Before your elected Union reps head to California for the November meeting next week, catch this quick Delta MEC update. 📝 Capt. Eric Criswell's November Chairman's Letter covers contract enforcement, MOU 25-05, and C2026 prep👨‍✈️ IROP Resources / Positive Space Extension 📊 UNH Polling is underway 🎙️ The Engage Podcast unpacks NQDC and Open Enrollment 📋 View the updated Open Grievances list ✈️ 🇺🇸 Inspiring spotlight: Learn how Delta pilots flew a WWII vet to the Marine Corps Birthday Celebration More details in this week's MEC News! Look for additional MEC updates from next week's meeting!

The R&I guys are back! Host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with Captain Scott Bowles and Captain John Doherty from ALPA’s Retirement & Insurance Committee to talk smart money, savvy timing, and how pilots can make major-league financial plays through the new Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) plan. Whether you’re eyeing tax strategy, income flexibility, or long-term planning, learn how to harness a little Bobby Bonilla energy - turning today’s earnings into tomorrow’s steady paychecks. We cover eligibility, tax-deferral tactics, in-service vs. retirement/termination distributions, market exposure, and practical risk checks, including insolvency considerations and timing gotchas. After the break, we shift to Open Enrollment 2026: plan changes, HSA reminders, GVUL considerations (including the imputed-income play), and simple to-dos so you don’t leave money on the table. It’s practical, pilot-specific financial insight with a side of humor and real-world strategy. An overview of the NQDC and related MOU details can be found in R&I Update 25-03. The FAQs can be accessed directly at Newport NQDC FAQs. The first round of Newport-hosted webinars has concluded; however, pilots can watch a replay of the Plan Design Overview Meeting  via Deltanet. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Talk with your own financial advisor, tax professional, and/ or attorney before making enrollment decisions.

Tune in to the latest MEC Weekly for essential updates straight from your MEC. Highlights of this episode: UPS Flight 2976: The MEC pays tribute to those lost in the tragic crash that occurred this week. MOU 25-05 Resources: Key details with a companion Engage podcast episode available. Vacation Bidding Upgrade: New software rolling out – what you need to know. Premium Rotations in PBS: Secure your spot starting this December. MEC November Meeting in Newport Beach, CA: Learn what to expect at this month's meeting. Veterans Day Office Hours: Resources available for pilots while offices are closed. Vets, as always, thank you for your service. Additional links and information are available in this week's MEC News. Stay informed, stay connected and stay engaged. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! 🎙️✈️

Important update for all Delta pilots. In this Engage Alert, host First Officer Ryan Argenta is joined by First Officer Mark Hinczynski (Contract Administration & Enforcement) and Captain Ian Turner (Scheduling) to break down a newly agreed-upon MOU between the Company and ALPA. What’s inside: Click-to-Sick / Sick Lookback: The Company will pause counting sick hours toward lookback retroactive to the July 2025 bid period and going forward until verified compliance. Sick-leave verification tied to exceeding 120 hours is paused during this period. QHCP—Permanent PWA Change: The PWA now permanently broadens “Qualified Health Care Provider” beyond MD/DO, allowing verification via telehealth and additional licensed providers. New “Quick Slip” Step of Coverage: A seniority-based, no-trigger premium step added to coverage. Awarded in a single 12-minute ARCOS window, less opportunities for deal-making, added step before emergency coverage (inverse assignment). Leveling rules apply. Timing: Programming for Quick Slip is targeted for Q2 2026; interim protections remain in force until compliance is confirmed. Compliance will be jointly assessed (including pilot DARTs). Action items: Read the MOU language, contact your LEC reps with questions, and send DARTs to Contract Admin for issues.

Happy Halloween from the Delta MEC! Here are the news bites from the MEC's week. 🍬 🧛🏻‍♂️ 👻 The Engage podcast brings you hotel updates🧟‍♂️ The MEC will meet in regular session in Newport Beach, CA, this November🕷️ Blazer season coming soon🧌 Only DPCF holiday scarves available for order—ties sold out!💀 Plus, all of your committee and LEC news in this week's newsletter!Have a fun, safe, and spooktacular Halloween! 

First Officer Ryan Argenta welcomes back Hotel Committee Chair First Officer Steve Koffler for a fast, funny, and genuinely useful tour of the layover landscape. From a brand-new Park Hyatt in Marrakech to upcoming hotel previews in Hong Kong, Melbourne, Grenada, and St. Vincent, Steve shares what’s new, what’s next, and what pilots should know.   We cover Honolulu’s temporary shift to Hilton Hawaiian Village, Tokyo’s potential hotel shuffle, LA’s beach-city ambitions, San Diego’s pending refresh, and the big headline: Amsterdam’s full exit from “you-know-where” and into a far stronger lineup. Practical intel included: why FCRs beat DARTs for hotel feedback, the curbside 20-minute rule (self-help and expense it), when combined crew shuttles are legit, and how to spy your hotel in bid packages. Plus, a cameo of Steve’s PG-13 rap origin story. This episode is rare: equal parts updates, tips, and laughs - no lobby naps required. 

Good morning from the Delta MEC. Here's a quick recap of this week's highlights in the latest episode of Engage Weekly! Possible pilot info breach involving Delta email addresses MiCrew Update Involving Single Sign-On The NC thanks all Delta pilots for taking the Contract 2026 survey! Don't forget to order your holiday ties and scarves! Additional committee and LEC news and events are in this week's newsletter!

Friday is here, and that means a new episode of Engage Weekly is live. Tune in to hear the news you need to know from the Delta MEC. Checklist below: Clarification on Avg. Rate Column in October pay statements ALPA Supports NATCA Updates on the Delta Pilot Uniform Program DPCF holiday ties and scarves are still available! Committee/LEC news and updates

The Engage podcast hits the road to bring you our newest format, Ask ALPA! We visited crew rooms and terminals to find out what you, the pilots, want to know from ALPA! On this episode, Communication Chair F/O Kevin Brady rounded up experts from the Scheduling, Negotiating, Retirement and Insurance, and Pilot Family Matters committees to get the answers and bring them to our listeners. Tune in now!

<p>In this exclusive episode of the Engage Podcast, we highlight the Delta MEC’s powerful new messaging tool for staying connected with your union: the Delta MEC Updates Telegram Channel! </p><p>Join host F/O Ryan Argenta as he sits down with Communications Chair F/O Kevin Brady and Strategic Planning Vice-Chair Capt. John Wood to explore this direct source for real-time MEC news and updates. They’ll guide you through the simple steps to subscribe and access this essential resource. Tune in to discover how to stay informed with the Delta MEC like never before! </p><p><a href="https://t.me/DeltaMEC" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Subscribe now to Telegram!</a></p>

<p>The newest Engage Weekly episode is live. Join us for a quick rundown of the Delta MEC&#39;s week. </p><ul><li>The Delta MEC held a special virtual meeting to receive updates on contract disputes and to ensure the Company complies with the PWA—more details to come soon</li><li>Complete the <a href="https://alpa.checkboxonline.com/login" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Contract 2026 survey</a> to guide negotiation priorities for our next contract</li><li>Support our NATCA brothers and sisters during the government shutdown</li><li><a href="https://www.tiemart.com/collections/dpcf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Donate to the DPCF</a> and get a holiday tie or scarf</li><li>Office hours for the federal holiday on October 13</li><li>Committee and LEC news and events</li></ul><p><br></p><p>More info is available in this <a href="https://www.magnetmail.net/Actions/email_web_version.cfm?publish=newsletter&user_id=ALPA&message_id=24444401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">week&#39;s MEC News</a>. Have a good weekend, and fly safe.</p>

<p>Engage Weekly has arrived. Let&#39;s fly through this week&#39;s headlines:</p><ul><li>The Delta MEC Negotiating Committee with a quick word about the C2026 survey. <a href="https://alpa.checkboxonline.com/login" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Take it now!</a></li><li><a href="https://alpa.mmsend.com/link.cfm?r=gFv-noe244TujwwtKtNDpg~~&pe=1xy0VWb2QY00DKJPZ14UvmLcf6hpskVCgbAS5Z5QQ9CWo3hcK56S3xjQR7YFS0-w&t=INSERT_TRACKING_ENCID" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">The Engage Podcast demystifies ASAP</a></li><li>MEC dues offer returns are on the way</li><li>New <a href="https://alpa.mmsend.com/link.cfm?r=gFv-noe244TujwwtKtNDpg~~&pe=hCUxojqAk1ehrEQ2ywKLLgRNQgneEXnfmoHKSE1rfdIVqZQGDTmTZqJss2xMgOYa&t=INSERT_TRACKING_ENCID" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Scheduling Reference Handbook</a> is live</li><li>Wait, it&#39;s only the beginning of October! <a href="https://alpa.mmsend.com/link.cfm?r=gFv-noe244TujwwtKtNDpg~~&pe=gzaEaotyrSXz-ketksRVgUv291drPbaLXvMDX42aHa_HGLjGVRowvHONuCcKViGO&t=INSERT_TRACKING_ENCID" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Holiday ties and scarves are available now from the DPCF!</a></li><li>Plus updates from the PBS, CA, Aviation Security, Hotel, Aeromedical, DPAC, and the DPN committees! Also, stay tuned for event news from your LECs.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Have a good weekend and fly safe!</p>

<p>With work pressures at their peak, Section 6 fast approaching, and the contract survey now open, it’s easy for pilots to get distracted. Host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with First Officer Casey Songster, Vice Chair of the Safety Management System (SMS) Subcommittee of the Central Air Safety Committee (CASC), to demystify ASAP (Aviation Safety Action Program) beyond the “get out of jail free” myth and show how pilot reports actively drive risk controls and operational change. Casey explains where ASAP fits inside safety risk management and safety assurance, why culture and participation matter, and what happens to your report after you hit submit. </p>

<p>Here’s your weekly wrap-up from your Delta MEC. Help guide the Negotiating Committee by taking the Contract 2026 survey, MEC dues return offers are coming soon, learn about this year’s ALPA Scheduling Conference, the summary of August’s MSP regular meeting is now online, get updated on open grievances, and other quick news from the CA, Training, PAN, and DPN committees. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Show Notes/Links:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://alpa.checkboxonline.com/login" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Take the C2026 survey</a></li></ul><ul><li><a href="https://images.magnetmail.net/images/clients/ALPA//attach/MEC/DALMEC/August_2025_MSP_Meeting_Summary.pdf">August 2025 MSP Regular Meeting Executive Summary</a></li><li>All news and upcoming events are available in this week’s <a href="https://www.magnetmail.net/Actions/email_web_version.cfm?publish=newsletter&user_id=ALPA&message_id=24435476" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">MEC News</a></li><li>Don&#39;t forget to sign up for our <a href="https://t.me/DeltaMEC" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Telegram channel</a>!</li></ul>

<p>Scope Chair Captain Justin Berg joins host First Officer Ryan Argenta to give Delta pilots the full story behind the WNBA charter scope violation first covered in <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7pT892DCXUgLfqgSl4H50Z?si=NpndaMS7Qp-nIJC30A8Ymg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Episode 65</a>. With the grievance process now complete, Delta has formally acknowledged the breach, corrected the flying, and—thanks to vigilant pilot reporting—limited the impact before it could grow. The official remedy? Calculated damages totaling over $530,000 and a clear precedent that reinforces PWA Scope protections and proves that quick, detailed reporting can stop outsourcing in its tracks.</p>

<p>Here&#39;s what&#39;s on the radar for this week&#39;s Engage Weekly episode:</p><ul><li>The Contract 2026 Survey launches</li><li>Be on the lookout for the MEC dues return offer</li><li>University of New Hampshire polling continues</li><li>Council 44 ATL reps join the Engage podcast</li><li>Delta pilots recognized at the Air Safety Forum</li><li>How to track current grievances</li><li>Finally, committee and council news to wrap up this week&#39;s episode</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Show Notes:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://alpa.checkboxonline.com/delta-contract-2026-survey" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">C2026 Contract Survey</a></li><li><a href="https://mypayments.alpa.org/DirectDeposit" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Direct deposit for dues return offer</a></li><li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7FOjK1uCLY5gY7bWEJiEiR?si=9a73bcca6ff248e2&nd=1&dlsi=9d3581a43cf646e6" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">C44 ATL Reps on Engage</a></li><li><a href="https://www.magnetmail.net/Actions/email_web_version.cfm?publish=newsletter&user_id=ALPA&message_id=24430086" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">More available in this week&#39;s MEC News!</a></li></ul>

<p>What keeps Atlanta’s Council 44 reps awake at night? Two things: educating a largely new pilot group before Section 6 and stopping off-book deal-making with Scheduling that erodes unity and pay protections. In this candid roundtable, Captain Tony Rohloff, Captain Shawn Kellett, and First Officer Maggie Eickhoff explain why the Contract History and Contract Comparison aren’t “homework” - they’re essential to a strong opener - and how your narrative responses in the contract survey directly shape MEC direction and Negotiating Committee priorities. We break down the coverage ladder, why making deals for yourself cuts the line for everyone else, and how mentoring in the cockpit can curb bad habits before they spread. </p><p>You’ll also hear a clear playbook for engagement: where to find surveys and polling, how resolutions flow into the “Green Book” for negotiations, and why participation matters even when things feel good on the line. We close with base-level ways to plug in and a reminder that unity isn’t a slogan; it’s a series of small, contract-compliant choices we make every day.</p>

<p>Join us for this week’s Engage Weekly podcast, where we pause to honor the courage of 9/11, share details on the upcoming University of New Hampshire polling, and highlight the newly published Contract 2026 Comparison and microsite. We also break down MEC grievances—what they are, where to find them, and why they matter.</p><p>Plus, we run through committee news from safety to hotels, cover the latest on the Mental Health in Aviation Act, celebrate September retirements, and point you toward real-time MEC updates via Telegram. Finally, don’t miss details on upcoming council events in Los Angeles, Detroit, Atlanta, and more.</p><p>Show Links:  </p><li><ul><p><a href="https://alpa.mmsend.com/link.cfm?r=Yuc5w3czArHkDBGqmhr4sw~~&amp;pe=G73-SQngZ889hCvcctqi6qFWoBm0eZtpLRHQcHFsqaxbhOFEn_MZyoRJHi6tKt2D7OKi6y2ckL_6TYkcs8AUKA~~&amp;t=nhiIn1RHA3qSI-vD0TjqLg~~" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The Delta Pilot Contract Comparison</a></p><p><a href="https://alpa.mmsend.com/link.cfm?r=Yuc5w3czArHkDBGqmhr4sw~~&amp;pe=n_Fm-rrJNs5TqIumDzVrTp2eAI5GNT_BMgVi7PaEUrncmEup23HobfwUTHNLMdDwCWT3AWBoA2CGILBn4N1efg~~&amp;t=nhiIn1RHA3qSI-vD0TjqLg~~" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">new Contract 2026 microsite</a></p><p> <a href="https://alpa.mmsend.com/link.cfm?r=Yuc5w3czArHkDBGqmhr4sw~~&amp;pe=khIWedYtAZs8maPVu3kWZXVhbzhqm4H3JyRoe1jWpbWEwvcUwIF9-D-cldA08QpP-GPpLdwco4rVPJZQ9iIiMQ~~&amp;t=nhiIn1RHA3qSI-vD0TjqLg~~" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">H.R. 2591, the Mental Health in Aviation Act</a></p><p><a href="https://alpa.mmsend.com/link.cfm?r=Yuc5w3czArHkDBGqmhr4sw~~&amp;pe=bGziDFM3kcKX7Ar8zlpF4sEeh3EfdNud__BdAafDDRaRW_IA3Wuyt-NVpXa5WjNuPRQYpvo1mW10wzkwOWTerA~~&amp;t=nhiIn1RHA3qSI-vD0TjqLg~~" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Contract Administration committee page</a></p><ul><li><a href="https://alpa.mmsend.com/link.cfm?r=Yuc5w3czArHkDBGqmhr4sw~~&amp;pe=fC_KyWeMKmvgiP78RtnxOz5fGREboHTdrcxRNdsJ3sOBNJenyIUnpWEAz7Q0UFsBGw0LIYGJP8hihaVZvUpXqQ~~&amp;t=nhiIn1RHA3qSI-vD0TjqLg~~" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Section 23 M. 7 Issue Sheet⁠</a></li><li><a href="https://alpa.mmsend.com/link.cfm?r=Yuc5w3czArHkDBGqmhr4sw~~&amp;pe=nq67E9D3qXqhA-rcDaMoh8xMQmKNJqRYGjy6GUuCVZxw-8eGHXTxoG3Uq_6aiS816we2yqzHIGj5La09huWLlA~~&amp;t=nhiIn1RHA3qSI-vD0TjqLg~~" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Section L. 4. Note four Issue Sheet⁠</a></li><li><a href="https://alpa.mmsend.com/link.cfm?r=Yuc5w3czArHkDBGqmhr4sw~~&amp;pe=xvNOkjXUabFoGaAWfMzPD2egJ8Zr1zjjlWPF71c-yET6hj6abv8LzjJ8LOFb74iwfI2-8gjoxjZwLkSqc19B3A~~&amp;t=nhiIn1RHA3qSI-vD0TjqLg~~" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Section 14 F. 2. (Click to Sick) Issue Sheet⁠</a></li><li><a href="https://alpa.mmsend.com/link.cfm?r=Yuc5w3czArHkDBGqmhr4sw~~&amp;pe=RTgR2gXNjv9oSzicfEnSLUc1QALbz_e2YdvC52yv39s6gwsy2qpRQDWFLqdM84UfSbY-9Q0m9wucEtBdd4UeRA~~&amp;t=nhiIn1RHA3qSI-vD0TjqLg~~" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Deadhead Seat Reporting Form⁠</a></li></ul><p><a href="https://alpa.mmsend.com/link.cfm?r=Yuc5w3czArHkDBGqmhr4sw~~&amp;pe=RYdRevA0aMkgzlg7Nl6avwTuPyQTIFWO7F3JtACY8UgBAnEcrWphRZNYpJi_hXQFa9QbWyDPjwvXf_I-EKc4ug~~&amp;t=nhiIn1RHA3qSI-vD0TjqLg~~" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Delta pilots September retirements!</a></p><p><a href="https://t.me/DeltaMEC" target="_blank" rel="u

<p>Join us for this week&#39;s Engage Weekly podcast, where we dive into the latest updates from the Delta MEC. We&#39;re excited to announce that the new Contract Comparison has been published and the C2026 site is now live, offering pilots more educational resources leading into Section 6 negotiations. We recap the Labor Day Chairman&#39;s Letter and break down the Contract Administration&#39;s explanation of the new Parental Leave grievance.  <br> <br>Plus, the Engage Podcast discusses Delta IT and how it could be impacting pilot pay and privacy, help ALPA preserve the mandatory pilot retirement age and, finally, we remind everyone to proudly wear your ALPA Pin! </p><p>Show Notes:  </p><ul><li><p><a href="https://dal.alpa.org/Contract-2026#sortCriteria=%40itemdate%20descending" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><u>C2026 Site</u></a> </p></li></ul><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.magnetmail.net/Actions/email_web_version.cfm?publish=newsletter&user_id=ALPA&message_id=24414359" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><u>Labor Day Chairman’s Letter</u></a> </p></li></ul><ul><li><p><a href="https://dal.alpa.org/Portals/1/Documents/committees/contract-administration/system-board-decisions/2025/Open%20MEC%20Grievances%20-%20September%202025.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><u>CA Open Grievances</u></a> </p></li></ul><ul><li><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4hWjH3lSyxq77UbDxAoQvK?si=XLlm_8MITsiTtqScb68uVg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><u>Engage - Behind the Curtain: Delta IT, Pilot Privacy, and the Fight for Accurate Pay</u></a> </p></li></ul><ul><li><p><a href="https://alpa.quorum.us/campaign/139067/thanks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><u>Help ALPA Preserve the Mandatory Pilot Retirement Age</u></a> </p></li></ul><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.alpa.org/members/my-account/pin-membership-card-request" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><u>Get Your ALPA Pin!</u></a> </p></li></ul>

<p>When pilots discovered Delta could see TikTok installed on their personal phones, alarm bells went off. <em><strong>Section 24 X. </strong></em>of the PWA is supposed to protect pilots from corporate snooping, but what was Delta really accessing through the Hub app? In this eye-opening episode, Engage host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with First Officer Justin Vandermark, Chair of ALPA’s IT Committee, to expose what the union discovered when it finally got “the grand tour” of Delta’s systems. From mobile device management profiles that can leak your location, to the truth about deleting the Hub app, pilots need to know how their privacy is protected – or not. </p><p>But the fight doesn’t stop at data security. Vandermark also pulls back the veil on Delta’s decades-old DBMS scheduling system, why pay errors keep happening, and how contractual gains like <em><strong>Section 23 W.1.d.</strong></em><em> </em>are setting the stage for long-overdue change. This episode isn’t just about apps and acronyms - it’s about control, transparency, and making sure Delta pilots are paid correctly the first time. If you’ve ever wondered why the Company can roll out flashy passenger tech but can’t fix pilot pay, this conversation will make you sit up and take notice. </p>