captain Jason Ambrosi with Delta Air Lines told Channel 2′s Larry Spruill that it’s been over six years since they received a new contract from Delta.
“The pilots here today, over 400 strong in Atlanta, over 1,200 strong nationwide are standing shoulder to shoulder to demonstrate our solidarity to the company that it’s time.”
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Ambrosi also said, “It’s been extremely frustrating. Our pilots continually to step up, day in and day out, to get our passengers safely to their destinations. The cumulative effects of these fatiguing schedules are adding up.
Now they’re demanding Delta listen up. Many Delta passengers supported them.
The airline released the following statement regarding the protest:
“Our goal remains to continue providing Delta pilots with an industry-leading overall contract with the best compensation based on pay, retirement, work rules, and profit-sharing.”
Many are wondering about their travel arrangements this summer.
“I expect to come to the airport, and to get a safe, comfortable flight by professionals,” said Morris.
Morris said safety is the least of his worries, but he does have some hesitations on flight delays or cancellations.
“I certainly, do support their stance, for better working conditions which translates into better service and a safer environment for all involved,” he said.
Ambrosi said they are now speaking up but also don’t want the customers to face the consequences.
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“When it’s related to staffing, only schedule the amount of flights for the amount of people you have to fly them,” he said.
Delta addressed summer travel cancellations through a statement saying:
“Delta teams continue to safely manage through compounding factors affecting our operation, including higher-than-planned unscheduled absences in some of our work groups, weather and air traffic control constraints. Canceling a flight is always our last resort, and we sincerely apologize to our customers.”
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