Happy Friday from the Engage Podcast team. Get a recap of the MEC's week with our new Engage Weekly episode available now. Here's what's on the radar:

• Show your union pride. Wear your ALPA pin!

Have a great weekend and stay Engaged.

Show Notes:

• Get your ALPA pin

In this informative and candid episode of Engage, hosts Captain Laura Woods and First Officer Ryan Argenta sit down with Retirement and Insurance (R&I) experts Captains Scott Bowles and John Doherty to take a deep dive into the often-misunderstood world of disability for Delta pilots. Whether you're navigating a short-term medical issue, a planned procedure, or facing an unexpected long-term event, this conversation covers everything you need to know - from qualifying for disability, using your sick leave and understanding DPMA, to how your 401(k), healthcare, and income are affected.  

You’ll also hear practical advice about returning to work, how income offsets work, and the importance of staying off ladders (seriously). With real-life examples and clear guidance, this episode is essential listening for pilots at any seniority level. 

Come aboard and run down the news checklist from the Delta MEC in this week's Engage Weekly.

• Air Canada flight attendants have issued a strike notice. Make the walk and ensure ACA flight crews can jumpseat

Additional information is available in this week's MEC News. Have a good weekend and stay Engaged!

Engage Weekly is live! Join us as we dive into key updates from the Delta MEC. Highlights include UNH polling (live through August 13), the Engage Podcast interviews the Scope Committee, MEC leadership celebrates Aeromexico pilots on their 67th anniversary as a union, a pay verification video refresher, and a preview of the MEC Regular Meeting in Minneapolis at the end of this month. Plus, updates on rotation preferences, safety alerts, mental wellness resources, and more. Stay informed and engaged!

Show Notes:

• Engage: Scope is Still Dope

Scope isn’t just a contract clause—it’s the foundation of every Delta pilot’s career security. In this in-depth and highly relevant episode, hosts First Officer Ryan Argenta and Captain Laura Woods welcome Scope Committee leaders Captain Justin Berg, First Officer Jim Burgess, and Captain John Pinkerton to break down why Scope matters in 2025 and beyond.

They unpack how the Global Scope agreement—an industry-first—continues to directly translate into more widebody flying, more seniority movement, and more opportunities for Delta pilots. You’ll hear why block hours, not specific routes, are the true measure of growth and compliance, and how this smartly structured agreement ensures Delta can expand globally—without outsourcing pilot jobs.

But it’s not all a smooth ride: the team also discusses current grievances, transparency issues, and why pilot-reported tips are often the key to uncovering violations. From WNBA charter violation concerns to cross-border flying limits, they’re watching every angle.

If you’ve ever asked, “Why are our partners flying that route?”—this episode is your answer.  Scope protects our flying. Scope grows our fleets. Scope moves the needle on our careers. And yes—Scope is still dope.

August is here, and with it is a new Engage Weekly! This week's episode includes:

• A breakdown of the Chairman's Update on the Engage podcast

In this special Chairman's Update on the Engage Podcast, host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with Delta MEC Chair Captain Eric Criswell to discuss major state sick law wins, frustration over how IROPs are handled, repeated contract violations, pilot and dispatcher unity, and the road ahead. Tune in and stay Engaged. 

In this week’s Engage Weekly episode, producer Adam Uhan covers key developments across the MEC. Topics include Delta’s failure to meet the automation deadline under the Click to Sick settlement. Pilots will want to listen to the interview with Contract Administration & Enforcement Chair Mark Hinczynski to learn ALPA’s next steps. 

Also in this episode:

• Continuous Line Operations Safety Audit (C-LOSA) becomes official

Tune in to stay informed, stay protected, and stay engaged.

It's been a busy week for the Delta MEC (Master Executive Council). The Negotiating Committee is kicking off Section 6 education with the release of their new Contract History publication. This document provides a comprehensive overview of past contract cycles.

Other highlights from this week include Delta changing its tune on Minnesota State Sick leave, commuting policy differences between the PWA and FOM, the release of a new Engage episode featuring the Professional Standards Committee (ProStans), and AE bidding reminders for pilots about to enter training. Additionally, the Delta MEC is requesting your best memes! Read this week's MEC News on how to submit!

Show Links:

• Delta Pilot Contract History⁠

On this episode of Engage, hosts Capt. Laura Woods and F/O Ryan Argenta sit down with Capt. Tom Thornton from the Professional Standards Committee—a man who’s been defusing cockpit conflicts since 1998. With over 17,000 pilots on property, ProStans fields a high volume of calls each week, tackling everything from CRM breakdowns to personality clashes in the flight deck. Tom pulls back the curtain on what really happens when pilots call in, how confidentiality works (hint: it’s not anonymous), and why ProStans should be your first stop—not your last—when facing peer-to-peer conflict.  

From misunderstandings and fatigue-fueled frustration to inappropriate cockpit banter, Tom shares insights from decades of experience, explaining how ProStans aims to keep conflict resolution in the hands of pilots—not HR. Whether you’re new to the Company or a seasoned captain, this episode is a must-listen for understanding how we keep our crews cohesive, professional, and focused on safety. If you need to speak to the Delta MEC Professional Standards Committee, please call 1- 855-778-2637.