16-03
February 11, 2016
“Advance the Profession” Lanyards
As some of you may know, earlier today, Delta published a bulletin in iCrew announcing a revision to its uniform policy, including, among other things, lanyards. According to the bulletin, this new change is effective immediately, and permits pilots to wear only approved lanyards as described by the policy. Specifically, the policy prohibits the use of any lanyard that is not black, red, blue or white in color. Further, only lanyards that name Delta, a Delta aircraft manufacturer and/or aircraft type, a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, or ALPA, as the certified collective bargaining representative, are permitted under this policy. No lanyards indicating an affiliation with any other organizations are permitted.
Your MEC has sent all 13,000 Delta pilots an orange-colored lanyard with our C2015 slogan – “Advance the Profession” – along with the ALPA globe, our official logo. ALPA maintains that it is our right to distribute these lanyards and it is your right to wear them. We encourage you to wear these lanyards with pride. Delta’s new uniform policy is a unilateral change to the longstanding lanyard practice and constitutes a violation of our contractual and legal rights. However, due to Delta’s recent policy change, if you are challenged by your supervisor or someone in your chain of command, do not risk disciplinary action through non-compliance with their directive. Follow their directive and let us know that you were ordered to remove your ALPA-approved lanyard. Be sure to let your supervisor know that you are complying with his order under protest – and be assured that your union will also be protesting. If the Company attempts to enforce this unilateral change as it relates to ALPA-issued lanyards, we fully intend to challenge its actions and protect your rights.
As the MEC Chairman stated in his recent letter, proudly wear your new ALPA lanyard to “signify your collective commitment to your Delta MEC and give your negotiators a currency premium.” Stand strong and stand with each other.
