(ATLANTA, Ga) — Delta Air Lines pilots, represented by the Air Lines Pilots Association (ALPA), have announced they’re opening a voting window to decide on whether or not to hold a strike. This comes after the contract came up for amendments in December 2019, for the first time since 2016.

“This is a crucial step in our efforts to secure a comprehensive, industry-leading contract,” stated chair of the Delta ALPA Master Executive Council, Capt. Jason Ambrosi. “We do not make a decision like this lightly. However, we are long overdue for a new agreement. We intend to send management a strong message that Delta’s 14,600 pilots are willing to go the distance to achieve the contract we have earned.”

The reason for the delay in negotiations after they were opened in February 2020, is mostly because of the global pandemic outbreak in March of that year. Talks were resumed this year in January, and Ambrosi wanted to highlight the extra overtime that pilots put in to help Delta carry out its schedule.

The ballot to authorize a strike will close later in October, on the 31st. “We have made progress in some sections of our contract but are now just discussing the high-value items,” he said. “We are tired of management’s empty platitudes. It’s time for Delta to get serious at the bargaining table.”

There remain a few steps between here and a strike actually taking place, but ALPA wants to demonstrate resolve. “Thousands of Delta pilots have shown solidarity on informational picket lines across the country over the last six months. This is our future and our contract. This strike authorization ballot allows our members to tell management in no uncertain terms that it’s time to invest in the Delta pilots.”

WSB Radio anchor/reporter Jonathan O’Brien contributed to reporting for this story.

©2022 Cox Media Group