Delta, Pilots Struggle in Contract Negotiations
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: It's a turbulent time for some of the nation's airlines. Delta, United and American are all in the midst of major labor disputes. Contract talks with Delta pilots are stalled; American and United are trying to stop work slowdowns. Joining us from La Guardia's airport in New York is CNN's Brian Palmer; he's got more on Delta's troubles this morning -- Brian.</s>BRIAN PALMER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Leon. The Delta Airline Pilots' Association say they'll hold informational pickets at nine airports nationwide, and that's to give their side of the story in their contract negotiations. We have here La Guardia airport representatives from both Delta airlines and from the pilots' association. First we'll go to Catherine Stengle, who's a spokesperson. Catherine, will the informational pickets have any effect on flights today?</s>CATHERINE STENGLE, SPOKESPERSON, DELTA AIRLINES: Right now Delta is operating its normal schedule. We feel that both parties have an obligation to the traveling public to avoid any disruption. We are working hard towards a settlement in the contract negotiations.</s>PALMER: Speaking about those contract negotiations, where are we in the process now?</s>STENGLE: Over the course of the last few months we've been working very hard and coming together on our differences and making a lot of progress in the talks. Delta has offered its pilots the highest pay in the industry as well as contract improvements that are industry-leading.</s>PALMER: What's the next step?</s>STENGLE: The next step is to continue to negotiate. We are both committed to reaching a contract that is -- that benefits both parties.</s>PALMER: OK, we're going to step over here and talk to Jay Kuenzele, who is a spokesman for the pilots' association. Jay, what's wrong with the company's offer?</s>JAY KUENZELE, SPOKESPERSON, DELTA PILOTS: Well, Brian, we've been in contract negotiations for the past 18 months. In fact, we've been in nonstop negotiations for the past four weeks. However, the progress the company has offered has been very little, and things have slowed down to virtually a halt. So the pilot group is very frustrated. In fact, on Wednesday night we made proposals all the way up until midnight and the company chose not to respond to them.</s>PALMER: Can you give us some quick bullet points -- what's the main issue here?</s>KUENZELE: Well, there has been progress on minor issues, but the major issues are paying compensation, retirement, duration of contract.</s>PALMER: Great; Jay, we're going to have to leave it at that. Leon, back to you.</s>HARRIS: All right, thanks much; Brian Palmer reporting live this morning from La Guardia Airport in New York.