$32M Payout To FL Delta Staffers Part Of $1B Profit-Sharing

FLORIDA — Delta Air Lines employees, including workers in Florida, felt the love on Valentine's Day after they received a check worth more than a month's pay, the company said Wednesday.

Delta said the $1.4 billion global payout, worth 10.4 percent of the staffers' eligible earnings, is part of the airline's 2023 profit-sharing program. Of the total amount allocated through the profit-sharing, Florida Delta employees received a share of $32 million.

“Rewarding our people is fundamental to who we are at Delta," company CEO Ed Bastian said in a news release. "It’s always my No. 1 priority to take care of the Delta team, and today is a prime opportunity to recognize their dedication and efforts in 2023. This year’s $1.4 billion payout along with our global annual celebrations represent just one of the ways we’re able to demonstrate our gratitude and love for a well-deserving team.”

Delta's profit-sharing program was established to help boost employee morale and create a workplace full of gratitude and teamwork, the company said. Delta has paid $11 billion since 2007 to its staff members.

“Delta’s people-first culture has always been core to our business, going back to our founder, C.E. Woolman,” said Joanne Smith, Delta’s executive vice president and chief people officer, in the release. “An important part of that culture is sharing our successes. This year’s $1.4 billion profit-sharing payment is a direct result of the hard work and persistence shown by Delta people each day.”

Here's how the full payout was allocated:

Domestic

• Georgia - $595 million
• New York - $185 million
• Minnesota - $124 million
• Michigan - $110 million
• California - $86 million
• Washington - $77 million
• Utah – $76 million
• Florida - $32 million
• Massachusetts - $20 million

International

• EMEAI - $4.4 million
• Latin America - $2 million
• NAM (Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands and Bermuda) - $1.8 million

The news comes two days after 145 members of the U.S. House of Representatives reportedly sent Bastian a letter, asking Delta to not interfere with union organization efforts.

The Investor Observer reported Wednesday that Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien accused Delta of attempting to portray a "well-behaved employer" though O'Brien deemed this false. Teamsters claims to be the most-diverse union on its website.

In a statement secured by The Hill, Delta said it is open to communicating with Congress.

“Delta firmly believes every employee has the right to choose or reject union representation without interference, and we have policies in place that allow employees to learn more about this important decision. Delta also has the right and responsibility to ensure our people can make their choice with an informed perspective. All of this is done in full compliance with applicable labor law," the statement read.