Washington House Democrats

April 16, 2008

The Honorable Maria Cantwell

United States Senator

511 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
 

Dear Senator Cantwell,

I am writing to you to express my strong opposition to the proposed merger between Delta and Northwest Airlines and to request that you do everything in your power to protect American workers and consumers from the consequences of such an action.

As a state legislator representing the communities surrounding SeaTac Airport, I am particularly concerned about the impact of this merger on airline-related jobs.  Airline employees lost jobs after the attacks of 9/11.  They lost jobs and pensions after airline bankruptcies.  This merger is just another avenue for these airlines to cut more jobs and reduce benefits. 

Specifically, I am concerned about the likely consolidation of reservation call centers, and the potential elimination of the Northwest Airlines call center in SeaTac—which would mean a loss of 300 good-paying union jobs in the heart of my legislative district.  Ramp workers & ticket agents also face potential layoffs.  Northwest Airlines pilots are facing potential unfair treatment as their seniority list is merged with the seniority list of Delta pilots.

I also have serious concerns about the tactics being used by the senior management at Delta Airlines, a non-union airline, to essentially bust the unions at Northwest Airlines.  These unions, including the local Machinist union, have a long, proud tradition in South King County of successfully supporting and defending the rights of airline employees.   

It is also my understanding that such a merger will harm consumers at a time when customer service in the airline industry is notably poor.  I am unconvinced that reducing competition will provide any benefits to the consumer. 

I know that Congress does not have direct authority over the regulatory review of this proposal, but I hope you will utilize the bully pulpit to protect your constituents from the inevitable negative consequences if this merger is approved. Please use your influence to encourage the Department of Justice to deny the merger, or at the very least, require the Airlines to protect jobs, maintain the unions, and prevent reductions in service.

Thank you for anything you can do.

Sincerely,

Dave Upthegrove

State Representative

33^rd District

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