The drawn-out negotiation process between Delta and its pilots:

        • September 1999: Negotiations begin between Delta Air Lines and the Air Line Pilots Association. Outstanding issues: compensation, contract duration, retirement, job security and the pilots' perception of a two-tier wage scale in place at low-cost carrier Delta Express.

        • Nov. 17, 2000: Delta and pilots union jointly apply to National Mediation Board for a federal mediator to help in collective bargaining.

        • Dec. 5, 2000: Delta files for an injunction against the pilots union in federal court in Atlanta, claiming the union is involved in a campaign of refusing to work voluntary overtime, which the airline calls an illegal job action. Delta also begins cutting 100-125 flights from its daily schedule to offset a decrease in voluntary overtime.

        • Dec. 11, 2000: Federal judge denies Delta's request for an injunction.

        • Dec. 12, 2000: Delta appeals to 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. The court denies request for an emergency restraining order, but agrees to hear the case.

        • Dec. 18, 2000: Federal mediation sessions begin.

        • Jan. 13: Union asks mem bers to approve strike ballot, which is not a strike vote, but approves a ballot that will be handed out if a strike vote is called.

        • Jan. 18: Circuit Court of Appeals rules in Delta's favor, saying pilots association must help return voluntary overtime to normal levels. Delta also issues its earnings, which show a 54 percent drop in fourth quarter.

        • Feb. 8: Delta Air Lines proposes new contract.

        • Feb. 14: Federal judge issues an injunction prohibiting Delta Air Lines pilots and their union from participating in a no-overtime campaign that has caused thousands of flight cancellations.

        • Mar. 22: National Mediation Board presents a “proffer of arbitration” — an offer to have a third party draw up a binding contract.

        • Mar. 26: Pilots for Comair, a Delta subsidiary, strike and company officials shut down the airline after last-ditch efforts to salvage negotiations break off.

        • Mar. 29: Delta pilots' union turns down binding arbitration, instead deciding to start a 30-day countdown toward a possible strike.

Continuing coverage from Associated Press

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Chronology of the Delta negotiations
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