Delta Air Lines is marking its 100th anniversary by distributing $1.4 billion in profit-sharing to its employees. This initiative, set for February 14, will see eligible staff receive an estimated payout of 10% of their earnings, equating to about five weeks' worth of additional pay. CEO Ed Bastian expressed pride in the workforce's professionalism and dedication, stating, “Every day, Delta people prove themselves to be difference makers in this industry.”
The airline's commitment to sharing profits underscores its appreciation for employee contributions and aims to foster a sense of community within the company. Delta has distributed over $10 billion in profit-sharing over the past decade.
Despite these financial incentives, Delta remains one of the few major U.S. airlines without widespread union representation among its workforce. While pilots are unionized, other employees lack such representation. This situation raises questions about whether financial benefits can replace the broader protections unions typically negotiate.