Leave No Delta Family Member Behind
Delta Management
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The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges industry wide for crew members commuting to work. With less flight frequency in almost all markets, equaling fewer available seats, and the recent decision to close and downsize Flight Attendant crew bases, Delta has created an increase in the number of commuters.
Delta recognized the need to provide pilots with positive space while commuting to work. In contrast, Delta chose to make only minor improvements to the existing Unable to Commute Policy for Flight Attendants facing equal challenges.
Additionally, Flight Attendants who travel to work by means other than air, often face delays outside their control and should be availed of the same policy exceptions provided in a UTC with Unable to Report provisions (UTR).
Communication regarding jumpseat access for flights with weight and balance issues lacks clarity and consistency in application, creating additional problems for crew members commuting to work.
A comprehensive commuter policy should include everyone.
Delta’s public position on the treatment of their employees has stated:
“Rules of the Road” set the tone for our employee relations and compensation strategy in the years to come. We wanted to continue rewarding people for their perseverance in tough times and incentivize them to help propel Delta into the future. Under that philosophy we have also made sure to keep our benefits and retirement plans the same for everyone—executive, pilot, flight attendant, or member of the ground crew....”
(Harvard Business Review- December 2014)
Sponsored by
To:
Delta Management
From:
[Your Name]
We, the undersigned, seek the listed changes to the Delta Flight Attendant Unable to Commute Policy (UTC).
Flight Attendants are important to the operational integrity of Delta. Providing all members of the flight crew equal access to assisted transportation to work, without fear of punitive actions, provides support to the operational integrity of the airline.
Delta Flight Attendants will be provided the following:
1) Delta Flight Attendants commuting by air shall be provided provisions no less favorable than that Delta is providing to Delta pilots. (UTC)
2) Flight Attendants who commute by automobile, bus, train, or public transportation will be afforded the same non-punitive privileges to those who commute by air. This exception would apply for unforeseen events related to severe forecasted weather conditions or natural disasters which can render roads hazardous or impassable. Additional applications include road accidents, unforeseen traffic delays, and mechanical breakdowns. Flight Attendants can be expected to exercise prudent judgment and planning and make timely communication(s) with Crew Scheduling. (UTR)
3) Delta Inflight Services will provide written clarification to all impacted departments of procedures related to jumpseat access to ensure access is not arbitrarily denied.