Delta Pilots Picketing Tuesday At SEA Airport

SEATTLE — Pilots flying for Delta Airlines will participate in a picket Tuesday at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, following a similar labor dispute at Alaska Airlines this year, which led to hundreds of flight cancellations across the region.

According to the pilots' union, Delta pilots are seeking stable scheduling and better staffing amid long hours and pilot fatigue.

"Delta Pilots proudly helped our company operate during the pandemic, including flying record amounts of overtime," the Delta Master Executive Council wrote. "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."

KING 5 reports that Seattle will be Delta's fifth hub where pilots have called for change. Last month, an estimated 200 pilots picketed in Atlanta, and another picket is planned Thursday at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.

Delta is not alone in its staffing struggles, and Tuesday's picket follows a similar dispute at Alaska Airlines, which saw hundreds of flights canceled earlier this month as pilots demanded a fair contract after three years of stalled negotiations.

In March, Delta's pilot union flagged the soaring rate of overtime, as airlines return to their pre-pandemic operations, and called on the airline to take action to address and correct their pilots' concerns.

A Delta spokesperson told KING 5 that Tuesday's picket would only include off-duty pilots and was not expected to impact flights. The airline also said its scheduling was within the requirements set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration.