Delta Pilots Authorize Strike, but Walkout Remains Unlikely

Delta Air Lines pilots picket at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) during a protest over the union contract, in Los Angeles on June 30, 2022. Mario Tama/Getty Images

ATLANTA—Pilots at Delta Air Lines voted to authorize union leaders to call a strike, but it might be a largely symbolic gesture, as hurdles remain before the pilots can legally walk off the job.

The Air Line Pilots Association said Monday that 96 percent of Delta pilots took part in the vote, and 99 percent of those favored calling a strike “if necessary” to get a new contract.