Delta Air Lines has asked a bankruptcy judge to allow it to void its contract with its pilots union. The airline has asked for a Nov. 16 hearing, though the company and the union may reach a new contract agreement before the hearing. The pilots union says Delta has walked away from talks, but a company spokesman says Delta remains willing to negotiate with the union. 

United Airlines' flight attendants lost their appeal challenging the company's ability to end its pension plan. A three-judge panel found no reason to reverse the decision of a bankruptcy judge who allowed United to transfer the plan to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. A United spokeswoman said the union should negotiate a replacement plan for members. 

Northwest Airlines' flight attendants union said it would agree to $117 million in temporary cuts in exchange for more time to negotiate a new contract with the company. Northwest declined to comment on the proposal. The company hopes to secure $195 million in annual savings from its flight attendants. 

The mechanics strike at Northwest Airlines is nearly over, airline observers say, noting the company has almost finished hiring replacement workers. Many strikers have returned to the company. Union workers walked off the job Aug. 20. 

The leaders of American Airlines' pilots union voted to initiate contract talks with the company. The talks are aimed at increasing pilot productivity. Changes may include boosting the number of hours pilots fly each month.
Southwest Airlines pilot Lou Freeman volunteered to fly the body of Rosa Parks to memorial services in Washington D.C. Freeman is the first black man to become a chief pilot for a U.S. airline. "It's been real historic -- a wondrous reflective part of history when you realize you're touching something that's going to last forever," he said 

Delta Air Lines Chief Executive Gerald Grinstein told retirees the airline is unsure if pension and retirement benefits will stay intact as the bankrupt company reorganizes. Retirees may pay more for health benefits under current reorganization plans. Delta's pension plan is underfunded by more than $5 billion. A proposed pension reform bill would give the company more time to catch up on payments. 

We would like to encourage all members to attend your Local Lodge business meeting. Each base must have a quorum to conduct business. The following is a schedule for upcoming meetings:  

: Tuesday, November 8, 3:00 p.m. at the Wyndam Hotel. 

Cleveland: Thursday, November 10, 4:00 pm at 669 North Rocky River Drive; 

Guam: Wednesday, November 16, 4:00 p.m. at the Airport Conference Room;