The National Mediation Board declared Wednesday that Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines are operating as a "single transportation system," which sets the stage for Delta and Northwest employees to resolve their union disputes.
Delta, where most workers don't belong to unions, acquired the highly unionized and smaller Northwest Airlines in October.
Delta persuaded the board that one management is making decisions for both airlines.
Delta spokesman Anthony Black said the board's decision "is another important step in allowing our employees to have a voice in resolving representation issues." Delta spokeswoman Gina Laughlin added that quick resolution of these matters "would allow us to align the pay, benefits and work rules for all employees of the new Delta."
Labor leaders representing Northwest ground workers and flight attendants have accused Delta management of attempting to rush union decisions, and those unions have sued Delta in federal court.
The Association of Flight Attendants lauded the mediation board for taking a narrow interpretation of its role in investigating union representation disputes. At this time, the federal body will look only at representation issues affecting pilots, dispatchers and meteorologists who have filed requests with the board.
Delta argued that the mediation board's examination should be extended to all work groups, in the hope of prodding the ground workers and attendants to move closer to representation elections. But the attendants indicated that they want more time and that union leaders should determine when to seek an election.
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