Engage: The Podcast for Delta Pilots

Here is this week's Engage Weekly episode! Run down this checklist: A fresh update from the NC A message of solidarity to Spirit pilots An improved way to track MEC grievances A new Delta pilot uniform supplier Upcoming family awareness and PUB events! Committee and LEC news Plus, Happy Mother's Day to all pilot moms!  

Engage Weekly is live. Here is your MEC news checklist. NC - No Major Movement, But Talks Continue FIFA World Cup 2026 - Commuters Need to Plan Now SkyHop  - What You Need to Know April 21 New Hire Class - The Latest Numbers Hogs, Hops, and Warbirds - May 17 Family Event A Look Ahead to the Park City MEC Pub Event Also, All the Committee News, Events, and Info You Can Handle

Welcome aboard to this week's Engage Weekly. Here's what's on the radar: A Negotiation Committee update from the table A new MEC grievance filed over Pre-Plotted Rest The Engage Podcast analyzes Delta's premium profits and the potential impact on negotiations Welcome to the April 14 New Hire Class! Don't forget to sign up for the MEC's family event at Airbase Georgia! Plus, committee and LEC news/events to keep you plugged in All links are available in this week's MEC News! Have a good weekend from the Engage team!

Stay informed before we hit the weekend. Your Engage Weekly news brief is live. Here is the rundown. C2026 swag incoming! A new Engage episode breaks down Delta's record profits and how it could affect negotiations Welcome aboard to the April 7th New Hire Class! UNH polling is running for two more days—Provide your input! Hogs, Hops, and Warbirds family event on May 17th—Meet your negotiators in Peachtree City, GA Plus, committee and LEC news to wrap this week up

Note: This podcast was recorded on April 1, 2026, prior to the 2026 1Q earnings call. Though some of the numbers referenced in this podcast have been slightly revised, the 2026 1Q earnings once again demonstrate Delta’s ability to generate a revenue premium. Total revenue for the quarter was a record-setting $14.2 billion, up nearly 10% from the same time last year. As openers have been exchanged and Section 6 negotiations are officially underway, the noise is getting louder– with record profits, premium demand, inflation, and global instability. So, what’s real and what actually matters for pilots heading into Section 6?  In this episode, host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with ALPA’s Senior Economic & Financial Analysis (E&FA) Analyst Rushi Patel to break down the numbers behind the headlines and decipher what they mean for pilot leverage right now. Delta is delivering record revenue and profitability, driven by a structural shift towards premium demand, strong brand positioning, and diversified revenue streams. This conversation cuts through the noise: Why Delta and United are capturing over 100% of industry profits The real impact of premium cabin strategy and shifting demand How resilient the current economic environment actually is What inflation, oil, and geopolitics mean (and don’t mean) Why these negotiations are unique and not a repeat of the previous cycle Bottom line: Pilots are entering negotiations from a position of strength. Be informed. Be engaged. And understand the moment.

Welcome aboard to Engage Weekly from your Delta MEC. Here's what's on the radar! Section 6 Under Way: Openers Exchanged Negotiating Committee's Strategy and the Path Forward Delta First Quarter 2026 Earnings  Hogs, Hops, and Warbirds Family Event at Airbase Georgia! Committee and LEC News! As we enter Section 6, stay Engaged, Raise the Bar, and Hold the Line!

This is an Engage Alert with a critical update regarding contract negotiations and an important strategic development. Next week, opening proposals are to be exchanged, marking a major milestone in the Section 6 process and the beginning of the next phase for Delta pilots. In this episode, MEC Chairman Captain Eric Criswell and Negotiating Committee Chairman Captain Bill Finlay join us to outline the strategy, priorities, and expectations moving forward - including the announcement of a more accelerated and focused negotiation path. The union is pursuing an approach centered on a concise set of high-value priorities targeting pay, retirement, and quality of life, with the goal of delivering significant and meaningful gains on a shorter timeline. But one message is clear: Early does not mean discounted. Any agreement must meet pilot expectations and stand on its own value, regardless of timing. If that standard is not met, the MEC is fully prepared to pivot to a more traditional, comprehensive approach. This conversation also addresses: Why this strategy is being pursued now How pilot feedback is directly shaping priorities What happens if the Company doesn’t engage Lessons learned from past negotiations What pilots should expect in the months ahead Both Captain Criswell and Captain Finlay make this clear: Delta pilots are firmly in the driver’s seat. This is a deliberate strategy designed to capture value sooner without sacrificing leverage or outcomes. Stay informed. Stay engaged.

As Delta pilots prepare for another round of Section 6 negotiations, it’s worth remembering that every contract, and every negotiating cycle, is shaped by history, priorities, and sometimes difficult tradeoffs. In this episode of the Engage Podcast, host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with Delta MEC Executive Administrator Captain Rich Wheeler, former negotiator and longtime union leader, to talk about the realities of contract negotiations and the lessons learned from decades of pilot agreements. Rich shares a historical perspective on how pilot contracts have evolved, how negotiating priorities shift with industry conditions, and why understanding the past is essential when shaping the future. Along the way, Rich offers a behind-the-scenes look at negotiations, from long nights writing updates on shipping crates to the intricate “Tetris game” of ensuring that one contractual improvement doesn’t inadvertently break another section. Every pilot has priorities, but successful negotiations require balancing thousands of individual needs across an entire pilot group, and perhaps the most honest reality of contract negotiations: you can’t save all the kittens. As negotiations approach, this episode is a reminder to stay informed, stay unified, and understand the process behind the contract that ultimately governs every pilot’s career.

In this in-depth episode of the Engage Podcast, host First Officer Ryan Argenta is joined by MEC Executive Administrator Captain Rich Wheeler and Scheduling Committee Vice Chairman Captain Josh Cantrell to unpack the growing complexity behind open time, inverse assignments, and the rollout of Quick Slips under MOU 25-05. The conversation traces how chronic understaffing, outdated staffing formulas, expanding flying schedules, and evolving contract provisions have combined to create today’s operational pressure cooker. Rich and Josh explain how PCS, manual trip coverage, batch sizes, proactive rest, and 23 M.7 usage interact behind the scenes, often in ways that are invisible to line pilots but deeply impactful to pay, quality of life, and schedule stability. They break down why inverse assignments exploded in recent years, how “race-to-the-phone” coverage undermined seniority, and why Quick Slips represent a major shift toward restoring transparency, structure, and fairness in last-minute flying.   With historical perspective and practical insight, this episode separates fact from rumor and explains what “controlled chaos” really means in today’s scheduling environment. Whether you’re chasing premium flying, protecting your days off, or simply trying to understand why the system feels so strained, this conversation offers clarity, context, and a realistic path forward.   

What actually happens after a pilot submits an ASAP? Where does it go, who reads it, and what outcomes can follow? In this episode of the Engage, Host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with Captain Jason Herman, Chairman of the Airport & Ground Environment (AGE) Subcommittee of the Central Air Safety Committee (CASC), to pull back the curtain on the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) step by step.   They walk through the full ASAP lifecycle, from de-identification and triage to Event Review Committee (ERC) discussions, closeouts, and potential follow-ups. Along the way, they tackle common myths (no, ASAP isn’t a black hole or a “get out of jail free card”), explain how ASAP interacts with ASRs and FOQA/Flight Pulse data, and share practical guidance on writing reports that actually lead to change.   If you’ve ever wondered whether your ASAP is read, how outcomes are decided, or how pilot reports drive real-world improvements to procedures, training, and airport operations - this episode is required listening. 

Welcome to 2026, and welcome to The Negotiators’ Series on the Engage Podcast. As we move toward Section 6 and April openers, host F/O Ryan Argenta sits down with your Negotiating Committee: Captains Bill Finlay, Mike Cowan, Cash McLaughlin, and Ben Wallander for an introduction to the team and the work already underway behind the scenes. In this kickoff episode, the committee breaks down what Section 6 is, how the Railway Labor Act shapes the process, what the April opener represents—and what it doesn’t. They also tackle common myths, explain who’s on the other side of the table, and share why this is far more than “four pilots negotiating alone.” It’s a deep bench of experts, resources, and elected leadership driving a pilot-led strategy to achieve major gains for Contract 2026. Most importantly: the message is clear—pilot engagement matters. From record survey participation to ongoing polling and direct rep feedback, your voice helps set direction and strengthens unity at the table. This is your career, your quality of life, and your contract. Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay unified, because this is a marathon, and it’s one we run best together.

In this special holiday edition of Engage, host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with MEC Chairman Captain Eric Criswell for a timely year-end update and message to Delta pilots. Eric shares what’s been keeping the MEC busy over the past few months, including preparations for the upcoming Section 6 contract opener, progress on MOU 25-05, and efforts to bring stability and accountability to trip coverage. The conversation covers the strong pilot engagement seen in the recent contract survey, how that feedback is shaping negotiating priorities, and what to expect as openers are passed in April 2026. Eric also explains the MEC’s new resolution addressing “dealmaking,” outlining a fair, progressive process to protect contractual integrity while keeping the focus where it belongs - on unity and holding the Company accountable. The episode wraps with a holiday message and a reminder to stay rested, stay engaged, and look out for one another as we head into the new year. In this episode: Section 6 preparation and timeline for contract openers Record pilot participation in the contract survey MOU 25-05, the “quick slip,” and sick/well app updates Addressing dealmaking and protecting trip coverage processes The importance of unity heading into negotiations A holiday message to the pilot group Thank you for listening to Engage. On behalf of the Engage Podcast Team, we wish you and your families a very safe, warm, and healthy holiday season. Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform to stay up to date when new episodes drop.

On this episode of Engage, First Officer Ryan Argenta welcomes First Officer Bryan Patchen, Chair of the Delta MEC’s Aviation Security Committee and recent Aviation Security Award recipient, for a straight-talk briefing on the security issues pilots face every day. We cover what’s actually happening with KCM (and why the “random” feels constant), how to handle screening disagreements professionally (what to say, who to ask for, and what to document), and the practical risks on international layovers - from aggressive pat-downs to theft tactics targeting watches and phones.   Bryan shares actionable steps that keep crews out of trouble: keep flight gear only for flying, get names/badge numbers when reporting, know when to withdraw consent and elevate to a supervisor, and use safety tools like FACTAL and the State Department’s STEP enrollment form for proximity alerts and emergency news. We also touch on FFDO training status and secondary barriers progress. The goal isn’t fear - it’s awareness, professionalism, and smart habits so everyone gets home safe.

The R&I guys are back! Host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with Captain Scott Bowles and Captain John Doherty from ALPA’s Retirement & Insurance Committee to talk smart money, savvy timing, and how pilots can make major-league financial plays through the new Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) plan. Whether you’re eyeing tax strategy, income flexibility, or long-term planning, learn how to harness a little Bobby Bonilla energy - turning today’s earnings into tomorrow’s steady paychecks. We cover eligibility, tax-deferral tactics, in-service vs. retirement/termination distributions, market exposure, and practical risk checks, including insolvency considerations and timing gotchas. After the break, we shift to Open Enrollment 2026: plan changes, HSA reminders, GVUL considerations (including the imputed-income play), and simple to-dos so you don’t leave money on the table. It’s practical, pilot-specific financial insight with a side of humor and real-world strategy. An overview of the NQDC and related MOU details can be found in R&I Update 25-03. The FAQs can be accessed directly at Newport NQDC FAQs. The first round of Newport-hosted webinars has concluded; however, pilots can watch a replay of the Plan Design Overview Meeting  via Deltanet. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Talk with your own financial advisor, tax professional, and/ or attorney before making enrollment decisions.

Important update for all Delta pilots. In this Engage Alert, host First Officer Ryan Argenta is joined by First Officer Mark Hinczynski (Contract Administration & Enforcement) and Captain Ian Turner (Scheduling) to break down a newly agreed-upon MOU between the Company and ALPA. What’s inside: Click-to-Sick / Sick Lookback: The Company will pause counting sick hours toward lookback retroactive to the July 2025 bid period and going forward until verified compliance. Sick-leave verification tied to exceeding 120 hours is paused during this period. QHCP—Permanent PWA Change: The PWA now permanently broadens “Qualified Health Care Provider” beyond MD/DO, allowing verification via telehealth and additional licensed providers. New “Quick Slip” Step of Coverage: A seniority-based, no-trigger premium step added to coverage. Awarded in a single 12-minute ARCOS window, less opportunities for deal-making, added step before emergency coverage (inverse assignment). Leveling rules apply. Timing: Programming for Quick Slip is targeted for Q2 2026; interim protections remain in force until compliance is confirmed. Compliance will be jointly assessed (including pilot DARTs). Action items: Read the MOU language, contact your LEC reps with questions, and send DARTs to Contract Admin for issues.

First Officer Ryan Argenta welcomes back Hotel Committee Chair First Officer Steve Koffler for a fast, funny, and genuinely useful tour of the layover landscape. From a brand-new Park Hyatt in Marrakech to upcoming hotel previews in Hong Kong, Melbourne, Grenada, and St. Vincent, Steve shares what’s new, what’s next, and what pilots should know.   We cover Honolulu’s temporary shift to Hilton Hawaiian Village, Tokyo’s potential hotel shuffle, LA’s beach-city ambitions, San Diego’s pending refresh, and the big headline: Amsterdam’s full exit from “you-know-where” and into a far stronger lineup. Practical intel included: why FCRs beat DARTs for hotel feedback, the curbside 20-minute rule (self-help and expense it), when combined crew shuttles are legit, and how to spy your hotel in bid packages. Plus, a cameo of Steve’s PG-13 rap origin story. This episode is rare: equal parts updates, tips, and laughs - no lobby naps required. 

The Engage podcast hits the road to bring you our newest format, Ask ALPA! We visited crew rooms and terminals to find out what you, the pilots, want to know from ALPA! On this episode, Communication Chair F/O Kevin Brady rounded up experts from the Scheduling, Negotiating, Retirement and Insurance, and Pilot Family Matters committees to get the answers and bring them to our listeners. Tune in now!

In this exclusive episode of the Engage Podcast, we highlight the Delta MEC’s powerful new messaging tool for staying connected with your union: the Delta MEC Updates Telegram Channel! Join host F/O Ryan Argenta as he sits down with Communications Chair F/O Kevin Brady and Strategic Planning Vice-Chair Capt. John Wood to explore this direct source for real-time MEC news and updates. They’ll guide you through the simple steps to subscribe and access this essential resource. Tune in to discover how to stay informed with the Delta MEC like never before! Subscribe now to Telegram!

With work pressures at their peak, Section 6 fast approaching, and the contract survey now open, it’s easy for pilots to get distracted. Host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with First Officer Casey Songster, Vice Chair of the Safety Management System (SMS) Subcommittee of the Central Air Safety Committee (CASC), to demystify ASAP (Aviation Safety Action Program) beyond the “get out of jail free” myth and show how pilot reports actively drive risk controls and operational change. Casey explains where ASAP fits inside safety risk management and safety assurance, why culture and participation matter, and what happens to your report after you hit submit. 

Scope Chair Captain Justin Berg joins host First Officer Ryan Argenta to give Delta pilots the full story behind the WNBA charter scope violation first covered in Episode 65. With the grievance process now complete, Delta has formally acknowledged the breach, corrected the flying, and—thanks to vigilant pilot reporting—limited the impact before it could grow. The official remedy? Calculated damages totaling over $530,000 and a clear precedent that reinforces PWA Scope protections and proves that quick, detailed reporting can stop outsourcing in its tracks.

What keeps Atlanta’s Council 44 reps awake at night? Two things: educating a largely new pilot group before Section 6 and stopping off-book deal-making with Scheduling that erodes unity and pay protections. In this candid roundtable, Captain Tony Rohloff, Captain Shawn Kellett, and First Officer Maggie Eickhoff explain why the Contract History and Contract Comparison aren’t “homework” - they’re essential to a strong opener - and how your narrative responses in the contract survey directly shape MEC direction and Negotiating Committee priorities. We break down the coverage ladder, why making deals for yourself cuts the line for everyone else, and how mentoring in the cockpit can curb bad habits before they spread. You’ll also hear a clear playbook for engagement: where to find surveys and polling, how resolutions flow into the “Green Book” for negotiations, and why participation matters even when things feel good on the line. We close with base-level ways to plug in and a reminder that unity isn’t a slogan; it’s a series of small, contract-compliant choices we make every day.

When pilots discovered Delta could see TikTok installed on their personal phones, alarm bells went off. Section 24 X. of the PWA is supposed to protect pilots from corporate snooping, but what was Delta really accessing through the Hub app? In this eye-opening episode, Engage host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with First Officer Justin Vandermark, Chair of ALPA’s IT Committee, to expose what the union discovered when it finally got “the grand tour” of Delta’s systems. From mobile device management profiles that can leak your location, to the truth about deleting the Hub app, pilots need to know how their privacy is protected – or not. But the fight doesn’t stop at data security. Vandermark also pulls back the veil on Delta’s decades-old DBMS scheduling system, why pay errors keep happening, and how contractual gains like Section 23 W.1.d. are setting the stage for long-overdue change. This episode isn’t just about apps and acronyms - it’s about control, transparency, and making sure Delta pilots are paid correctly the first time. If you’ve ever wondered why the Company can roll out flashy passenger tech but can’t fix pilot pay, this conversation will make you sit up and take notice. 

In this informative and candid episode of Engage, hosts Captain Laura Woods and First Officer Ryan Argenta sit down with Retirement and Insurance (R&I) experts Captains Scott Bowles and John Doherty to take a deep dive into the often-misunderstood world of disability for Delta pilots. Whether you're navigating a short-term medical issue, a planned procedure, or facing an unexpected long-term event, this conversation covers everything you need to know - from qualifying for disability, using your sick leave and understanding DPMA, to how your 401(k), healthcare, and income are affected.   You’ll also hear practical advice about returning to work, how income offsets work, and the importance of staying off ladders (seriously). With real-life examples and clear guidance, this episode is essential listening for pilots at any seniority level. 

Scope isn’t just a contract clause—it’s the foundation of every Delta pilot’s career security. In this in-depth and highly relevant episode, hosts First Officer Ryan Argenta and Captain Laura Woods welcome Scope Committee leaders Captain Justin Berg, First Officer Jim Burgess, and Captain John Pinkerton to break down why Scope matters in 2025 and beyond. They unpack how the Global Scope agreement—an industry-first—continues to directly translate into more widebody flying, more seniority movement, and more opportunities for Delta pilots. You’ll hear why block hours, not specific routes, are the true measure of growth and compliance, and how this smartly structured agreement ensures Delta can expand globally—without outsourcing pilot jobs. But it’s not all a smooth ride: the team also discusses current grievances, transparency issues, and why pilot-reported tips are often the key to uncovering violations. From WNBA charter violation concerns to cross-border flying limits, they’re watching every angle. If you’ve ever asked, “Why are our partners flying that route?”—this episode is your answer.  Scope protects our flying. Scope grows our fleets. Scope moves the needle on our careers. And yes—Scope is still dope.

In this special Chairman's Update on the Engage Podcast, host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with Delta MEC Chair Captain Eric Criswell to discuss major state sick law wins, frustration over how IROPs are handled, repeated contract violations, pilot and dispatcher unity, and the road ahead. Tune in and stay Engaged. 

On this episode of Engage, hosts Capt. Laura Woods and F/O Ryan Argenta sit down with Capt. Tom Thornton from the Professional Standards Committee—a man who’s been defusing cockpit conflicts since 1998. With over 17,000 pilots on property, ProStans fields a high volume of calls each week, tackling everything from CRM breakdowns to personality clashes in the flight deck. Tom pulls back the curtain on what really happens when pilots call in, how confidentiality works (hint: it’s not anonymous), and why ProStans should be your first stop—not your last—when facing peer-to-peer conflict.   From misunderstandings and fatigue-fueled frustration to inappropriate cockpit banter, Tom shares insights from decades of experience, explaining how ProStans aims to keep conflict resolution in the hands of pilots—not HR. Whether you’re new to the Company or a seasoned captain, this episode is a must-listen for understanding how we keep our crews cohesive, professional, and focused on safety. If you need to speak to the Delta MEC Professional Standards Committee, please call 1- 855-778-2637. 

On this episode, host First Officer Ryan Argenta is joined by First Officer Brendan Cantwell, Government Affairs Chair, to unpack everything from ALPA's 2025 Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. Each year, Delta pilots—alongside aviators from across the industry—descend on Capitol Hill to champion the issues that matter most to the pilot profession. From walking the halls of Congress to one-on-one meetings with lawmakers, we’re making sure pilot-partisan priorities are heard loud and clear.  This year’s top issues included: Opposing Reduced Crew/Single-Pilot Operations (RCOs) for critical safety reasons, accelerating Air Traffic Control modernization, and advancing pilot mental health initiatives. Ryan and Brendan also discuss where things stand with proposed changes to the pilot retirement age, why backing the PAC is vital, how Delta pilots can step up as district advocates, and why responding to Calls to Action has a real impact on Capitol Hill. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just now getting involved, this episode gives you the tools, updates, and inspiration to help protect and elevate the pilot profession. (Recorded June 11, 2025) 

In this episode, host F/O Ryan Argenta and Training Committee Chair, F/O Charlie Mader, unpack a growing pattern of dysfunction in Delta’s Training Planning Department. Based on a steady stream of pilot reports, we highlight how disorganized scheduling, vague guidance, poor hotel logistics, and a lack of proper training support are creating avoidable obstacles for pilots — and undermining the standards outlined in the PWA. While our instructors remain professional and committed, it’s clear that deeper issues in management’s planning priorities and accountability are affecting pilot readiness and operational trust. We break down key concerns, explain what pilots need to watch for and what to do when affected, and discuss how the MEC is pushing for real solutions. Topics include: No-notice schedule changes and lack of required communication Inadequate hotel accommodations and rest protection Missing seat support PWA compliance concerns and ongoing grievances What pilots can do now to protect themselves and push for change Delta pilots deserve a training system that works as hard as they do — this episode lays out what needs to change and how we get there. For more details about issues concerning Training Planning, please read MEC Alert 25-11: Ongoing Issues with Delta’s Training Planning.

On this episode of Engage, host First Officer Ryan Argenta discusses how Delta is actively opposing state laws that were enacted to provide employees with an enhanced sick leave benefit. Specifically, the Company is attempting to circumvent, ignore or litigate state sick laws that provide employees who live or work in that state with benefits more generous than those offered by their employers. Pilots based in LAX, MSP, DTW, SEA and NYC are familiar with Delta’s ongoing efforts to prevent them from using their state sick benefit in order to care for themselves and their families. Those attempting to use their sick leave are often meet with resistance, have their sick claims denied or receive “counseling” from Chief Pilots.  Special guests David Martin, Senior Legislative Rep, and Jeff Pavlak, Manager of Policy and Legislation for ALPA National, discuss this concerning problem and address how ALPA is aggressively fighting for Delta’s compliance. The group talks about what pilots can do to affect change on a broader level and specifically what pilots can do who need to use their state sick enhanced benefits or have been denied by Delta. (Recorded May 22, 2025)

On this episode of Engage, hosts Capt. Laura Woods and F/O Ryan Argenta speak with Captains Ian Turner and Josh Cantrell of the Scheduling Committee, discussing some of the hot topics, frustrations, and issues keeping the Scheduling Committee up at night. Reserve short calls have become a particular problem for pilots, and Ian and Josh explain what’s going on and how pilots can avoid issues with short calls. The crew also discusses Crew Notification issues through the CNO and MiCrew app and how pilots can avoid potential pitfalls.

Listen now to hear host Capt. Laura Woods and members of the Delta MEC's Retirement & Insurance Committee (R&I) discuss how the Delta pilot Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) is performing after just over a year in existence, how you can save big for the exact same coverage utilizing the Guaranteed Variable Universal Life (GVUL) plan, and supplemental insurance offered by ALPA that all Delta pilots should consider.

Join host Capt. Laura Woods as she sits down with Capt. Muriel Triantafilo, Chair of the Delta MEC's Pilot Family Matters Committee (PFMC), to discuss parental leave and navigating this exciting time in a Delta pilot’s life.   Learn when to notify the Company about your leave, what documentation you need from your doctor, and tips to maximize your parental leave experience. Also, be sure to listen to episodes 10 and 28, as they also have great information on parental leave!  

On this special Engage update, host Capt. Laura Woods welcomes back to the show F/O Ryan Argenta as co-host and discusses several important issues with MEC Chair Capt. Eric Criswell, including a lack of pilot support from Flight Operations, continuing pay issues, and perceived anti-pilot sentiment from the Company. Capt. Criswell also explains how the Company may be using the HUB app to view personal information and track pilots on their personal devices, which is a direct violation of PWA 24 X. Capt. Criswell concludes by sharing some of his priorities for this year and beyond

On this episode of Engage, hosts Laura Woods and Gabbie Jordan sit down with Contract Administration Chair Mark Hinczynski to discuss Deadhead (DH) Seating. Listen now to learn more about this C2019 implementation item and a recent grievance the MEC filed regarding Delta’s seat blocking practices.

On this latest episode of Engage, host Laura Woods and outgoing Negotiating Committee (NC) member Frank Wedding dive into MEC Grievance 23-10 (Uncovered Flight Segments) and Grievance 24-32 (Sick Leave Notification). They discuss the background of these grievances and why the date of June 02, 2025, is important to pay attention to.

On this episode of the Engage Podcast, host Laura Woods sits down with Sherwin Liverpool from ALPA's Scheduling Committee to talk Jetway Trades. Jetway Trades are the latest provision negotiated as part of Contract 2019, and are scheduled for implementation in March. Listen now to find out what they are, how to use them, and how they will impact you!

On this episode of the Engage Podcast, host Laura Woods sits down with Master Chairman Eric Criswell to talk goals for the year, the mediation process, and the importance of remaining tuned in as the Delta pilots gear up for the next contract cycle.

On this episode, Laura discusses profit sharing with Scott Bowles from the Retirement & Insurance Committee. They talk about some of the election options found on the Profit Sharing Election page on DeltaNet.   Resources:  Engage: The Podcast for Delta Pilots E43:Profit Sharing On this special edition episode of Engage, Captain Rich Wheeler, Chairman of the Negotiating Committee, and Captain Eric Criswell, former Chairman of the Negotiating Committee and current MEC Master Chairman, talk about profit sharing. From its origin and roots to this year’s profit sharing payout, Rich, Eric, and Ryan Argenta discuss how profit sharing was negotiated by pilots in 1996; how it has changed over the years and the need to preserve this negotiated benefit that pilots and all employees now enjoy; how profit sharing is contractually calculated using PTIX and specific formulas; and how pilots can view their earnings and ensure their 2023 profit sharing payout is accurate. Happy Profit Sharing Day! (Recorded January 23, 2024). *Correction* - Engage Podcast #53: Profit Sharing with R&I Please note that the federal withholding rate for special payouts, such as Profit Sharing, is 22 percent. The podcast inadvertenlty stated that the number was 25 percent (at 7:00 minute mark). We apologize for any confusion this may have caused. Disclaimer: ALPA does not give financial advice. We recommend that pilots first discuss with your financial advisor to determine what is best for themselves.    HSA deferral options are not available to those pilots who participate in the DPMP health plan.

Episode 52 of the Engage Podcast is now live! On this latest episode, Communications Chair Capt. Chris Hughes offers a recap of the news and latest happenings, and Casey Songster from Central Air Safety’s SMS Committee shares a message about positive safety culture.

In this episode, Communications Committee Chair Capt. Chris Hughes talks to Retirement & Insurance Committee members Capt. Scott Bowles and Capt. John Doherty about this year’s open enrollment and changes to some of the benefits offered. Scott and John also discuss the benefits of the GVUL plan, which pilots can enroll in during the open enrollment process. 

Description: On this episode, Jason discusses the dreaded Optimizer and how the Rotation Preference System gives pilots the power to fight back against bad trip design with Rotation Construction Committee volunteers Jeffrey Chang, JJ Sweetser. Stick around until the end where they discuss some industry-standard practices we could negotiate for in our next contract to improve this situation even more. (Recorded June 4, 2024) Additional Resources Contract Awareness Bulletin 24-04: Click here to download CA Bulletin 24-04 from the Delta ALPA MEC website (login required) Start at 6:21 of this episode of the Alaska Pilots Podcast for a description of how those fellow ALPA pilots use their optimizer access to present their company with better trip construction solutions. If the ALPA solution meets certain parameters, the company is required to use it! Alaska Pilots Episode TA3: PBS and Trip Construction

Description: On this episode, Jason discusses the nuances of sick calls with Evan Bach and Mark Cervantes, reps for Council 66, Mike Bell, FO, rep for Council 20, and MEC Contract Admin Chair Trevor Boswell. If you’re sick, call in sick! The Chief Pilot just called. Is it a “wellness check” or a Good Faith Basis call as outlined in the PWA, and what do those mean? If you won the sick leave “contest,” did you really win? (Recorded June 17, 2024) Council 66 Sick Leave Update (DAL MEC Login Required): https://dal.alpa.org/Portals/1/Documents/lec/council66/other/2024/C66-Sick-Leave-Update-20240516.pdf

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in the spirit of pilot mental health, First Officer Forrest Pendleton, Chair of the Pilot Assistance Network (PAN), discusses the rollout of the “Are You in the Green?” campaign to assist pilots (and all humans) in identifying their own mental wellness.  Forrest walks us through the mental health continuum and offers insight on who pilots can turn to when they’re just not feeling great.  Forrest also goes into detail about the FAA Aviation Rulemaking Committee’s recommendations on improving mental health issues and making it easier for pilots to get the help they need while keeping their medical intact or more streamlined and defined steps to regain one’s FAA medical.  For more information, please visit www.alpa.org/green   Helping pilots and their families manage everything from day-to-day pressures and challenges to training stress to family issues to mental and physical health issues to FAA medical questions, PAN is made up of more than 40 Delta pilot volunteers who answer a 24/7 hotline. PAN is a committee within the Delta MEC and was specifically created to help Delta pilots facing physiological, psychological, and medical concerns or for those needing to talk to someone. For more information, please visit the PAN webpage on the Delta MEC website at https://dal.alpa.org/Topics/PILOT-ASSISTANCE/Pilot-Assistance-Network.    PAN’s goal is to help mitigate the threats that sometimes put our medical certificates, our pay, and our very jobs at risk. To speak with a trained peer volunteer, call PAN at 888-4-DAL-PAN (888-432-5726) or submit a callback request here.  Calls to PAN are absolutely confidential.  (Recorded May 3, 2024) 

On this episode of Engage, we welcome Mr. Jim Starnes from Delta Flight Control Dispatch to discuss all things Dispatch-related. Did you know Delta Dispatchers are union members represented by the Professional Airline Flight Control Association (PAFCA)? Jim Starnes is the First Vice President of PAFCA and discusses the many similarities between pilots and dispatchers: commonly addressed issues with management, contract negotiations, seniority, and even bidding for monthly schedules—we have more in common with our Dispatchers than we may know. Host First Officer Ryan Argenta also asks common questions pilots have for Dispatch and learns more about our unseen siblings in Atlanta. Jim even offers pilots the opportunity to coordinate a tour of Flight Control Dispatch by contacting him directly—details within. Tune in to learn about this fascinating profession and how we can work together with our fellow employees on the ground. (Recorded December 14, 2023)

On this episode of Engage, Captain Ian Turner of the Scheduling Committee and Captain Rich Wheeler, the Chairman of the Negotiating Committee, explain how Voluntary Airport Standby (VAS) works. Discussion includes details of the completely voluntary program, how it prevents unwanted reroutes, and the lucrative pay treatments for both Regular and Reserve pilots. Tune in to learn more about VAS.  (Recorded January 22, 2024) 

On this episode of Engage, Captain Ian Turner of the Scheduling Committee and Captain Rich Wheeler, Chairman of the Negotiating Committee, are back again to discuss new contract implementation items that started in January 2024 beyond pay rate and 401(k) DC contribution increases. The group discusses new items such as improved sit pay provisions and increase to training pay for CQ and Recency type events, training golden days, new theater qualification provisions that provide pilots more flexibility, along with a completely new feature for pilots bidding reserve called “Reserve with Conflict” – a unique enhancement for Reserve pilots. Rich and Ian explain how pilots may want to use this new voluntary feature, RWC, to their advantage. They also discuss contract interpretation issues and clarify how ALPA and the Company are working to resolve these issues. (Recorded January 22, 2024)  Resources: Negotiator's Notepad 24-01: NN-24-01.pdf (alpa.org)   

On this special edition episode of Engage, Captain Rich Wheeler, Chairman of the Negotiating Committee, and Captain Eric Criswell, former Chairman of the Negotiating Committee, talk about profit sharing.  From its origin and roots to this year’s profit sharing payout, Rich, Eric, and Ryan discuss how profit sharing was negotiated by pilots in 1996; how it has changed over the years and the need to preserve this negotiated benefit that pilots and all employees now enjoy; how profit sharing is contractually calculated using PTIX and specific formulas; and how pilots can view their earnings and ensure their 2023 profit sharing payout is accurate. Happy Profit Sharing Day! (Recorded January 23, 2024) 

On this episode of Engage, the Chair of Contract Administration (CA), Trevor Boswell, speaks with Host First Officer Ryan Argenta about the mechanics of Advance Entitlements (AEs) and how pilots can best bid and position themselves for success. Topics include how AEs are conceived by Crew Resources and the mechanics behind the scenes before the opening of the bid window, how positions are filled or left unfilled, training and conversion dates along with pay protections for junior pilots converting before senior pilots, listener mail with two excellent questions, and much more. Tune in now to find out how AEs work. (Recorded November 15, 2023) 

Happy Holidays!  Thanks to our listeners for making us the most listened-to-podcast at ALPA. With the holidays underway and in the giving spirit, we've got some swag for all our friends. If you love the Engage podcast, share it with friends by posting on your socials and tag @DeltaPilots and we'll send you a custom Engage podcast koozie. Keep all your beverages cold through the holidays and beyond. We’ll be back in the New Year with tons of great content including AEs, more from Scheduling, a chat with Dispatch, and some new, creative episodes that we’re sure you’ll like. Catch you in 2024! 

On this episode of Engage, host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with Captain Trevor Boswell, Chair of the Contract Administration Committee, to discuss how the Contract Administration team, Negotiating Committee, and Delta MEC labor attorneys are handling current pilot grievances with the Company. Trevor explains ongoing contract implementation disputes between ALPA and the Company and how the MEC represents both individual pilots and the entire pilot group alike. On a higher level, Ryan learns about the grievance process, how it works, and how pilots are represented throughout the process. (Recorded November 15, 2023)