A pilots' union consisting of more than 14,000 members has reached an agreement with Delta Air Lines to help keep it afloat amid the ongoing travel demand slump caused by the viral epidemic. The union agreed to let the US carrier offer pilots partially paid time off starting this month until June.
Delta and other US carriers are currently trying to find ways to significantly cut costs amid the travel slump, working with employees and other agencies to help keep operations going. Some of the carriers have already imposed hiring freezes, while others are requesting employees to take unpaid leaves.
The airline reached an agreement with the Air Line Pilots Association for the partially paid time offs. Members had also agreed to temporarily receive reduced pay, at least until the crisis is over. In a note to its members, the union advised pilots to immediately report to the airline if they experience any symptoms that could indicate an infection.
The association added that its members are dedicated to the success of the airline, which is why it plans to continue to work with the management during this public health and economic crisis. A union representing pilots for United Airlines had already reached a similar agreement with the carrier earlier this month.
On Friday, Delta announced that it will be cutting its flights by around 40 percent over the next few months. Depending on the situation, it might be forced to scale down its operations even further. The move will become the 90-year-old carrier's largest-ever operation scale down. Other carriers are expected to initiate a similar strategy amid the country's continued travel restrictions.
Delta CEO, Ed Bastian, mentioned in a note to employees that the industry is facing a massive fall-off in demand. For this reason, the company is willing to take drastic action to protect the business.
Apart from asking its employees to take unpaid leaves and reduced pay, JetBlue Airways has taken it a step further and has instituted a company-wide hiring freeze. The company also told employees on Saturday that those who contract the virus will be given up to 15 days paid sick leave if they submit themselves to quarantine.
Over the weekend, US President Donald Trump announced that he would be extending the ban on visitors from 26 European countries. Trump also stated that they are considering the option of imposing further domestic travel restrictions if the situation gets any worse. The administration has also issued an advisory for all citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during this time.
