Judge considers Delta request for restraining order against pilots

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- A federal judge said he will issue a ruling possibly Friday on a request by Delta Air Lines for a temporary restraining order against its pilots union.

During a hearing Wednesday, attorneys for the airline said the pilots are engaging in a work slowdown, refusing overtime assignments. Union officials have denied any concerted activity.

The union and the airline are in contract negotiations.

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This past weekend, Delta canceled approximately 368 flights after pilots refused what the industry calls voluntary overtime.

Delta pilots normally work between 78 and 82 hours per month, but the Federal Aviation Administration allows pilots to remain on duty 100 hours per month. The difference is dubbed voluntary overtime, and pilots get premium pay to fly those hours.

A Delta official said that approximately 5 percent of its flights are flown with crews working that overtime. So, when pilots refuse to work it, flights get canceled.

Delta seeks court order against pilots after canceling flights
December 6, 2000

Delta Air Lines
Air Line Pilots Association

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