12/21/2016
Adam Saleh's viral video regarding discrimination inspired my first Yanga Report:
Delta merged with Northwestern Airlines in 2008. Most of the company’s 80,000 employees are not unionized since the finalization of the merger in 2010. Its operating margin (the profit a company retains after factoring in its costs / its total net sales) has increased primarily as a result of cheaper fuel, but there is no note of any overall raises attributed to labor for flight attendants and personnel.
Delta's pilots are still unionized through the Air Line Pilot's Association. Delta just signed a contract for 475 million to guarantee a pay raise for pilots that will go in effect for 2017. As of now, there is no evidence on Delta providing a pay raise for non-unionized workers.
The corporation provides a decent benefits package and very favorable travel benefits, but the current employees also site the pay as being unfavorable and too low. (Glassdoor Reviews)
The frustration and corporate culture Delta is creating amongst its non-pilot members could be indirectly contributing to the rising number of discrimination cases amongst Delta's personnel. Delta recently made a policy change in response to Tamika Cross, a black female doctor, posting a viral complaint about being discriminated against by airport personnel.
Two simple solutions for Delta include having the administration dedicate some of the revenue funds to training their own personnel to be more culturally conscious. Additionally, a gradual pay raise for all non-pilot workers would also counter the unspoken tensions that may or may not exist amongst the corporation’s current employees.
