The CEO for Delta Air Lines – Bradley International Airport’s leading air carrier — said Wednesday his company won’t appeal a judge’s ruling that would make it easier for workers to unionize, the Associated Press reports.
A federal judge on Friday upheld a ruling by the National Mediation Board that said it would recognize a union if a simple majority of workers vote for it. The old rule required a majority of the entire work force to vote yes. Nonvotes were counted as votes against the union.
The rule goes into effect July 1.
At Delta Air Lines Inc.’s annual meeting Wednesday in New York, Delta CEO Richard Anderson said he “is ready to move on” with the issue. The Air Transport Association, a trade group representing major airlines, says it has not decided whether to appeal.
With a 23 percent market share, Delta Air Lines is Bradley’s leading air carrier followed by Southwest with 21 percent, and Northwest, United, and US Air at 10 percent each
Anderson didn’t comment on how Delta is responding to United Airlines’ acquisition of Continental. The $3 billion deal, announced in May, would create the world’s largest airline, leapfrogging over Delta in size.
But Delta is boosting its network in key areas so it can compete with the combined airline and lure more business travelers. It said earlier this month it will launch hourly shuttle service, with 11 flights each weekday, between New York’s LaGuardia and Chicago O’Hare International airports.
United is based in Chicago. Delta is based in Atlanta.
Delta shares rose 43 cents, or 3.8 percent, to $11.74 in morning trading Wednesday.
