Delta Threatens Legal Action Against Pilots

Delta Air Lines Inc. threatened legal action against its pilots union after canceling more than 5% of flights over the weekend because pilots, who are in contract talks with the carrier, declined overtime. The third-largest U.S. airline said it canceled 148 flights Saturday and more than 152 flights Sunday because of crew shortages. Delta relies on voluntary overtime by pilots for about 4% to 5% of its 2,700 daily flights. The airline wouldn’t say how many pilot-related cancellations it had Monday. The Atlanta-based airline still was “facing operational challenges” Monday because of pilots’ declining overtime, a company spokesman said. The Air Line Pilots Assn., which represents Delta’s 9,500 pilots, opposes any concerted effort to disrupt flights and the harassment of pilots who choose to fly overtime, said union spokeswoman Karen Miller. Pilots legally can decline overtime assignments, she said. Delta shares closed off 88 cents at $47.38 on the NYSE.